CREWE will be transported back to the future of the Victorian era when the inaugural Steampunk festival comes to the town this bank holiday.

Free events, visiting attractions and lavish exhibitions will be staged across the weekend, with ticketed shows at the Crosville Club and Lyceum Theatre during the evenings.

The Steampunk movement celebrates Victorian science fiction and fantasy, and imagines that steam power never gave way to electricity or petrol combustion engines.

There will be a host of entertainment between Friday, May 27 and Monday, May 30, including street entertainment, steam traction engines, a dancing bear, face-painting and a story-telling unicyclist.

Cosplayers will also be able to capture their stunning steampunk costumes in all their 3D glory.

EventCam, a Crewe-based company that produces 3D photos, will also operate their hi-tech photo booth within the recently-opened Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

Simon Szczurek, EventCam, said: “Some of the Steampunk costumes and accessories are amazing.

“We will be taking photos with a clever green-screen background that looks as though people are standing on a film set, so the characters will leap out.

“They will look stunning in 3D and can easily be shared on social media.”

Crewe Lifestyle Centre will host a lavish three-day Steampunk Market.

Crewe businesses will feature prominently throughout the weekend, including Offbeat micro-brewery, which have brewed a craft beer especially for the event.

More than 40 stallholders from across the region have booked space to sell a range of gifts, ornaments, fabrics and costumes.

A Palace of Curiosities will run hourly shows at the Crown pub and lawn croquet and bowls will be staged on the paved area by the Law Courts.

A Time Travelling tea tent will also pitch up by Christ Church.

If the Steampunk festival is a success it is hoped that it could become a regular fixture on the annual calendar.

Pam Minshull, chairman of Crewe Town Council’s Community and Environment Committee, said: “There is a fantastic line-up of artists for the evening shows and I’d encourage folk to grab some tickets and see what this is all about.

“I’m also really excited about the free daytime activities, so I hope that everyone supports the events and enjoys the weekend.”

The Steampunk weekend begins with a Welcome Show at the Crosville Club on Friday, May 27.

For more information visit crewe-steampunk-convivial.co.uk