Full Steampunk ahead at Queen Street Mill
Cult science fiction is taking over Queen Street Mill (QSM) this weekend.
From midday to 5pm on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June the museum at Harle Syke, near Burnley, will host a Steampunk weekend.
Steampunk is an increasingly popular type of science fiction that embraces fashions, culture, architectural style and art from an alternative history of the Victorian era.
Jennifer Ingham, Lancashire County Council's museum manager at QSM, said: "QSM is the ideal venue for Steampunk enthusiasts as we have the only surviving steam–powered weaving shed in the world.
"Previous Steampunk events have been so successful that we now put on a full weekend with market and craft stalls, family entertainment and live steam and weaving demonstrations.
"Visitors could find some truly unique and unusual objects at the stalls, so if you are a fan of the genre or even if you are just curious, come along – you are sure to have a good day out."
At its peak, QSM would have had up to 1,138 working looms in the weaving shed, along with other machinery throughout the mill.
The mill's steam engine, Peace, which is still in full working order, is just one part of a collection of machinery which has been impressively preserved by specialists at the museum. The engine will be running throughout the weekend.
The collection also includes the original Lancashire boiler, which still powers the steam engine today.
The Steampunk weekend is suitable for everyone and admission to Queen Street Mill is £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. Accompanied children and Burnley residents go free.
Queen Street Mill is run by Lancashire County Council with support from Burnley Borough Council.
Car parking is free and Queen Street Mill is fully accessible for disabled visitors, including people with guide dogs.
For more information, please call 01282 412555 or email [email protected].
Alternatively, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Julie Dobson on 01772 536616