ORGANISERS of this coming weekend’s Haworth Steampunk event made an eye-catching appearance in Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre.

Leesa DeVantier and Michael Young donned their costumes and had a stand in the centre last Sunday. (Nov 18) They were promoting this year’s sixth Haworth Steampunk gathering, which begins in the village this Friday (Nov 23) and continues over Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend will again raise cash for Manorlands.

Leesa said: “The work they do is invaluable at our time of need. Our attire may draw attention, but it’s the cause which inspires those we meet.

"I've met some many lovely people who, once they get over their initial shock, are really interested in who we are.

“One of the questions I get asked a lot is ‘what should I wear?’, and the answer is, whatever you like.

"People who take a trip to Haworth this weekend will see that we are all very different, all ages, all sizes, all backgrounds.

"We are an all-inclusive group and people are perfectly welcome to come and enjoy the events with us dressed however they like."

The organisers are working with the Saltaire Women’s Institute, who will donate their time and skills in the kitchen.

Money raised from the sales of cakes and bacon butties will be split between Manorlands and the chosen charity of the WI, which this year is the Staying Put charity, who work with survivors of domestic abuse in the area.

The program of events for the 2018 Haworth Steampunk Weekend has been designed to provide something for everyone.

Visitors can stock up on Christmas gifts in the markets located in Haworth Village Hall and Haworth West Lane Methodist Chapel.

Or they can take in some of the varied entertainment, including burlesque performers on Friday night at the village hall, steampunk vehicles on Main Street, tea duelling, a fashion show, the Doncaster Ukulele Band, stilt walkers, dancers, an introduction to table top roleplay, a barrel organ player and the masquerade ball at the village hall on Saturday night.

Visit the White Rose Yorkshire Steampunk Facebook page (facebook.com/groups/whiteroseyorkshiresteampunks) for running times.

Leaflets will also be being handed out over the weekend with a timetable of events and a map of the places of interest in the village.

People who enter the event's raffle have a chance to win a G&T Steampunk Backpack that has been donated by Nathan Jackson.