How do I know which events I can attend?
Look for the category as follows (you can filter the timetable by category):
- Asylum Wristband: Asylum Wristband holders only
- Asylum Wristband or Pay on the Door: Asylum wristband holders or member of the public paying a small fee.
- Ticketed: Only those with tickets for the event can attend.
- Ticketed – SOLD OUT: Ticketed events which are sold out.
- Public: Open to all. Note that the Castle is open to the public at the normal ticket price.
You can show events for a particular day by clicking on the month below and choosing a date from the pop-up calendar. You can also show events for a particular venue (or venues) by selecting tags.
Please note that the timetable below will be updated up until the Asylum weekend.
The Advance Guard is a very popular social gathering. Kick off your weekend at the Asylum by meeting old friends or making new ones.
Join The Cthulhu Party… that’s it, it’s an order (from the Elder Gods!) An evening of silliness, quiz (bar open) and an opportunity to collect your weekend wristbands, we have even thrown in a free collectible gift (for those of you who are following the misspelt track).
You MUST purchase a ticket to the event to use this early collection service. You will need your wristband purchase e-Ticket too.
We will have a small number of weekend wristbands available for sale along with any remaining Asylum merchandise. You will also be able to buy evening event tickets and ask any questions you may have.
Please remember that wristbands are put on you and you need to keep them on all weekend. You cannot take them away with you to put them on later. Also you cannot collect wristbands etc for people who are not with you. If the rest of your party are joining you later you can still collect yours but will be given vouchers for them to use when they arrive. You must give them the vouchers physically. They will not be able to use your e-Ticket.
Due to the nature of the venue alcohol licence, this is a 14+ event.
(image by Christopher Furlong / Getty Images)
The Travellers Supper Club is the perfect way to kick off the Asylum Weekend. Enjoy a superb dinner among fellow attendees, this event offers the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones ready for the weekend ahead.
A chance to make new friends with the weekend ahead.
Please note that tickets for this event are only available for purchase by Asylum X wristband holders.
You will be able to select your menu choices when you book, including any specific dietary requirements you may have.
To complete the booking you must select a starter, main and dessert for each attendee. If you are unable to eat any of the choices for specific dietary requirements, please select each course and highlight your need at the end in the DIETARY REQUIREMENTS box. This will allow the Chef to cater to your needs.
MENU
Asparagus Tempura with Black Garlic Aioli (V)
XO Sauce Sesame Prawn Toast with Nuoc cham “Dipping Sauce”
Char Sui Pork Bao Buns with Mango Chilli Sauce
“Katsu Curry” Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Curry Sauce, Rice & Pickled Ginger
Back Ally Gnocchi with Red Sauce (V)
Smoked & Braised Beef Blade with Pomme Puree & Braising Liquor
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Clotted Cream Ice Cream (V)
Crispy Banana with Salted Caramel & Vanilla Ice Cream (V)
Buttermilk Pie with Blueberry Jam and Lemon Sorbet Cream (V)
FAQs
Is there a minimum age limit to attend the event?
No, this event is suitable for all ages
Will there be parking at the venue?
Parking at the University is available to all accommodation residents. Any remaining parking will be available for purchase prior to the Festival. This will be highlighted in advance on the Welcome to the Asylum Facebook page. Parking on the day will not be available to anybody who has not purchased a ticket in advance, or is a resident.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Yes, your ticket will be required to gain entrance to the event, along with your Asylum wristband
What’s the refund policy?
Once purchased, tickets for this event are non-refundable
Can special dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, please complete the dietary requirements in the booking process.
Join international artists, Bex Raven and Jay The Inventor for a selection of session each day (situated outside the entrance to the Robert Hardy Building):
How to Get the PA Look
How to get permanent weathering effects on clothing, props and vehicles for the perfect post apocalyptic/aged look.
Working with Rust, a Guide to Beginners
Rust is not just for old cars, it is perfect for many other applications
from jewellery or ornaments to dyeing fabric and staining wood. Let the Queen of Rust guide you through the basics of how to expand your use of this simple yet versatile substance.
Cyanotypes
Creating blueprints/sunprints using the power of the sun. You can also have a go and make your own.
Target Practice
Hone your shooting skills on our range so you can survive a little longer in the wastelands of the new world. Complete this challenge and you are one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate.
Scavenger Hunt Food Finding Skills
Essential to survival is the ability to find nutrition. Find all 10 and return to Raven Corpse HQ and be one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate
When the world ended the Raven Clan took up the calling of teaching the world how to survive. Travelling out from their native soggy Wales they take Raven Corpse HQ across the UK helping survivors learn essential new skills to live in the new world. Complete the daily challenges to become a Raven Corpse initiate and know someone always has your back while you wander the wasteland.
Join our authors and artists special guests at the Steampunk Campus.
Drop in to see their latest creations, have a chat, ask questions, peruse their wares and purchase all manner of amazing publications and pieces.
Accent UK Comics
Founded in 2000, Accent UK is a privately owned comic publisher based in Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Owners Colin Mathieson and Dave West collect the talents of the UK Independent Comic publishing community, along with guests from overseas, producing an annual themed anthology, as well as now releasing shorter books, one-shots and graphic novels. Andy Bloor joined Accent UK in 2007 as art director overseeing all aspects of design and production for the books.
Time Bomb Comics
Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company that publishes one-shots, graphic novels, and the critically acclaimed Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Based in Birmingham, England, Time Bomb Comics formed in September 2007 to showcase the work of talented writers and artists currently working outside the mainstream comics industry.
Time Bomb Comics is about one simple thing – Telling Great Stories.
Charles A Cornell
Charles A Cornell suffers from Overactive Imagination Disorder, an incurable condition that fills his mind with three dimensional puzzles of stacked what-if questions that cry out for answers. Charles fuels his creativity amidst the chaos of a busy life in his writer’s den in Fort Myers Florida where he dreams up whimsical adventures that range from the satirical to the macabre.
Raven Dane
Raven Dane is a UK based author of dark fantasy, steampunk novels and horror short stories. Her first books were the dark fantasy Legacy of the Dark Kind trilogy, Blood Tears, Blood Lament and Blood Alliance. These were followed by a High Fantasy spoof, The Unwise Woman of Fuggis Mire. Her steampunk novels so far are the award-winning Cyrus Darian and the Technomicron and sequel Cyrus Darian and the Ghastly Horde. A third title, Cyrus Darian and the Fiery Fate will be launching at the Asylum.
The first of our steampunk markets will open its doors to interested browsers and buyers. Snap up your first trinkets, baubles and geegaws of the weekend.
Open to Wristband holders only
And so, it begins, the Eleventh Asylum Steampunk Festival.
The Ministry of Steampunk will be here to welcome you and kick off what will be the largest steampunk weekend that possibly the World has ever seen…
…so far!
Hardy Building Lecture Theatre in case of inclement weather
Iron is one of the oldest forms of pigment used for colouring cloth. In this workshop you will learn different ways to dye fabrics and paper with rust. You will also combine other things with the process to get exciting results including plants and other magic!
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools)
Filmed over the course of 4 years, the innovative documentary, Exploring Steampunk! takes the audience on an exciting journey through Steampunk culture.
Narrated by Dene ‘Major Q’ Woodman, we dive straight into the chemistry of the local splendid Steampunk group called the Lincoln Steampunk Society to see what makes their cogs turn and shine.
Exploring Steampunk! then goes across the United Kingdom to deliver a heartwarming but informative piece on the origins of steampunk, the fashion, and what it truly means to “Be Splendid”.
The documentary also showcases what exciting activities and events are available at The Asylum and how far the festival grown.
Made in Lincoln, this un-missable cinema experience also travelled to Las Vegas to interview the head of the Vegas Steampunk Soceity Kenneth “Doc Phineas” Kastler on his discovery of steampunk and what makes the culture so inclusive to everyone.
The audience also get to watch an exclusive performance of Steampowered Giraffe at their first UK gig during The Asylum of 2016.
Before the adventure can begin, film maker, professional photographer, and stand up comedian, Sophie Lavender presents a short talk on the immersive power of Steampunk and what she has learned since very closely working with various steampunk groups over the years of production – going from a muggle who couldn’t polish a cog to someone who has bitten the brass and got the bug.
