THE  steam-powered fiction of Victorian writers such as HG Wells and Jules Verne provided the backdrop to a festival of ’steampunk’ over the weekend. 

The two-day festival at the Drill Hall in Chepstow drew enthusiasts from the area and around the country and visitors keen to find out what was going on. 

Many costumed characters could be seen around the town on the weekend with top hats, corsets and goggles particular favourites as accessories. 

The two-day winter festival was organised by the Chepstow steampunk group which holds monthly meetings at the Two Rivers Hotel in Newport Road. 

Organiser  Alice Frugonia said: “One of the things about Steampunk is that it is open, friendly, welcoming community and one of our guiding principles is good manners.” 

Co-organiser George Mustard added: “It’s all about dressing up, having a nice time and being splendid.” 

The festival included a competition for the best contraption, tea pot racing and a fashion show as well as a range of trade stalls from across the country and musical entertainment. 

The winner of the fashion show was Jayne Worrin of Chepstow whose Oriental-inspired costume was made from material which had been in her “fabric stash for two years waiting for the right project.” 

To find out more about steampunk visit www.chepstowsteampunk.org 

•For more photographs see this week’s Review.