CELEBRATING the unconventional – the pretty seaside resort of Whitby has once again triumphed with its traditional Goth Weekend.

Followers of the alternative lifestyle flocked to the town for the now biannual event – Goths, punks, emos, bikers and others.

And their good-natured presence ensured a spectacular weekend for all in their colourful – and often downright bizarre – costumes.

Festival goers taking part sported a bewildering range of flamboyant outfits and ghoulish make-up was the order of the day for the vast majority of participants.

The festival has steadily grown since its humble beginnings. At the first event back in 1994 it was just 40 pals gathered in the back of one of the town’s pubs.

But it has expanded hugely over the years and the twice-a-year event is now regarded as one of the world’s premier Goth gatherings and is a highly-organised weekend of music and dancing – as well as drinking and shopping.

This weekend’s musical line-up included acts like Toyah, Bad Polyanna, Deviant UK, the Healthy Junkies as well as Aurelio Voltaire, Abney Park, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing and Magic Eight Ball.

The popular Bizarre Bazaar was also back – an alternative market that saw more than 100 highly distinctive stalls scattered around a number of different venues.

And for those with a literary inclination the town also hosted a talk by Dacre Stoker, the great grand nephew of writer Bram Stoker - who based much of his immortal Dracula in the town.