The now traditional way to start the weekend. Enjoy a first class afternoon tea in the company of the Mad Hatter who will ensure you make new friends for Asylum X.
Please note that tickets for this event are only available for purchase by Asylum X wristband holders.
Menu
Selection of sandwich quarters
Homemade scones served with jam and cream
Selection of mini cream delights
Tea and coffee
FAQs
Is there a minimum age limit to attend the event?
No, this event is suitable for all ages
Will there be parking at the venue?
Parking at the University is available to all accommodation residents. Any remaining parking will be available for purchase prior to the Festival. This will be highlighted in advance on the Welcome to the Asylum Facebook page. Parking on the day will not be available to anybody who has not purchased a ticket in advance, or is a resident.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Yes, your ticket will be required to gain entrance to the event, along with your Asylum wristband
What’s the refund policy?
Once purchased, tickets for this event are non-refundable
Can special dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, please complete the dietary requirements in the booking process.
A magnificent exhibition of steampunk makers work.
Come along and marvel at their ingenuity, craftmanship, skill and silliness!
Some of these amazing concoctions will be award winners before the weekend is over.
The Great Exhibition is always a popular feature and 2019 will be no different. If you have work you would like to exhibit please bring it along to Constance Stewart Hall today (Friday).
Go to The Great Exhibition page for more information.
Simon Burley writes and self-publishes tabletop roleplaying games as a hobby – on non-profit making basis.
He is still probably best known for the game GOLDEN HEROES – a British Superhero Roleplaying game – which I created and co-authored back on the 1980’s. It was published – at the time – by Games Workshop and is still fondly remembered by many people.
He currently publishes a range of tabletop RPGs and related products.
Join Simon for a game (or two). This is a great way to meet new like minded people, take a break from the hub bub and become somebody different for a short while 😉
Is this your first time at The Asylum? Are you new to steampunk perhaps?
Major Tinker is the festival director and co creator of The Asylum.
Join him and your fellow Asylum virgins for a brief introduction to steampunk and the event.
Ask questions, pick up tips, learn the wrinkles but above all make new friends.
Drop in and try your hand at making gift tags using birch ply blank tags, we will be decorating them using paper, inks and embellishments,
The Tiger Lily team will provide everything you need however if you have bits of old jewelry you may like to add bring them along with you.
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools and strong glue.)
Hello again and for 2019 I have prepared a new PowerPoint show for the lovely ladies and gentlemen of the asylum including new tips for getting that extra wow out of a costume.
Due to our regular Pot Master deserting us for this year’s event 🤨 The Tiffin Mistress is in need of assistance… Pot Idol!
Come and impress the Tiffin Mistress with your Pot Master/ess skills.
*Create and name a biscuit layout
*Show me your tea pouring skills
*Demonstrate a dunk, hold and clean nom
Points will be awarded for flair, ingenuity and other random nonsense and the winner will receive a medal and the role of Pot Master/ess for the event.
Join a gathering of authors & comic book creators as they reveal the Asylum Festival and Steampunk inspirations behind their latest works which are being unveiled during Asylum XI!
Panel to include Colin Mathieson (Accent UK Comics), Steve Tanner (Time Bomb Comics), Charles Cornell (Dragonfly author), Raven Dane (Cyrus Darian & Bane of Bailgate) and Matt McCall ( The Dandelion Farmer).
A workshop on singing techniques that Alice’s Night Circus uses as well as tips and techniques she has picked up over the years.
Warming your voice safely, how to extend range, signing in your higher register and other registers such as chest voice, mix voice.
Talking about different type of singing – pop, classical, musicals etc.
Hands on vocal tuition including scales, sounds, riffs and runs.
People can ask any singing related questions they would like. At the end we will as a group choose one of Alice’s songs and have a sing along.
Charli Egglington wowed audiences at the Major’s Soirée in 2019. This year we have invited her back to bring a special concert version of her amazing new Steampunk Opera Ei8ht. With her talented cast she presents presents a brand new, original musical odyssey, fusing opera and musical theatre with a mechanical, steampunk twist.
“Ed is the eldest son of the Leale crime family in Sicily, in the 1920s. Rather than embrace his mafia ties, he runs away to New York to fulfil his dream of building steampunk airships. Once he gets there, circumstance leads him on a downward spiral, constructing his own steampunk robot mafia and becoming worse than his family ever was…”
This is an exclusive opportunity for a select audience to see the show outside London. Charli is destined for great things so don’t miss Ei8ht at The Asylum.
This is a fully seated show.
Join the ladies and gentlemen (and Kevin) of the Steamstress Squadron for an evening of fun, fashion and frivolity.
Discover charity shop chic, upcycling, vintage and couture, as the team hit the sewing machines and the runway.
Collections include:
- Post-Apocalyptic Steampunk
- Culturally Diverse Steampunk
- Victorian Steampunk
- Charity Shop Steampunk Couture
- TV, film and cosplay meets Steampunk
A fashion show for people to enjoy, but also discover how to get involved in making (and enjoying it!)
As well as a fashion show, there will be a display of other crafted Steampunk items and a helpful sessions, including Sleeveles are Evils (something, I’m sure, we all agree with!)
Ticket includes a short musical performance by a very special guest.
The Major’s Soirée first opened The Asylum way back in 2009. Since then it has proven to be one of the most popular features of the festival. The Major will welcome you to The Asylum XI and present an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, dance and speciality acts in the tradition of Saturday night variety shows and The Good Old Days.
Where the audience is as spectacular as the stage the Soirée has been the debut for many popular steampunk acts as well as leading names of the scene and special guest performers. The Soirée is the place for a great mixed Bill with something for everyone.
Enjoy…
- Victor and the Bully – Inspired by Cabaret, Circus, Mariachi, Metal and Classical creating a unique sound to tickle everyone’s fancy.
- Captain Kuppa Tea – Steampunk acapella act extraordinary: captain & crew deliver a blend of upbeat and amusing twists on popular classics form 80s to doowop to chap hop parody
- Dr Corvus Marconi – Mentalist and prestidigitator. A performer of feats of legerdemain
- Scarlet Butterfly – cirque and cabaret style pole dance and burlesque performer. Her performances incorporate fantastic aerial (pole) dance and stunning fantasy and faery inspired costumes.
- The Cogkneys – music hall inspired duo presenting music hall merriment and steampunk delights.
(This Show may feature some adult themes and mild poor language. It may not be suitable for younger audiences under 12).
The Engine Shed is Lincoln’s largest live entertainment venue. For this show it will be entirely seated in theatre style.)
Doors from 7:30. Show to commence at 8:00.
Drop in to our very special Steampunk Marquee in Lincoln Castle for all manner of creative fun.
Talks, workshops, exhibitions, trade tables and an opportunity to meet authors, artists and comic book creators.
Accent UK Comics
Founded in 2000, Accent UK is a privately owned comic publisher based in Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Owners Colin Mathieson and Dave West collect the talents of the UK Independent Comic publishing community, along with guests from overseas, producing an annual themed anthology, as well as now releasing shorter books, one-shots and graphic novels. Andy Bloor joined Accent UK in 2007 as art director overseeing all aspects of design and production for the books.
Time Bomb Comics
Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company that publishes one-shots, graphic novels, and the critically acclaimed Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Based in Birmingham, England, Time Bomb Comics formed in September 2007 to showcase the work of talented writers and artists currently working outside the mainstream comics industry.
Time Bomb Comics is about one simple thing – Telling Great Stories.
Alex Weston
Alys West writes contemporary fantasy and steampunk. Writing steampunk was a natural development from her obsession with tea. How could she not write in a genre where the characters shared her belief that 90% of the world’s wrongs can be solved with a nice cup of tea?
Alys teaches creative writing for Converge, an arts education project for people with mental health issues and at the Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of York.
Hopeless Maine
Set on a strange island, Hopeless Maine is a series charting the adventures of small experimental occultist, Salamandra O’Stoat.
