Steampunks' delight as Royal Navy Submarine Museum is transformed for second science fiction spectacular

Scores of intricately-costumed revellers packed out the grounds of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport on Saturday and Sunday for the the Subaquatic Steampunk Weekend.

Organised by The National Museum of the Royal Navy, the fixture welcomed about 1,500 revellers when it debuted last year '“ with organisers expecting an even greater footfall for 2018. 

Inspired by Victorian literary greats such as Jules Verne '“ author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, heralded for the birth of the steampunk movement '“ many visitors said there could be '˜no better venue' for a fixture of its kind. 

And while some journeyed from as far as Basingstoke and Gillingham for the event, Gosport resident Lesley Spicer did not have to travel for long to get among the fun. 

The headteacher said: '˜Some say steampunk represents how life would be if the combustion engine hadn't been invented, while others say it's the equivalent of Victorians being transported to the modern day.  

'˜It's heavily inspired by literature and everyone has their own interpretation of it.' 

She added: '˜This is mine and the Gosport Steampunk Society's second year at the Subaquatic Steampunk Weekend and it's just fantastic.

'˜Thanks to cosplay, Steampunk is on the rise and the inclusiveness of this scene is what makes it so special and such a joy to be a part of.' 

Throughout the weekend, steampunk fans got the chance to enjoy 10 live music and spoken-word performances across two stages. 

There was also a games room, a gin and beer tent, an array of food and drink stalls and a showcase of steampunk-themed traders.