A SMATTERING of sleet showers in between glimpses of fine weather didn’t put off visitors to Haworth Steampunk Weekend where Victoriana met time travel, Gothic and science fiction in equal measure.

People travelled from all over the country to attend the annual Christmas event, which also draws huge numbers of the public into the village.

Local author and publisher Leesa DeVantier, who helped with the organisation of this year’s gathering, said: “We promoted the event in Keighley the previous weekend and what we found was that some of the people who had never been before turned up and came to say hello and were really happy that they came up.

“We have had the best year for attendance despite the fact that the weather has been appalling.”

She said that, because of the wintry weather, a number of performers had been unable to get to Haworth on Friday night when a burlesque show was held.

There was also a masquerade ball on Saturday evening.

She said a “wide range” of outfits were on display during the event, including “everything from military to pirates.”

The “fantastic array” included outfits of “all shapes, sizes and ages.”

The weekend started bright, but wintry showers soon spread.

One reveller said the poor weather had followed him all the way from Cheshire.

Another was Baiba Robinson, who together with her husband Phil, had travelled from their Beverley home

She said Haworth was a favourite venue of theirs.

“People come from all over, even from other countries.

“I am Latvian although I have been in England for 13 years.

“I make all my own costumes and make them for others too.

“I love the weekend in Haworth because it is always Christmassy and we get to see so many people who like to express themselves in so many ways and use their imagination how they want.”

Jeanette Brackenbury, from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, said: “I always look forward to the Haworth weekend. It’s usually cold but I don’t mind at all.”

Cast members from the forthcoming 2018 film Wuthering Heights visited the village centre and village hall. Events, which supported Sue Ryder Hospice were also held in the Methodist church and throughout the main street.