Colin Edmonds
Since selling his first jokes at the age of 16, Colin has been involved in comedy and entertainment, live performance and television shows. His hundreds of TV writing credits include variety, game, clip and chat shows, along with 10 BAFTA Award Ceremonies and 11 Royal Variety Performances. For more than 30 years he was Bob Monkhouse’s head writer. But now he’s achieved his ultimate ambition – penning a Steampunk murder mystery novel featuring two unlikely Victorian detectives.
Join our authors and artists special guests at the Steampunk Campus.
Drop in to see their latest creations, have a chat, ask questions, peruse their wares and purchase all manner of amazing publications and pieces.
Sam Stone
Award winning genre writer Sam Stone began writing aged 11. Her hugely successful Steampunk Novella Zombies at Tiffany’s was an instant hit and in June 2019 Sam signed a deal with a major publishing house and her first mainstream thriller will be published in 2020.
Ben Hope
Benjamin Hope is the author of Gothic dark fantasy-steampunk crossover novel, The Procurement of Souls, the sequel to which, A New Religion, is due for release in December 2019. He also has a number of short stories published in speculative fiction journals. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and daughter.
Charles A Cornell
Charles A Cornell suffers from Overactive Imagination Disorder, an incurable condition that fills his mind with three dimensional puzzles of stacked what-if questions that cry out for answers. Charles fuels his creativity amidst the chaos of a busy life in his writer’s den in Fort Myers Florida where he dreams up whimsical adventures that range from the satirical to the macabre.
Raven Dane
Raven Dane is a UK based author of dark fantasy, steampunk novels and horror short stories. Her first books were the dark fantasy Legacy of the Dark Kind trilogy, Blood Tears, Blood Lament and Blood Alliance. These were followed by a High Fantasy spoof, The Unwise Woman of Fuggis Mire. Her steampunk novels so far are the award-winning Cyrus Darian and the Technomicron and sequel Cyrus Darian and the Ghastly Horde. A third title, Cyrus Darian and the Fiery Fate will be launching at the Asylum.
Drop in for a free workshop to make your very own steampunk craft item:
- Button Boutonnieres
- Bicycle Inner Tube Cuffs
- Goggle Inserts (“NEW” for this year)
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools and strong glue.)
A fantastic stopping off point to peruse the wares on route between BGU and Lincoln Castle.
A huge Steampunk market, with lots of trinkets and lovely things to make this a definite destination to add to your checklist.
Bailgate Methodist Church was opened in June 1880 in the already historic area of uphill Lincoln – The church lies just within the walls of the Roman Colonia close to Newport Arch, a Roman gateway, believed to be the last such gateway still used by traffic. The entrance to the hall is to the left of the church.
Set on the cobbled streets between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, the Castle Square Market is a unique opportunity to experience the true hubbub of the Asylum Steampunk Festival, with fantastic offerings from more than 30 different stalls.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 on a site occupied since Roman times, Lincoln Castle has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost one thousand years. Inside Lincoln Castle walls is also a Victorian prison and one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta.
Lincoln Castle grounds will be filled with a market village, including workshops for wristband holders and some fantastic Steampunk vehicles.
Our ‘immersive’ market can be found in the Hardy Building.
A fabulous venue, away from the hubbub of the city, with lots of fabulous traders from all over the world!
Open to Wristband holders only
Simon Burley writes and self-publishes tabletop roleplaying games as a hobby – on non-profit making basis.
He is still probably best known for the game GOLDEN HEROES – a British Superhero Roleplaying game – which I created and co-authored back on the 1980’s. It was published – at the time – by Games Workshop and is still fondly remembered by many people.
He currently publishes a range of tabletop RPGs and related products.
Join Simon for a game (or two). This is a great way to meet new like minded people, take a break from the hub bub and become somebody different for a short while 😉
Be among the first to hear about the exciting new Doctor Who project from Telos Publishing as authors David Howe (Doctor Who: Time Hunter), Sam Stone (Zombies at Tiffany’s) and Raven Dane (Cyrus Darian) reveal their inspiration and dedication to this perennially popular and evolving character.
Do you fancy taking on the “ Greatest Gin heist” in history?
The GameLab, mobile escape / puzzle room will be operating in the castle grounds, during the Asylum Steampunk Festival (separate ticket required – purchase at the GameLab).
The story so far…” A private residence, reputedly associated with royalty has obtained the most expensive bottle of gin ever created.
You are a small group of villains looking to hit the big time”
You will have 15 minutes to test you skills, find the clues and ultimately “acquire” the bottle.
All teams completing the task will have their times taken, the team with the fastest time will win a bottle of gin, from our good friends at Lincoln Gin.
A magnificent exhibition of steampunk makers work.
Come along and marvel at their ingenuity, craftmanship, skill and silliness!
Some of these amazing concoctions will be award winners before the weekend is over.
Go to The Great Exhibition page for more information.
The Imaginarium would be nothing without the genuine steampunks that feature in the 450 images that make up the trilogy.
For the first time at this years Asylum, Gary Nicholls will have his studio setup in the Castle grounds and you will be able to see his creative process as we shoot scenes from the second and third books, live everyday during the festival.
If you would like to be an extra in the story, come along looking your finest and take part in the live shoots.
There will be an opportunity for the audience to influence the story, so if you have book one and thought I want to be in this the marquee in the Castle grounds is the place to head to.
In particular we will be shooting some ‘murder’ scenes so please be aware there may be some spoilers!
Join international artists, Bex Raven and Jay The Inventor for a selection of session each day (situated outside the entrance to the Robert Hardy Building):
How to Get the PA Look
How to get permanent weathering effects on clothing, props and vehicles for the perfect post apocalyptic/aged look.
Working with Rust, a Guide to Beginners
Rust is not just for old cars, it is perfect for many other applications
from jewellery or ornaments to dyeing fabric and staining wood. Let the Queen of Rust guide you through the basics of how to expand your use of this simple yet versatile substance.
Cyanotypes
Creating blueprints/sunprints using the power of the sun. You can also have a go and make your own.
Target Practice
Hone your shooting skills on our range so you can survive a little longer in the wastelands of the new world. Complete this challenge and you are one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate.
Scavenger Hunt Food Finding Skills
Essential to survival is the ability to find nutrition. Find all 10 and return to Raven Corpse HQ and be one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate
When the world ended the Raven Clan took up the calling of teaching the world how to survive. Travelling out from their native soggy Wales they take Raven Corpse HQ across the UK helping survivors learn essential new skills to live in the new world. Complete the daily challenges to become a Raven Corpse initiate and know someone always has your back while you wander the wasteland.
Discover why (and how) writer and comics creator Steve Tanner uses Clockpunk as a storytelling device and the evolution of the Clockwork Cavalier character. Steve is from Time Bomb Comics, a British comics company that publishes comics and graphic novels, including the popular Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Join Cornell as he reads from his award winning science fiction/fantasy adventure, set in an alternative World War Two.
It’s 1942 and fate has placed Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Somerset, Britain’s first female combat pilot, into the cockpit of DragonFly, a revolutionary aircraft designed by science, fueled by magic and flown with passion.
On the eve of the Nazi invasion of Britain, an unlikely heroine and her fantastic plane change the course of history.
Justin Tiang is billeted in the East Indies, where he is a concept artist for games and film. He is pledged to wonder — that fresh-faced, earnest wonder of discovery that reached its height in the age of steam — which he strives to convey in his life-long projects Finding Calais and Pastel Skycubes.
His work draws valuable inspiration from the past, where humanity seems to be leaving too much of its soul and dignity. Justin does things like sing, wander, and rear bugs for hobbies. He is a first-rate dreamer, although sometimes he is just spaced out.
Have you ever thought “I wanted to take part in teapot racing, but I know nothing about electronics” or “I wanted to try that but I wouldn’t know where to start”?
Join this panel discussion (with plenty of question time) on the subject of teapot racer design and construction, with a small but diverse range of panelists representing as many design approaches as possible.
Areas to cover would include chassis selection and modification, controls and electronics, material selection, aesthetics and possibly even a few words on driving.
Time to demystify the mechanical and electronic aspects of building a teapot racer, in order to make the sport more accessible to anyone with basic crafting skills.
