Our much-loved annual Steampunk festival returns to the Wish Tower Slopes on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026!
Showcasing the exciting world of Steampunk, our event is free for all to attend — whether you’re a Steampunk aficionado, or have never heard of it and are just looking for a day out — come and join the fun.
Although it’s a Steampunk festival, dressing up is entirely optional, and you’ll be welcome whether you come in everyday clothes, don a hat and goggles for the afternoon, or go all out.
To help celebrate 25 years of EBS, we want to create an inclusive party atmosphere, so Bonfire dress, cosplay and any other costumes from across genres are all warmly welcomed.
Most importantly, all funds raised from the event go towards our annual Eastbourne Bonfire Event.
What is Steampunk?
Imagine a world where steam-power continues to be humanity’s primary energy source. Where wacky Victorian inventors harness this power to create futuristic, weird and wonderful technologies. A world where despite the anachronistic airships, time machines and weapons, many elements of polite Victorian society remain (including the fashion and the quiet enjoyment of a nice cup of tea).
Welcome to the world of Steampunk!
First popularised in the 1980s and 90s, Steampunk took root in the science fiction community first as a literary sub-genre. Drawing inspiration from 19th century authors like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Mary Shelley, it revels in gear-driven contraptions and clockwork invention.
Today Steampunk has grown from the pages of fiction into its very own subculture – spanning fashion, film, art, music, and even DIY engineering. Fans fuse Victorian elegance with sci-fi flair: think tea parties featuring ray guns resting beside the sugar bowl.
Steampunk is an outlet for creativity — celebrating what could have been had history taken a different turn. It’s not just a fashion/art style, it’s a mindset: adventurous, nostalgic, and wildly inventive!
Whether it be those who enjoy Victorian finery for an afternoon or those who spend years building a persona, the Steampunk community has something for everyone.
What to expect
Our festival invites enthusiasts from around the UK to Eastbourne to celebrate and showcase the Steampunk community, all whilst providing free entertainment for local residents.
Steampunk Parade: Dressing the part is at the heart of the Steampunk community and Steampunk fashion is truly something to behold! We can think of no better environment than Eastbourne’s authentic Victorian Promenade to show off the elegance, extravagance and ingenuity that our visiting Steampunks have put into their outfits.
Join us on both mornings to see Steampunk finery up close (as well as a variety of costumes from other genres).
Live Music: With live music spanning a variety of genres, our festival brings together musical highlights from the Steampunk community whilst also providing a platform for local musicians and performers too.
Expect lyrics focussing on Steampunk culture with references to adventures, airships, or enjoying a nice cup of tea!
Fun and Games: As well as our usual Eastbourne Bonfire Society crockery smash, tombola and games, why not have a go at the most noble of Steampunk pastimes – Tea Duelling.
A game of holding one’s nerve to “nom” a tea-soaked biscuit, Tea Duelling contests are held throughout the weekend.
Event Timings and Details
Dates: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026
Time: 10am – 5pm (both days)
Price: FREE, open to all!
Steampunk Parade:
Saturday – Begins from Victoria Place (where Terminus Road meets the Seafront) heading towards the Wish Tower from 11am (meet 10:45am) – Led by Stix Drummers.
Sunday – Begins from Eastbourne Pier heading towards the Wish Tower from 11:30am (meet 11:15am) – Led by Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band.
Location: Wish Tower Slopes, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4BY
For more info: Follow Eastbourne Steampunk Festival on Facebook
All funds raised go towards staging Eastbourne Bonfire Celebrations.
We hope to see you there!
