ORGANISERS of the second ever Haworth Steampunk Weekend said they were delighted by the response to their efforts.

Last weekend's occasion was staged to generate money for Sue Ryder Manorlands. Although the fundraising cash is still being collected, organisers are confident the final sum will beat last year's sum of £2,400.

The event, which celebrated the popular science fiction steampunk genre, began with a burlesque show in the village last Friday. (Nov 21)

Steampunk imagines an alternative, fantasy future in which steam-powered machinery and modified 19th century fashions mingle with a variety of other anachronistic technologies and cultures.

Haworth Main Street trader Nikki Carroll, who is on the steampunk weekend organising committee, said the burlesque show kicking off the event was sold out weeks in advance.

"It was a brilliant weekend," she added. "So many people came dressed up, not just the visiting steampunk group members but local people as well.

"Some members of the community had three or four different outfits, they really got into the spirit of the occasion.

"On Saturday we had Haworth Community Centre and West Lane Methodist Chapel serving as venues. There were stalls, a steampunk fashion show, and a spectacular costume exhibition by the steampunk overlord.

"This is someone who makes costumes, which include an eight-foot tall outfit called Goliath. We were delighted to have him.

"We also had the 1886 Mercedes Benz back again. People could sit in it in return for a small donation."

The weekend featured plenty of music, such as performances by the Bradford marching pipe band and the Four Hundred Roses tribal belly dancing group.

Three more music acts – Ferocious Dog, Emmott and the Folkestra and the Psycho Surgeons – played at a successful gig night on the Saturday evening.

A tombola, including prizes donated by local traders, raised more than £400 for Manorlands. There were also ghost walks and steam train rides.

Feedback on the organising committee's Facebook page has already been enthusiastic, with people who attended the event describing it as a "splendid" weekend, and thanking those responsible for arranging it.

Mrs Carroll said: "We have to wait for all the collection boxes to come back as well as the proceeds from the burlesque and gig night, but we'll most certainly exceed the amount we raised last year.

"The weather was very kind to us, and we've been asked again and again about whether we'll put the event on next year.

"We will be holding the weekend next year, on the dates November 20, 21 and 22."