Weekend at the Asylum is a truly unique event and the highlight of the year for most UK steampunks.  It is a place to get together, promenade, to socialise and chat, to share ideas and simply have a great time. It includes:

• Workshops, talks,  panels and presentations such as you might expect at a conference.
•  
• Signings and a chance to meet authors, musicians and other people involved in the genre.
•  
• An exhibition of contraptions, gadgets and art.
•  
• The biggest wholly steampunk market in the World.
•  
• Competitions, games and contests.
•  
• Live music and performance:  Including MC Elemental, Edwin Flay, Andrew O'Neil and The Men WMNBBFN. Ghostfire, Sunday Driver, Rachel Hayward, Rome Burns,  Eibon La Furies, Alice Moving Under Skies, Savile Row,  plus a range of other supporting acts etc. 

The event kicks off on Thursday evening for the advance guard with an informal gathering at Widow Cullen's Well at the top of Steep Hill.  A relaxed evening to meet up with old friends and make a few new ones.

Friday is a day for arrivals and exploring Lincoln. The Museum and Gallery in Lincoln is hosting an exhibition of artwork by Mr Robert Rankin FVSS who is launching his latest nvel at the event.  There will also be a showing of steampunk short films entered in our competition.  Event control will open at the Lawns around 5pm for people to collect their event passes and goody bags.  People will be gathering and socialising at The Victoria during the afternoon and early evening. The event gets into full swing at 7.00 with live bands playing at The Victoria and in The Lawn.  Full pass holders can move between these two venues as they wish.   Also on Friday evening we have the Major's Soiree, a smaller select event with just 100 tickets - comedy, music and magic for a very special start to the weekend in the Little Theatre upstairs at The Lawns.

Saturday morning the day programme begins at The Lawn.  The full timetable will be published closer to the event but will include panels, talks, workshops and presentations.  The Lawns also hosts the Great Exhibition and you are cordially invited to submit your work and the chance to win a covetted VSS medal.

The Victorian Prison at Lincoln Castle is home to the Bazaar Eclectica.  This is a truly unique opportunity to explore the cells of a genuine Victorian Prison and discover in each one an artisan trader with an amazing display of steampunk wares.   There will be other entertainment features within the Castle too.

Saturday evening and there will be more live music and entertainment at The Victoria.  People looking for somewhere a little quieter and relaxed are welcome at Charlotte House.  The Lawn hosts the Second Annual Empire Ball, the most glittering event in the steampunk social calendar. A chance to dress to impress and dance to "The Men" and "Ghostfire" as well as the incomparable MC Elemental.   

Sunday has more panels, workshops etc at The Lawn and in The Castle.  The Bazaar will be open for business and the competitions etc will be concluded.

Of course one of the most pleasurable aspects of the event is having a chance to promenade and socialise. Gathering so many steampunks in one place is guaranteed to make for a pleasant time.

The name Weekend at the Asylum was coined in light of the fact that our core day venue, The Lawn, served the City of Lincoln as a lunatic asylum in our chosen Victorian period.  Whilst we are often considered eccentric to say the least this was felt to be a very apt title for our event.