World’s largest Steampunk festival to stay in city
Lack of affordable accommodation in Lincoln almost drove the world’s biggest Steampunk festival out of the city.
But the Weekend at the Asylum will return to the city on the August bank holiday weekend of 2025.
The event attracts around 100,000 visitors to Lincoln, but there were concerns it would have to move to another location due to a lack of affordable accommodation.
Event organisers, The Ministry of Steampunk, have now confirmed that the popular event will be staged in Lincoln next year, after working with local councils, the city’s universities and Lincoln BIG.
As in previous years, some accommodation is on offer at Bishop Grosseteste University, but in 2025 the University of Lincoln will also be offering places to stay within its campus ensuring the return of the festival.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, welcomed the news: “I’m so pleased that Steampunk will be staying in Lincoln for 2025. Months of hard work by officers and members at Lincolnshire County Council, and John Naylor at the Ministry of Steampunk, has paid off so that the event can be held in the city next year.
“Huge thanks go to the University of Lincoln for talking with us and offering their support to make sure there will be a range of accommodation options for the increasing visitor numbers this unique event attracts.”
A campsite will also be set up for the event at the International Bomber Command Centre.
John Naylor from the Ministry of Steampunk, who runs the event, said: “The 15th event will be the largest celebration of steampunk as a creative artform and community the world has ever seen attracting visitors from around the globe. It is only fitting that we can do this in the city.
“Both Lincolnshire County Council and City of Lincoln Council have been instrumental in securing the agreements needed to allow us to run Weekend at the Asylum XV in the city and we are extremely grateful for their help and support.
“The festival had been under threat due to the affordability of accommodation in the city. We are thankful for the kind support of both University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University in building a solution allowing us to stay for 2025.”
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “We are very pleased that the decision has been made to keep the Steampunk Festival in Lincoln. We were one of several partners who helped deliver this successful outcome for the city. This collaborative effort has ensured that one of the most colourful and exciting events in Lincoln’s calendar will continue to delight participants and visitors alike, ensuring an ongoing economic benefit for many of the city’s businesses.”
Heather Stephen, Head of Commercial Marketing, Events and Conferencing at the University of Lincoln, said: “We are delighted to support Steampunk 2025 with much needed modern, good quality and affordable accommodation. Those staying on campus will benefit from being close to activities both on campus at the Engine Shed as well as within the city whilst being able to enjoy a flexible, self-catered option, which is more suited to young adults and families. Not only this, but those staying within our apartments as Steampunk 'flatmates' are presented with an additional opportunity to connect with each other adding another layer to the experience of Steampunk.
“This collaboration, we hope, is the start of long-term, imaginative working together which adds value to the city's Steampunk offer through events on campus and provides opportunities for our academics and students to be involved in such a renowned event.
“Seeing unique events like this in Lincoln brings our city to life and celebrates our history and heritage whilst adding to our culture today. Something we cannot afford to lose.”