MUSIC icons from the alternative music scene have rallied round in support of Bradford’s charity Gothic and Steampunk Fair, which takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

The musicians have all donated band merchandise to auction at the event, in aid of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which raises awareness of hate crime against people from alternative sub-cultures.

The event is in memory of Sophie Lancaster who died in 2007 after she and her boyfriend were attacked for being Goths in Bacup, Lancashire.

Supporters of the fair include big names like Gary Numan, The Damned, The Mission, The Fields of the Nephilim, Zeitgeist Zero, Abney Park and Bradford’s own New Model Army.

Gary Numan said: “What happened to Sophie Lancaster touched me very deeply. I hope that donating these items helps to raise not just money, but also greater awareness.”

The fairs are organised by Baildon-based Catherine Gilford of Purple Butterfly Jewellery (Goth name Lucrezia Raven)

She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled at the response from all the amazing musicians who’ve rallied round to support our event. The fabulous items they’ve donated will help us raise even more money for the charity, which is very close to the hearts of so many in the Goth and Steampunk communities.

“The fairs have grown from being a one-off fund-raising idea, to becoming a popular regular date on the Goth and Steampunk Calendars. We’ve built up a great community of local stallholders and it’s lovely to meet all the people who join us, from Bradford and right across the UK. It’s a good chance for everyone to find out a bit more about alternative cultures and browse through some fabulous creative work, while we get to showcase what Bradford has to offer to the many visitors who come along.”

The free entry event is being held over two days - Saturday May 27 to Sunday May 28. It takes place at the Brew Haus bar and Stein Bierkeller in Great Horton Road, and goes on from 12 noon to 5pm each day.

The auction will take place at the end of Saturday’s market.

This is the third such event, now extended over two days after attracting enthusiasts from across the UK and raising hundreds of pounds for the charities.

With 25 stalls, spread over three floors, the fair will feature a wide selection of both Steampunk and Gothic traders. Stalls will range from alternative arts, crafts and gifts to clothing, accessories and jewellery, soaps, candles and photographic prints.

Once again, there will be chance to indulge in some popular Steampunk pastimes such as Tea Duelling and Coffee Jousting - which requires some creative sleight of hand involving a mug of tea and dunking biscuits.

New for 2017 are a Most Splendid Beard and Moustache competition, a children’s craft area and a touch of magic from Ellams and Fitton Illusions and Laughter. Magician Robert Ellams will take the podium as auctioneer.

There will also be book signings by Craig Hallam, Caz Wooller, David Driver and Kelly S Marsden.

Also back by popular demand from previous events, Phobia, the vintage 1976 Mini Clubman hearse, will be outside the venue where visitors can snap a selfie in exchange for a charity donation. The 40-year-old classic car is brought to the events by Birstall undertaker Damon Schofield and his wife Su, both Goths and keen Steampunk enthusiasts.

For further information visit the Steampunk and Gothic Fair Facebook event:

www.facebook.com/events/330483040685003/