Meet the Victorian Steampunk Society

See the treasures of the Victorian Steampunk Society at our third SFX Weekender festival in February

See this? That's Darth Vapour, an award-winning art piece from the annual Asylum art competition. It was made by John Naylor, a member of the Victorian Steampunk Society . "The idea of the piece was to examine some of the intrinsic ideas behind the character of Darth Vader by replacing the Empire with two of the empires at the end of the nineteenth century - primarily Germany but with a dash of Tsarist Russia thrown in," says Naylor. You can see his this, and other pieces, at our SFX Weekender event in February 2012 because the ladies and gents of the VSS will be there in style!

The Victorian Steampunk Society was formed in 2009 to promote steampunk in the UK. From very small beginnings it's grown into one of the leading steampunk organisations in the world. A core of just eight full members facilitates the society's activities but there are now more than 1,500 associate members. Since 2009 the society has organised meets, punknics, music events, flashmobs, fashion shows, art exhibitions, competitions and awards. It's advised on media and education projects reaching out to thousands of people and raises money at its events for charity. The VSS is perhaps best known as organisers of Weekend At The Asylum, the UK steampunk festival held in the City of Lincoln each year. This is now apparently the largest event of its type in Europe and brings more than a quarter of a million pounds into the city's economy each year.

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The VSS awards honorary fellowships. Friend of SFX and top author Robert Rankin was named as the first Fellow of the VSS in 2009 and is an active supporter and promoter, especially of the organisation's charity fundraising work.

"Steampunk is part modern fashion and social community and part science fiction genre," the group tells us. "For the 2012 Weekender in Prestatyn, members of the VSS will be bringing along some inspirational artwork pieces and outfits and will be on hand to act as guides to this vibrant and exciting part of the sci-fi world."

Come along and see these folks plus actor Q&As, authors book signings, panels, screenings and more, at the live sci-fi event in just over three months' time. The SFX Weekender 3 takes place at Prestatyn Sands on the first weekend in February. VIP tickets have sold out but there are still many other options available – book now by calling 08700 11 00 34 or visiting the official Weekender ticket page !

Read all our guest announcements in the SFX Weekender 3 Hub.

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