A group of like-minded friends who love nothing more than to entertain crowds with improvised Tribal Belly Dance and Street Theatre.
Last year their smiles, performances and Steampunk style was infectious, so they really are back by popular demand!
Steampunk acapella act extraordinary: captain & crew deliver a blend of upbeat and amusing twists on popular classics form 80s to doowop to chap hop parody.
Following a performance on the main stage the Captain and his Crew will be heading to the Meet and Merch table, so bring your pennies and grab a CD and some branded goodies!
Raven Dane is a UK based author of dark fantasy, steampunk novels and horror short stories.
Her first books were the dark fantasy Legacy of the Dark Kind trilogy, Blood Tears, Blood Lament and Blood Alliance. These were followed by a High Fantasy spoof, The Unwise Woman of Fuggis Mire.
Her steampunk novels so far are the award-winning Cyrus Darian and the Technomicron and sequel Cyrus Darian and the Ghastly Horde.
A third title, Cyrus Darian and the Fiery Fate will be launching at the Asylum.
The Theremin is an astounding instrument. Patented 90 years ago yet strangely futuristic and thus perfect for steampunk.
Charlie Draper is a master of the Theremin and a firm favourite with Steampunk audiences.
A workshop interspersed with a couple of demonstration pieces.
See first-hand how the instrument works and decide whether this is the instrument for you.
Jo runs a fabulous shop in Tattershall called Let’s Create.
Join Jo to discover Powertex, a fabric hardener and textile hardener that is a fantastic, environmentally friendly, water-based liquid sculpting medium.
An exciting product that will enhance your creativity and is an amazing piece of kit to enable you to make sculptures, paintings, decorative objects and jewellery.
Jo is best known for being a craft guest demonstrator on Create and Craft TV.
Powertex ‘Make and Take’ this years is a Steampunk Goblet. Please book in for your session on any of the days with the Powertex team in the Craft room, Hardy Building on B.G.U.Campus.
Suitable for age 10 and above with adult supervision.
10+ (sharp tools & strong glue)
Splendid Teapot Racing was conceived by Simone Montgomery in Dunedin, New Zealand and the first public contest was at the 2014 Steampunk NZ Festival in Oamaru.
Thanks to a whole team of splendid Steampunks, Teapot Racing will once again return to Lincoln!
Splendid Teapot Racing involves radio-controlled teapots negotiating an obstacle course within a set time. The vehicle is simply a teapot of the entrants’ choice attached to a radio controlled car or truck and embellished to taste. Keeping the size of vehicles within the limits stated in the rules helps ensure a fairer and more entertaining contest. The teapot doesn’t still have to function as a teapot!
Apparently, the Castle just isn’t big enough for all those gun toting Chaps and Chapesses. Taking place at High Noon (of course) is an all comer’s competition to see who is the best shot in the “
Taking place at High Noon (of course) is an all comer’s competition to see who is the best shot in the “wikky wikky wa wa west”!
How is your stash? Is it out of hand? Do you have boxes of fabric and finishings that you bought “just in case”?
We can help!
Bring your unwanted fabric, finishings, patterns and anything suitable for making fabric based costumes/outfits along and join our DESTASH.
Steampunks are a very honest bunch of folks, so the simple rule is BRING STUFF – TAKE STUFF.
We will all place our items for swapping into an orderly pile and then in an orderly fashion peruse and take items that we want instead.
Kitten von Mew is Britain’s leading 1940’s pinup model. She entertains at WWII events and Blitz Balls across the country and over the pond for reenactors, families and veterans alike!
Kitten von Mew has something for everyone and performs a short singing set of 1940’s songs.
Her performances are usually used to raise funds for the British Legion and Help for Heroes at charity events.
Miss Mew has performed at The War and Peace Show, Wartime in the Vale, Goodwood Revival, Vintage at Goodwood, Twinwood Festival, Dr Sketchy’s in Paris and Birmingham, Connie Douglas club in Milan, Enchanted Burlesque in Birmingham
Before the World Championship can be decided this year’s Asylum champion will need to be discovered.
Whether you are a battle hardened veteran of many dunks past, or somebody who has never heard of the sport, it is time to step up and do battle in that most steampunk of ways.
If you are attending this year’s Asylum and want to take part in the tea duelling, please drop the Tiffin Mistress an email at thetiffinmistress@gmail.com to pre-register your interest.
Since selling his first jokes at the age of 16, Colin Edmonds has been involved in comedy and entertainment, live performance and television shows.
His hundreds of TV writing credits include variety, game, clip and chat shows, along with 10 BAFTA Award Ceremonies and 11 Royal Variety Performances. For more than 30 years he was Bob Monkhouse’s head writer.
But now he’s achieved his ultimate ambition – penning a Steampunk murder mystery novel featuring two unlikely Victorian detectives.
His talk will also include news of his latest Steam, Smoke and Mirrors novel, “The Nostradamus Curiosity”, with the legendary Count Rostov.
Colin will be at Lincoln Castle all weekend, so do stop by to say hello!
The now traditional way to start the weekend. Enjoy a first class afternoon tea in the company of the Mad Hatter who will ensure you make new friends for Asylum X.
Please note that tickets for this event are only available for purchase by Asylum X wristband holders.
Menu
Selection of sandwich quarters
Homemade scones served with jam and cream
Selection of mini cream delights
Tea and coffee
FAQs
Is there a minimum age limit to attend the event?
No, this event is suitable for all ages
Will there be parking at the venue?
Parking at the University is available to all accommodation residents. Any remaining parking will be available for purchase prior to the Festival. This will be highlighted in advance on the Welcome to the Asylum Facebook page. Parking on the day will not be available to anybody who has not purchased a ticket in advance, or is a resident.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Yes, your ticket will be required to gain entrance to the event, along with your Asylum wristband
What’s the refund policy?
Once purchased, tickets for this event are non-refundable
Can special dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, please complete the dietary requirements in the booking process.
Every year people work phenomenally hard on amazing outfits and as the companies making patterns for “costumes” discover the delights of Steampunk, we notice that there are one or two patterns that stand out each year.
This year’s pattern is Simplicity 2172 and we want to invite everybody who has made this pattern, to join us on the stage in the Castle.
It is fantastic to see how different people have approached the pattern and put their own twist on it, be this through use of fabrics, or changes to the structure.
A group of like-minded friends who love nothing more than to entertain crowds with improvised Tribal Belly Dance and Street Theatre.
Last year their smiles, performances and Steampunk style was infectious, so they really are back by popular demand!
Award winning genre writer Sam Stone began writing aged 11. Her hugely successful Steampunk Novella Zombies at Tiffany’s was an instant hit and in June 2019 Sam signed a deal with a major publishing house and her first mainstream thriller will be published in 2020.
Sam is a busy and successful writer, with lots of advice on how writing can be a tool to stress relief. Please bring a pen and paper to this session.
The jet pack race is a simple SLOW run wearing a jetpack from the start line to the finish (along the main drag of the banjo).
If a piece falls off of the jetpack the racer must go back to collect it and carry it over the finish line with them.
Marshals’ decisions are final and binding and entrants agree to abide by them.
Jet Pack Race Entry Form
Time to bring your NERF and try your hand at protecting the Steampunk campus from Kraken attack.
All comers are welcome (manual powered NERF only) and full instruction will be given.
Image Credit – Dr Geof
Tea Dueling has become the number one sport of the Steampunk community, however, the use of certain biscuits can be restrictive for those with specific dietary requirements… not any more!
For the first time ever and by popular demand, there will be a tea duel with a change… gluten free, dairy free, but not fun free!
Pop along to have a go, or just to watch history being made.
If you want to take part in the tea duelling, please drop the Tiffin Mistress an email at thetiffinmistress@gmail.com to pre-register your interest.
The Cthulhu Party (victors of the Town That Never Was Mayoral Election) invite you to view their party-political broadcast and also present the opportunity to join the party.
All are welcome, however if you wish to join the party there is a £5 charge to cover the cost of the membership cards and shiny enamel badges. If you are thinking of joining please bring a passport sized photo (preferably in black and white or sepia) for your membership card.
