The Isle of Wight is preparing to don its finest goggles, gears, and Victorian garb once again, as the second annual Steampunk Festival is set to take over Ryde this weekend. Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, organizers Dr. Kieron Cooney and Vicky Cooney are promising an even grander spectacle for 2025, with festivities stretching from Friday evening, September 26, through Sunday, September 28.
At the heart of the festival lies the Western Gardens in Ryde, which will transform into a bustling hub of creativity and eccentricity. Families can expect a smorgasbord of hands-on workshops, opportunities to craft and create, engaging storytellers spinning tales both whimsical and mysterious, and the charming nostalgia of vintage puppets. But the fun won’t be confined to just one spot. According to organizers, the Royal Victorian Arcade, Fubar, The Star Coffee and Ale House, and the Vintage Bus Museum will all be hosting their own unique events, ensuring that the entire town gets swept up in the industrial gothic celebration.
For those new to the world of steampunk, the festival offers a quirky blend of Victorian-era imagination and futuristic invention, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package. Among the activities drawing crowds are steampunk favorites like teapot racing—a delightfully absurd sport where teapots are modified into racing machines—and tea duelling, where participants face off in a test of nerves and biscuit-dunking prowess. Children will find plenty to entertain them at the mini fairground, and everyone is invited to meet the town’s cast of colorful characters: the booming-voiced town crier, a daring dragon hunter, the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ziggy the wandering sea monster, and Chiko, the festival’s red squirrel mascot.
Chiko isn’t just a cute face for the event. As Dr. Kieron Cooney explained, “Ryde and the Isle of Wight is the perfect setting for Steampunk, as a celebration of Victorian industry, art, fashion, culture, literature and much more.” He went on to highlight the significance of their mascot, noting that Chiko was chosen to raise awareness about the Isle of Wight’s cherished red squirrel population—a cause close to many islanders’ hearts.
Music and performance will play a starring role throughout the weekend. The festival’s stages will welcome a lineup of professional entertainers from across the UK, including crowd-pleasers like Mr B. Gentleman Rhymer, Capt Kuppa T, Mr Wild Esq, Simply Kate Bush, Victor and the Bully, Alice Strange, and The Wight Hot Pipes, which features Kieron himself. These acts promise to keep spirits high and toes tapping well into the evening hours, with some events requiring tickets for entry.
Of course, no steampunk gathering would be complete without a nod to the past. For those in search of the perfect memento, a bustling marketplace of stalls will offer steampunk-themed gifts, trinkets, and one-of-a-kind creations. And for a taste of old-time travel, a free vintage bus shuttle service will ferry festivalgoers between venues, providing a rolling window into the island’s history.
Sunday marks the grand finale with the much-anticipated Steampunk Ryde-Out. This walking procession, starting from the High Street, invites everyone—whether decked out in full Victorian regalia or simply coming as they are—to join in a parade that’s part spectacle, part celebration of community. Adding to the festivities is the inaugural SteamPaws Parade, where dog owners can strut their stuff with pets dressed in their own steampunk finery for a chance to win a prize. It’s a quirky, heartwarming twist that’s sure to delight animal lovers and onlookers alike.
“Join us in Ryde for a weekend of creativity, adventure, and fun,” Dr. Cooney urged in the run-up to the event. With so much on offer, it’s little wonder that excitement is building both on the island and beyond. The festival’s inclusive spirit—welcoming families, steampunk veterans, and the merely curious—has helped cement its place as a highlight in the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar.
But the steampunk festivities are just one piece of a broader tapestry of autumn events drawing visitors to the island. According to local guides, heritage enthusiasts can look forward to hands-on experiences like flint arrowhead making and guided tours of Quarr Abbey. These activities, suitable for families and anyone interested in the island’s rich history, offer a deeper dive into the stories and skills that shaped the region.
For those with a penchant for the great outdoors, the upcoming autumn walking festival in early October is the perfect opportunity to lace up your boots and explore the island’s scenic trails. Organizers suggest that now is a good time to start planning routes, as the festival promises to attract walkers from near and far. Many music events are also tied to venues across Newport, Ryde, and Shanklin, so travelers are advised to check opening times in advance to make the most of their trip.
Transport and travel are top of mind for many festivalgoers, and local sources point out that discounts or special offers may be available during peak festival periods—such as the Jazz Weekend—so it’s worth checking with ferry operators or other transport providers. These deals can make a weekend of festivities even more accessible for families and groups looking to soak up the island’s vibrant arts scene.
With its blend of Victorian nostalgia, imaginative invention, and community spirit, the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of hands-on workshops, the thrill of a parade, or the chance to see your dog crowned the best-dressed steampunk pup, Ryde is set to be the island’s beating heart of creativity this weekend. And with heritage experiences, outdoor adventures, and musical happenings just around the corner, the festival is just the beginning of an autumn packed with reasons to discover the Isle of Wight.
As the Western Gardens fill with laughter, invention, and the clatter of teapot wheels, one thing is clear: the spirit of steampunk—and the warmth of island hospitality—are alive and well on the Isle of Wight.
