HUNDREDS of colourful characters are embracing the weird and wonderful quirks of an annual weekend celebrating all things alternative.

The Whitby Goth Weekend has returned to the seaside town for its 25th year with thousands of tourists also taking part in the fantastical festival staged in the streets of Whitby.

Dozens of events are taking place during the weekend, with visitors being entertained with street performers, music concerts and the fiendishly frightening Circus of Horrors.

Goths have been captured in all their glory in our picture gallery.