All aspiring Airship Crewpersons need a working knowledge of the various uses to which ropes and cordage are put on board even the smallest of craft. With this in mind, come and try out a bit of practical marlinspike knotwork with Dr Quack as he shows you how you go about “learning the ropes”.
Making your own lanyards and braids is a most satisfying way to put the finishing touch to an outfit or gizmo and many styles can be picked up in short order as the steps involved are very simple and it is the repetition of a pattern that builds a tasty looking finished object.
The Wacky Racers are a perennial favourite at The Asylum and feature a variety of home made ‘vehicles’ attempting to race a simple course.
Remember – it’s not the winning that matters, it’s how splendid you are doing it!
Please make sure you read the rules before you enter
Wacky Racers Entry Form
Drop in and try your hand at making gift tags using birch ply blank tags, we will be decorating them using paper, inks and embellishments,
The Tiger Lily team will provide everything you need however if you have bits of old jewelry you may like to add bring them along with you.
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools and strong glue.)
Drop in to the Castle Marquee to meet V2A and get your hands on some awesome merch!
In a world of Fire and Blood – V2A are walking the sandy roads of the Wastelands ….
V2A is a German/British Post-Apocalyptic project who conquered dancefloors of clubs with their unique sound between EBM, Industrial and Techno worldwide since 2002.
Alys West writes contemporary fantasy and steampunk. Writing steampunk was a natural development from her obsession with tea.
How could she not write in a genre where the characters shared her belief that 90% of the world’s wrongs can be solved with a nice cup of tea? The Dirigible King’s Daughter is a Steampunk romance; “If you like Gail Carriger or Georgette Heyer you’ll love this sparkling romance with a steampunk twist.”
Alys teaches creative writing for Converge, an arts education project for people with mental health issues and at the Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of York.
Following the Wacky Racers and for the second time at the Asylum, we are hosting a race for those with mobility issues.
Open to those with powered or self-propelled wheelchairs and those with impairments that restrict entry into the Wacky Racers, this is a genteel sport for ladies and gentlemen to enjoy (not in any way shape or form like banger racing!)
Call of Cthulhu – a perennial favourite with steampunks.
Science Fiction has a history of cults and strange religions – some have even bled over into the real world and Cthulhu’s Witnesses are doing the same.
Learn more about this cult which is sweeping through steampunk and a chance to join the ranks of the devoted by claiming your token.
If like esteemed maker Peter Harrow you have a totally healthy obsession with making and/or owning rayguns and other portable weapons of mass destruction? Then this is for you!
Join Herr Doktor and Peter Harrow, Esq in a surgery discussing designing and building rayguns and in the legal issues surrounding their display and use.
The audience are cordially invited to bring their own rayguns and raygun projects for the edification of the public and to discuss build or modification issues.
WARNING: The organisers do not accept any responsibility for accidental (or even intentional) immolation, disintegration or other lethal or near lethal event following the discharge of any ray gun demonstrated in the course of this item.”
From the world of Hopeless, Maine comes a pair of books, both illustrated by Tom Brown; with one written by Keith Errington and the other by Nimue Brown.
These two beautifully printed books will feature Tom’s wonderful illustrations in his unique style, telling more of the Hopeless, Maine story.
The first by Keith Errington is a Victorian adventure story told in four parts, and the second is the ‘origin’ story of the mysterious witch Annamarie Nightshade.
Hopeless, Maine (for those of you who have not yet visited) is an island lost in time. Haunted and tentacle beset, it is home to strange creatures and even stranger people.
Both books can be read without any knowledge of previous Hopeless, Maine lore, but if you are a fan of the graphic novels, then these two tales will tell you more of the Island’s story and offer clues to past and future events.
Learn more about the books, meet author Keith Errington, hear a reading from one of the stories and learn how you can support the launch.
A group of like-minded friends who love nothing more than to entertain crowds with improvised Tribal Belly Dance and Street Theatre.
Last year their smiles, performances and Steampunk style was infectious, so they really are back by popular demand!
As part of their ‘training’, The society of eccentric werewolves have been partaking in the art of parasol dueling.
Bring your own parasol, it will be checked for safety prior to “play”.
Be involved in a quick demonstration, a crash course and then go head to head in a competition.
Image Credit – whitecanvasdigital.com
Join Victor and the Bully for a different type of sound with only a ukulele, guitar and a whole lot of thunder behind them.
Using violins, trumpets, pianos, accordions and anything they can get their greasy hands on, this pair are an oncoming storm you won’t want to stop.
With a Meet and Merch in the Marquee following a short performance.
Bringing a whiff of Diesel to the Steampunk Festival Baker & King will be bringing their music and comedy to the main stage in Lincoln Castle grounds.
It seems the Krakensoc alumni have awoken from the deep and want to share a shantie or two with you.
This is not a show, but a participatory session for anybody who wants to end the day, or start the evening, with a rousing song to stand up and be counted (although with the amount of rum in the room, there may be no counting going on 😉 )
Thanks to the team from Janus Masks this is a talk about the origins of mask making in Venice, why they were made and for what purpose.
- How they are made and what materials are used.
- The history of carnivale and it’s revival in 1979.
- An introduction to Commedia Dell’Arte and it’s character masks
- How Commedia Dell’Arte characters and other Venetian masks have influenced modern film and television
The talk is designed to inspire the audience to try new ideas and ignore convention in creating a personal project using the camera as a tool to create images from imagination to realisation.
Gary is the creator and author of The Imaginarium Trilogy—a 450 image fine art story. The whole project is governed by just two words, Imagine and Create. If it can be dreamt, it can be created.
‘Reality is for people without Imagination’ is the title of the talk and Gary’s imagination has no bounds, no journey impossible, no step is a step too far, dark steampunk the order of the day.
This talk is about creating an imaginative steampunk image, when you have no imagination to call upon. Budding creatives, this will give you an incite into the mind of a man the world thinks smokes skittles!
Time to take to the skies with those magnificent men (and ladies) in their “flying” machines.
A short ‘lecture’ on correct flying etiquette, hand signals and what to do in the event of crashing, (going splat…in case you’re wondering) followed by an even shorter exam!
There may be certificates, or floggings by Nanny.
Don’t like rum? Your arghhhhument is invalid! Join Lady M and Most Curious Games for treasure hunt through the old town of Lincoln. The evening will include, puzzles, games, fun and a tour through the deep, dark and stormy past of rum. “Time Flies When You’re Having RUM”
The Lawns (Asylum Porch) – head to the rear of the property – large grassed area.
Suitable for 18+
Once again we offer a special immersive showing of a classic film. This year sing-along with One of our Dinosaurs is Missing!
A showing of the classic movie to a steampunk audience. The annual film show is a firm favourite with attendees of the Asylum and this year we head for all things Jurassic!
A group of spirited British nannies become involved in a race with the inscrutable Chinese intelligence service.
The prize is a top-secret microfilm hidden in the skeleton of a dinosaur on display in the Natural History Museum.
Dress to impress with the film as the theme. Join in with the costume competition and general silliness of the evening.
This is a fully seated show. Doors open at 7:00. Entertainment commences at 7:30.
The Fashion Policeman’s Ball is a new feature and is designed as a “game of THREE halves”.
Steampunk is often about dressing to impress and audiences at the Asylum are undoubtedly some of the most impressive in the world. The first part of the evening is all about showing off your outfits, mixing and mingling with a chance to take photographs or indeed be photographed professionally. This allows time for those of you who like to be fashionably late but also gives you time to look at a grand exhibition of outfits and costumes made by other steampunks* as well as displays by professional designers and costumier.
The second part is our homage to the Secret Policeman’s Ball. Take your seats for a show of comedy, sketches and the unusual as well as a short fashion show courtesy of our designers. In tribute to this idea a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to our chosen charities and there will also be a short charity auction.
The third part is where you get to bop until you drop. The Wight Hot Pipes absolutely stormed for The Town That Never Was. Steampunk with attitude this amazing band offer popular covers in a truly unique style including flaming bagpipes. They are guaranteed to play something that will get you dancing.
* If you have an amazing outfit on a display mannequin or tailors dummy you would like to exhibit in return for a free place at this event then please see our Facebook group AsylumXI Particpants for further details.
