CREWE was transported back to the future when the first ever Steampunk Convivial took over the town for the bank holiday weekend.

There was 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.

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

Steampunks travelled to Crewe for the event from all over the UK and in a few cases further afield.

Cllr Jill Rhodes. Crewe Town Council ward member for Crewe South, said: "It was a pleasure to see so many visitors from all over the country coming to the town enjoying themselves and appreciating the great heritage and pleasant atmosphere of Crewe.

“It was also good to see so many local people enjoying the street entertainment in the town centre and taking part.

“I am sure the hotels and the businesses will have welcomed the increase in business due to this event."

With the festival proving to be a success, it is hoped that it could become a regular fixture on the annual calendar.

David Smith, event organiser, said: “Wow, what a weekend. Everyone had a fantastic time and the event brought something new to Crewe.

“The pictures and social media response speaks for the success of the event.

“I applaud the courage of the town council for backing this event and I hope to get an opportunity to meet with Councillors to discuss Crewe Steampunk Convivial II.”

Steve McQuade, Crewe Town Council clerk, said feedback for the inaugural event were ‘positive’.

“I can’t think of many things that bring people to Crewe from so far away,” he said.

“The guests were really positive about the town and appreciated the warm welcome from local folks. A relaxed family atmosphere prevailed all weekend.”