LEATHER, latex and lashings of face-paint heralded the return of the Whitby Goth Weekend as scores of colourful characters descended on the seaside town.

Weekend holidaymakers rubbed shoulders with characters from Dracula to Frankenstein as goths donned all manner of weird and wonderful costumes for the popular twice-yearly event.

At the heart of the weekend was the alternative music festival with Whitby Pavilion rocking to performances by bands including Theatre of Hate, The Membranes and Hands Off Gretel.

Another popular attraction was the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market which featured over 100 stalls across multiple venues.

On Saturday, Whitby Kustom Car Show was held outside West Cliff School for a “goths and gasoline” event – selling retro, hot rod, and gothic clothing.

Whitby has deep roots in the gothic and the macabre with countless creepy books being based in the seaside town.

It is perhaps most famous for inspiring Dracula author Bram Stoker who stayed in the town in 1890.

  • The Northern Echo Camera Club was out in force over the weekend to provide some stunning pictures of the event.