(The Engine Shed is Lincoln’s largest live entertainment venue. This event is fully seated.)
Due to venue licencing this event is suitable for 14+
Don’t like rum? Your arghhhhument is invalid! Join Lady M and Most Curious Games for treasure hunt through the old town of Lincoln. The evening will include, puzzles, games, fun and a tour through the deep, dark and stormy past of rum. “Time Flies When You’re Having RUM”
The Lawns (Asylum Porch) – head to the rear of the property – large grassed area.
Suitable for 18+
Drop in to our very special Steampunk Marquee in Lincoln Castle for all manner of creative fun.
Talks, workshops, exhibitions, trade tables and an opportunity to meet authors, artists and comic book creators.
Sam Stone
Award winning genre writer Sam Stone began writing aged 11. Her hugely successful Steampunk Novella Zombies at Tiffany’s was an instant hit and in June 2019 Sam signed a deal with a major publishing house and her first mainstream thriller will be published in 2020.
Raven Dane
Raven Dane is a UK based author of dark fantasy, steampunk novels and horror short stories. Her first books were the dark fantasy Legacy of the Dark Kind trilogy, Blood Tears, Blood Lament and Blood Alliance. These were followed by a High Fantasy spoof, The Unwise Woman of Fuggis Mire. Her steampunk novels so far are the award-winning Cyrus Darian and the Technomicron and sequel Cyrus Darian and the Ghastly Horde. A third title, Cyrus Darian and the Fiery Fate will be launching at the Asylum.
Autumn Sky
Autumn Sky Book Covers specialise in one-off E-book and print covers for independent authors in genres such as Historical fiction, Fantasy, Gothic Romance, YA and Steampunk.
Hopeless Maine
Set on a strange island, Hopeless Maine is a series charting the adventures of small experimental occultist, Salamandra O’Stoat.
Colin Edmonds
Since selling his first jokes at the age of 16, Colin has been involved in comedy and entertainment, live performance and television shows. His hundreds of TV writing credits include variety, game, clip and chat shows, along with 10 BAFTA Award Ceremonies and 11 Royal Variety Performances. For more than 30 years he was Bob Monkhouse’s head writer. But now he’s achieved his ultimate ambition – penning a Steampunk murder mystery novel featuring two unlikely Victorian detectives.
Join our authors and artists special guests at the Steampunk Campus.
Drop in to see their latest creations, have a chat, ask questions, peruse their wares and purchase all manner of amazing publications and pieces.
Accent UK Comics
Founded in 2000, Accent UK is a privately owned comic publisher based in Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Owners Colin Mathieson and Dave West collect the talents of the UK Independent Comic publishing community, along with guests from overseas, producing an annual themed anthology, as well as now releasing shorter books, one-shots and graphic novels. Andy Bloor joined Accent UK in 2007 as art director overseeing all aspects of design and production for the books.
Time Bomb Comics
Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company that publishes one-shots, graphic novels, and the critically acclaimed Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Based in Birmingham, England, Time Bomb Comics formed in September 2007 to showcase the work of talented writers and artists currently working outside the mainstream comics industry.
Time Bomb Comics is about one simple thing – Telling Great Stories.
Jade Sarson
Jade is a Lincoln based illustrator and comic artist who really likes tea, dogs and old books. She graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2011 with a first class honours degree in Illustration, and started self-publishing my teastained comic series Cafe Suada shortly after that.
Her style is a fusion of British roots with Japanese influences, and combines digital and traditional techniques. In 2013 she was nominated for Best Emerging Talent in the British Comic Awards, and in 2014 she won the Myriad Editions First Graphic Novel competition.
Set on the cobbled streets between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, the Castle Square Market is a unique opportunity to experience the true hubbub of the Asylum Steampunk Festival, with fantastic offerings from more than 30 different stalls.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 on a site occupied since Roman times, Lincoln Castle has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost one thousand years. Inside Lincoln Castle walls is also a Victorian prison and one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta.
Lincoln Castle grounds will be filled with a market village, including workshops for wristband holders and some fantastic Steampunk vehicles.
Our ‘immersive’ market can be found in the Hardy Building.
A fabulous venue, away from the hubbub of the city, with lots of fabulous traders from all over the world!
Open to Wristband holders only
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Divination… learn the art of divination.
During the lesson you may be able to predict the future using the leftover tea leaves in the bottom of your china cup.
Professor Lovelace will also teach the basics of palm reading
Simon Burley writes and self-publishes tabletop roleplaying games as a hobby – on non-profit making basis.
He is still probably best known for the game GOLDEN HEROES – a British Superhero Roleplaying game – which I created and co-authored back on the 1980’s. It was published – at the time – by Games Workshop and is still fondly remembered by many people.
He currently publishes a range of tabletop RPGs and related products.
Join Simon for a game (or two). This is a great way to meet new like minded people, take a break from the hub bub and become somebody different for a short while 😉
Do you fancy taking on the “ Greatest Gin heist” in history?
The GameLab, mobile escape / puzzle room will be operating in the castle grounds, during the Asylum Steampunk Festival (separate ticket required – purchase at the GameLab).
The story so far…” A private residence, reputedly associated with royalty has obtained the most expensive bottle of gin ever created.
You are a small group of villains looking to hit the big time”
You will have 15 minutes to test you skills, find the clues and ultimately “acquire” the bottle.
All teams completing the task will have their times taken, the team with the fastest time will win a bottle of gin, from our good friends at Lincoln Gin.
A magnificent exhibition of steampunk makers work.
Come along and marvel at their ingenuity, craftmanship, skill and silliness!
Some of these amazing concoctions will be award winners before the weekend is over.
Go to The Great Exhibition page for more information.
The Imaginarium would be nothing without the genuine steampunks that feature in the 450 images that make up the trilogy.
For the first time at this years Asylum, Gary Nicholls will have his studio setup in the Castle grounds and you will be able to see his creative process as we shoot scenes from the second and third books, live everyday during the festival.
If you would like to be an extra in the story, come along looking your finest and take part in the live shoots.
There will be an opportunity for the audience to influence the story, so if you have book one and thought I want to be in this the marquee in the Castle grounds is the place to head to.
In particular we will be shooting some ‘murder’ scenes so please be aware there may be some spoilers!
Want to learn the truth about the joy of creating fiction or maybe you’d like to hear some honest Sunday morning confessionals as our panel of book and comic writers reveal the ups and downs of their creative process.
Panel to include Colin Mathieson (Accent UK Comics), Steve Tanner (Time Bomb Comics), Charles Cornell (Dragonfly author) and Jade Sarson (Tea Hermit).
Drop in and try your hand at making gift tags using birch ply blank tags, we will be decorating them using paper, inks and embellishments,
The Tiger Lily team will provide everything you need however if you have bits of old jewelry you may like to add bring them along with you.
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools and strong glue.)
Join international artists, Bex Raven and Jay The Inventor for a selection of session each day (situated outside the entrance to the Robert Hardy Building):
How to Get the PA Look
How to get permanent weathering effects on clothing, props and vehicles for the perfect post apocalyptic/aged look.
Working with Rust, a Guide to Beginners
Rust is not just for old cars, it is perfect for many other applications
from jewellery or ornaments to dyeing fabric and staining wood. Let the Queen of Rust guide you through the basics of how to expand your use of this simple yet versatile substance.
Cyanotypes
Creating blueprints/sunprints using the power of the sun. You can also have a go and make your own.
Target Practice
Hone your shooting skills on our range so you can survive a little longer in the wastelands of the new world. Complete this challenge and you are one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate.
Scavenger Hunt Food Finding Skills
Essential to survival is the ability to find nutrition. Find all 10 and return to Raven Corpse HQ and be one step closer to becoming a Raven Corpse initiate
When the world ended the Raven Clan took up the calling of teaching the world how to survive. Travelling out from their native soggy Wales they take Raven Corpse HQ across the UK helping survivors learn essential new skills to live in the new world. Complete the daily challenges to become a Raven Corpse initiate and know someone always has your back while you wander the wasteland.
