A NEW gothic and steampunk fair is set to be held in Bradford to raise funds for two deserving charities.

The events will take place at the Brew Haus bar on Great Horton Road, with profits being donated to the Martin House Children’s Hospice and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a charity which raises awareness of hate crime against people from alternative sub-cultures.

The fair was initially planned as a one-off event from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 24, but organisers said that demand for stalls was so high that a second date has been added for December 10.

With 24 stalls spread over three floors, there will be a wide selection of both steampunk and gothic traders including alternative arts, crafts and gifts, clothing, accessories and jewellery, soaps, candles, and photographic prints.

Visitors will have the chance to indulge in a popular steampunk pastime known as ‘Tea Duelling’, which requires some creative sleight of hand involving a mug of tea and dunking biscuits.

Another attraction will be gothic-style poetry readings by well-known local performance artists, with Tasha Webster and Saul Cameron confirmed for the September fair, and open mic opportunities for any poets and musicians eager to take the stage.

Renowned Bradford artist and author Razwan Al Haq will also be on-hand to sign copies of his latest book ‘Sultan Vs Dracula’, which features a magic realism he describes as “Islamic science-fiction.”

A special spooky beer is being brewed to help real ale fans get into the spirit of the event, with the aptly-named five per cent blood orange dark ale called ‘Vamp’ made by Ghost Brewing of Leeds.

The fairs are being organised by Baildon-based Catherine Gilford, whose goth name is Lucrezia Raven, of Purple Butterfly Jewellery, a regular stallholder at the monthly Brew Haus night markets.

“I’d been wanting for some time to put on a steampunk and gothic event to support these amazing charities which are very close to my heart,” she said.

“When I got involved with the markets at Brew Haus I could see that the industrial-style décor there, with all its exposed pipes and brickwork, was just what I’d been looking for and could offer the perfect setting.

“We’d love everyone to come along, find out a bit more about alternative cultures, and browse through some really unusual creative work.”

Brew Haus general manager Charlotte Felton added: “We have a brilliant community of creative businesses at our night markets and when Catherine came forward with this idea for a really exciting charity event, we were thrilled to help.

“As soon as the word went out across creative circles there was an absolute rush of traders wanting stalls, so it was decided to add an extra date.

“Then the same thing happened again, so we could see it would be popular as a regular thing. We can’t wait for the first one, it’s shaping up to be one of our best events yet.”

The events are free, but donations to the two charities will be gratefully received. For further details, visit the steampunk and gothic fair Facebook page.