A NEW regular Steampunk and Gothic Fair is being launched in Bradford city centre to raise funds for charity.

The events will be at the Brew Haus bar in Great Horton Road, making their debut on September 24 from noon till 5pm.

Proceeds will go to Martin House Children’s Hospice, near Wetherby, and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which raises awareness of hate crime against people from alternative sub-cultures.

The fair was initially planned as a one-off event, but demand for stalls was so high that a second date was added in December. Organisers then decided to continue with an ongoing series of charity fundraisers.

With 24 stalls, spread over three floors, there will be 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.

There will be chance to indulge in a popular Steampunk pastime – known as Tea Duelling -- which requires some creative sleight of hand involving a mug of tea and dunking biscuits.

Another attraction will be Gothic-style poetry readings by well-known local performance artists, with open mic opportunities for any poets and musicians

The fairs are being organised by Baildon-based Catherine Gilford (Goth name Lucrezia Raven) of Purple Butterfly Jewellery, a regular stallholder at the Brew Haus Friday Night Markets.

She said: “I’d been wanting for some time to put on a Steampunk and Gothic event to support these amazing charities which are very close to my heart.

Entry is free but with donations to Martin House Hospice and Sophie Lancaster Foundation will be accepted. Stalls cost £20 with the fee donated directly to the charities.

Visit facebook.com/events/1781202568776281/for further information. Email cath.gilford@gmail.com to apply for a stall.