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Wand making demonstration… Learn how to make a simple and more complex wand and take a blank home to create your own.
A spectacular start to Sunday, the Queen’s Parade is hosted in respect of those who have fallen in conflict.
All uniformed military groups are welcome (you must have pre-registered and meet the criteria to participate) as long as they don’t mind the parade Sargent shouting.
The parade will be inspected by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, then finish with a minute’s silence.
Our vintage bike enthusiasts are now firmly established as an Asylum feature.
This talk and demonstration relating to old bicycles and their enhancement to Steampunk will include a static display of related machines.
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
School expedition planning…
Join Professor Vastin and help plan this years school expedition, we hope to avoid too many deaths this year!
Before people make it into the pages of your book, you have to get them to pick it up off the shelf first! Great design can make all the difference and creating something that communicates the story and entices the reader is vital. Join Autumn Sky for an introduction to creating a great design for your book cover.
Learn the art of wet felting to make your very own companion. You will be making a three dimensional piece of felt that you can then add features to and give it a personality, and of course a name, to bring it to life.
These skills are transferable to other three dimensional felting projects. You also get to keep your kit to make more at home!
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools)
Accent UK’s brand-new comic anthology featuring characters, events (and more!) inspired by people encountered at last year’s Asylum Festival.
Come and meet some of the comic’s writers and artists and hear about the creative process in turning steampunk personas into full colour comic characters AND learn how you too could feature in next year’s comic!
Using the story of the Steam Vikings as an example, artist and Steampunk creator Melissa Delteil will explore how to apply steampunk to different cultures.
The talk is an invitation to considerate fashion, making, world building and story telling with various countries in mind.
A group of like-minded friends who love nothing more than to entertain crowds with improvised Tribal Belly Dance and Street Theatre.
Last year their smiles, performances and Steampunk style was infectious, so they really are back by popular demand!
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Learn to summon and fly your broom!
Deputy Headmistress, Queenie Goldsteam will take you through your paces and school you in the art of broomstick handling and flying. Learn to summon a broom and how to take off.
learn how to look like you are summoning and flying a broomstick.
Lady Violet Hugh is a well-known character in our world. Her singing is sublime but her lyrics are often able to be taken two ways, as a minimum.
Join her and her ditties, plus some opportunities to get your hands on her merch 😉
Many years in the making and comprising some of the most amazing steampunk inspired images you will ever see – with faces you will probably recognise.
Come along and discover Gary Nicholls Imaginarium.
The concept is based on the Victorian idea of a place of wonder. A place to visit to see the weird and wonderful – an Imaginarium.
Gary will be in conversation with our stage host, answering questions and highlighting how the story came to life and where it is going next on the journey.
Thanks to the team from Janus Masks this is a practical demonstration highlighting a more traditional Venetian mask:
- Present a clay sculpt with a pre poured mould.
- Preparing the mould for papering.
- Mixing paste and papering mould with Cartna Lana
- Trimming, sanding and gesso’ing
- Using relief to add detail
- Finishing with gold leaf
Kazumitsu Akamatsu is an anime creator and producer, sculptor, artist, designer and toy maker from Japan. He is a pioneer of steampunk in Japan and will be visiting us for the festival where you will be able meet him, see some of his work and hear him talk about his work and steampunk in the Far East.
Film producer, Steampunk pioneer, Supergeek and linguist, Doctor Abbey will be joining Kazumitsu for a panel looking at the global inspiration of Steampunk.
Steampunk maker Andy Arbon asks whether a major build is ever truly ‘finished’ as he talks through the process of modifying a computer case and peripherals to create a computer with a unique steampunk look whilst also considering the practicalities of a device intended for daily use.
The main focus however, will be on the major modifications and upgrades made to the computation engine since it was supposedly ‘finished’ two years ago.
The Minimum Altitude Display Team (M.A.D.T) is the brainchild of an esteemed member of the Steampunk community.
First performed at Lincoln Castle in 2014, this event has now become an international competition, with teams from across the globe being invited to participate.
Kitten von Mew is Britain’s leading 1940’s pinup model. She entertains at WWII events and Blitz Balls across the country and over the pond for reenactors, families and veterans alike!
Kitten von Mew has something for everyone and performs a short singing set of 1940’s songs.
Her performances are usually used to raise funds for the British Legion and Help for Heroes at charity events.
Miss Mew has performed at The War and Peace Show, Wartime in the Vale, Goodwood Revival, Vintage at Goodwood, Twinwood Festival, Dr Sketchy’s in Paris and Birmingham, Connie Douglas club in Milan, Enchanted Burlesque in Birmingham
IMAGE CREDIT – Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe)
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Sorting Ceremony
Wish to find your place?
What to join like minded students as you learn the ways of steam magic?
Well first you must be sorted in your house.
Belly Fusion’s style began as predominately Improvised Tribal style.
This improvised style remains an integral base for the troupe but has since grown and developed with experimentation using choreography and a range of other dance forms and theatrical influences.
Come along to discover the basic moves and enjoy learning something new, healthy and fun.
Join author and Steampunk Matt McCall, creator of The Dandelion Farmer, for a look at life on Mars from a very different historical perspective.
The Dandelion Farmer is a gritty action-adventure Steampunk novel set in the post-Imperial days of the Martian colonies.
Jo runs a fabulous shop in Tattershall called Let’s Create.
Join Jo to discover Powertex, a fabric hardener and textile hardener that is a fantastic, environmentally friendly, water-based liquid sculpting medium.
An exciting product that will enhance your creativity and is an amazing piece of kit to enable you to make sculptures, paintings, decorative objects and jewellery.
Jo is best known for being a craft guest demonstrator on Create and Craft TV.
Powertex ‘Make and Take’ this years is a Steampunk Goblet. Please book in for your session on any of the days with the Powertex team in the Craft room, Hardy Building on B.G.U.Campus.
Suitable for age 10 and above with adult supervision.
10+ (sharp tools & strong glue)
The entirely amazing Herr Döktor shares his creative inspiration.
Herr Döktor is one of the community’s leading personalities and artists.
His sculptures and models have earned praise from around the world and he is respected by steampunks for his skills and artistic ability across the globe.
Are you endowed with stunning facial topiary?
Are you enamoured of a hirsute chap?
Come one, come all and join us for a celebration of the Mo, a declaration of awe for the mutton chop and a huzzah for the chin curtain!
Sponsored by Captain Fawcett
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Ghoul studies… Do you know the difference between a Ghost and a Ghoul?
How can steam power help control a Poltergeist? What are the living dead, and how do you deal with a infestation of zombies?
Learn all this and maybe some other stuff.
Rodney has been thinking a lot about safety this year and would like to informally chat with you about the importance of prop safety in public, uniform alteration safety the importance of knowing your medal etiquette etc.
Many times people have fallen foul of carrying replica weapons in public, or buying a respirator with dangerous chemicals possibly still intact. maker
Yes, there will be subjects of safety covered, but this is a session dedicated to helping people in a welcoming environment, so never fear… Rodney’s here!
Alice’s Night Circus is a curious journey down a musical rabbit hole, featuring a blend of apocalyptic fairy-tale Steampop with a touch of the circus.
Come along and enjoy this fascinating and fabulous performance before Alice hops into the Meet and Merch tent, where you can grab a CD or two… or even something completely new and REALLY special!
Artist, Alex Jakob-Whitworth and comic artist, Gavin Pollock, lead in a session that will share techniques and ideas for you to try your hand at life drawing.
Strike a pose, or grab a pencil, the choice is yours in this art and life class.
All materials supplied. If you wish to model as well, then that would be fabulous!
A group of like-minded friends who love nothing more than to entertain crowds with improvised Tribal Belly Dance and Street Theatre.
Last year their smiles, performances and Steampunk style was infectious, so they really are back by popular demand!
‘The Most Peculiar Tales’ is an anthology of six novelettes featuring psychic investigator Professor Atticus Carr, set in Cornell’s Steampunk Britannia of 1872.
Today’s reading will be excerpted from ‘Soul Ripper’, a story about a young girl who has been taken hostage and her soul ripped from her body.
Professor Carr enlists the help of a most unusual psychic medium to bring the culprit to justice.
Nerves of steel, hands of a surgeon, tactics of a poker star and of course coolness of a cucumber will be required by whomever is to lift the title of World Tea Duelling Champion 2019.
Winners from all over the world assemble to test themselves. This is the best of the best going head to head but everybody knows, if you choose the wrong biscuit your skill counts for nought.
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Muggle Studies… Learn just enough about the mundane world to stop arousing suspicion.
Saving the world whilst wearing fabulous outfits is all in a day’s work for this band of most splendid heroes.
A DC/Marvel/Cogtastic mash-up of your ultimate big screen and comic book heroes.
See imagination, skill and not a strand of lycra, take to the stage for your photographic pleasure.
All superheroes welcome!
The Ministry of Steam Wizards are back and have a full-time table for you!
Wizarding Tournament!
What is a wizard without his spells learn the mystic arts of Steam based magic. Then you can test your metal against your peers and maybe you will walk away with the prize!
Spell lessons followed by Wizard duelling tournament
The now infamous way for small independent traders to offer their Steampunk wares to the cream of Steampunk society.
We call it… The Illicit Market
This is a combination of market and role-playing opportunity. It is themed around the “smuggling of exotica”. People can bring objects to sell but the “Guild of Privateers, Illicit Entrepreneurs and Scoundrels”* are on the lookout for “the authorities” and enforcing a nominal charge.
For full details of the requirements for sellers please visit the Illicit Market feature page .
This is a very popular and fun feature. Please enter into it in the correct spirit. We reserve the right to refuse admission, refuse permission to trade and require anyone to leave without notice.
Keep it splendid and keep it fun!
* The Guild of PIES or otherwise known as the “Piemen”
PLEASE NOTE – Venue is weather dependent… good weather will see the market on the lawn in front Constance Stewart Hall. Inclement weather will see it transfer the the Student Union building (due to capacity of the room upstairs in the SU we may have to restrict numbers of sellers and buyers for your own safety)
An informal gathering of the secret organisation behind the Campaign to Privatise Royalty: the Queen Faketoria Trading Company.
Shareholders will help determine the activities of the Queen Faketoria Trading Company for the coming year, such as engagements for Queen Faketoria. “Shares” available exclusively from Doctor Geof at the Castle Square from Saturday.
Informal AGM will mostly involve chatting, with some traces of pomp and ceremony, to be concluded with a photo of shareholders in attendance by Darkbox Images, probably at the Hardy building.
The Major’s “Folk Singing” evening is rightly famous.
Is he the only person who doesn’t know that it is actually a superb evening of burlesque and entertainment?
The delightful Scarlet Butterfly presents some of her friends in this steampunk celebration of burlesque at its finest.
Suitable for 18+
Join Lady M for a historical amble around the Cathedral, with a juniper infused twist. Learn about the history of the Cathedral, discover some of the darker tales and enjoy a tipple or two as you take a historical journey through the Gin Craze.
This is a walking tour around the Cathedral. Guests are advised to dress for comfort and be aware that the weather may be inclement.
The early tour will meet outside the main Lincoln Cathedral doors.
Suitable for 18+
The Time Travellers Party is a night of music and dance.
This is the place for any kind of outfit (although we expect public decency and NO WEAPONS may be worn or carried) so get ready to strut your stuff.
From the irresistible energy Victor and the Bully, who will guarantee to get you on your feet, to the Post Apocalypse hurricane of World leaders V2A whose driving sounds will compel you to witness the end of the world.
Also joining the party will be Birdeatsbaby, who blend elements of rock, classical and metal music to create a sound that’s striking and unique. Their live shows are spectacle not to be missed.
This is the ultimate music fan festival of fun! Be prepared to dance the night away in the company of truly talented musicians and spectacle creators!
Due to venue licencing this event is suitable for 14+
Join Lady M for a historical amble around the Cathedral, with a juniper infused twist. Learn about the history of the Cathedral, discover some of the darker tales and enjoy a tipple or two as you take a historical journey through the Gin Craze.
This is a walking tour around the Cathedral. Guests are advised to dress for comfort and be aware that the weather may be inclement.
The tour will meet outside the main Lincoln Cathedral doors.
Suitable for 18+
The Major’s “Folk Singing” evening is rightly famous.
Is he the only person who doesn’t know that it is actually a superb evening of burlesque and entertainment?
The delightful Scarlet Butterfly presents some of her friends in this steampunk celebration of burlesque at its finest.
Suitable for 18+
Drop in to our very special Steampunk Marquee in Lincoln Castle for all manner of creative fun.
Talks, workshops, exhibitions, trade tables and an opportunity to meet authors, artists and comic book creators.
Accent UK Comics
Founded in 2000, Accent UK is a privately owned comic publisher based in Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Owners Colin Mathieson and Dave West collect the talents of the UK Independent Comic publishing community, along with guests from overseas, producing an annual themed anthology, as well as now releasing shorter books, one-shots and graphic novels. Andy Bloor joined Accent UK in 2007 as art director overseeing all aspects of design and production for the books.
Time Bomb Comics
Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company that publishes one-shots, graphic novels, and the critically acclaimed Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Based in Birmingham, England, Time Bomb Comics formed in September 2007 to showcase the work of talented writers and artists currently working outside the mainstream comics industry.
Time Bomb Comics is about one simple thing – Telling Great Stories.
Ghost Bear Publishing
Ghost Bear Publishing, responsible for the self-published books of C. Harper-Leigh and Ash J. Surrey.
Their works include the Metropolitan Police’s first female transgender Detective novelette (suitable for a more mature audience) and the adventures of a small grey bear George Shorttail and his chums (suitable for all!)
Hopeless Maine
Set on a strange island, Hopeless Maine is a series charting the adventures of small experimental occultist, Salamandra O’Stoat.
Colin Edmonds
Since selling his first jokes at the age of 16, Colin has been involved in comedy and entertainment, live performance and television shows. His hundreds of TV writing credits include variety, game, clip and chat shows, along with 10 BAFTA Award Ceremonies and 11 Royal Variety Performances. For more than 30 years he was Bob Monkhouse’s head writer. But now he’s achieved his ultimate ambition – penning a Steampunk murder mystery novel featuring two unlikely Victorian detectives.
Join our authors and artists special guests at the Steampunk Campus.
Drop in to see their latest creations, have a chat, ask questions, peruse their wares and purchase all manner of amazing publications and pieces.
Accent UK Comics
Founded in 2000, Accent UK is a privately owned comic publisher based in Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Owners Colin Mathieson and Dave West collect the talents of the UK Independent Comic publishing community, along with guests from overseas, producing an annual themed anthology, as well as now releasing shorter books, one-shots and graphic novels. Andy Bloor joined Accent UK in 2007 as art director overseeing all aspects of design and production for the books.
Time Bomb Comics
Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company that publishes one-shots, graphic novels, and the critically acclaimed Flintlock and Brawler anthology series.
Based in Birmingham, England, Time Bomb Comics formed in September 2007 to showcase the work of talented writers and artists currently working outside the mainstream comics industry.
Time Bomb Comics is about one simple thing – Telling Great Stories.
Jade Sarson
Jade is a Lincoln based illustrator and comic artist who really likes tea, dogs and old books. She graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2011 with a first class honours degree in Illustration, and started self-publishing my teastained comic series Cafe Suada shortly after that.
Her style is a fusion of British roots with Japanese influences, and combines digital and traditional techniques. In 2013 she was nominated for Best Emerging Talent in the British Comic Awards, and in 2014 she won the Myriad Editions First Graphic Novel competition.
Join Ella-Louise and Jennyfer for some table top gaming.
They will be providing some very familiar Steampunk games, including Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks, Lynne Hardy’s game of Steampunk pulp adventure, designed to be played in the comfort of your favourite tea shop!
A nice way to meet new people and have a last game or two before the end of the Festival.
Drop in for a free workshop to make your very own steampunk craft item:
- Button Boutonnieres
- Bicycle Inner Tube Cuffs
- Goggle Inserts (“NEW” for this year)
Places are limited and offered on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.
(Participants should be 14 or over as the workshop uses sharp tools and strong glue.)