About Revenant
The story began in 1994 and remains a tale of friendship, community, and belonging : With the help of local landlord the late Len Macknight, Jo Hampshire arranged a meet up in the quiet seaside town of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast, for a group of friends with shared interests in live music, art and fashion. She had no way of knowing that she had just ignited the phenomenon that was to become Whitby Goth Weekend, a biannual independent gathering, now in its 33rd year, drawing thousands from across the world.
For over two decades, the Stars & Moon team have been closely intertwined with WGW through side shows, live music, DJ nights, themed parties and countless collaborations around town. We’ve worked alongside the bands, the artists, the venues, the traders and visitors that help to nurture this extraordinary community. One built on acceptance, expression and the joyful strangeness of alternative culture and bohemian lifestyle.
Revenant at The Royal Hotel represents 21 years of that evolution, like the people we’ve watched meet, marry, raise children and return year after year, it has grown alongside the WGW community. It’s more than a live music event, it is a bold expansion for the gothic and alternative ecosystem that exists around Whitby. A cultural space where alternative music, art and identity meet. It is a safe haven for like-minded souls, a celebration of who we are, a shared experience and a reminder that belonging can be created simply by showing up for one another.
Our Mission
Revenant at The Royal Hotel is a home for the beautifully different. Our mission is to provide a safe space, shaped by alternative music, art and identity, a place where friendships grow, stories continue, and everyone belongs without explanation.
We honour the past, evolve with the present, and celebrate the shared moments that keep our community alive.
Useful Links & FAQ’s
The Official Whitby Goth Weekend Website
The Official Guide to What’s On during WGW
Whitby Revenant FAQ’s
What is Revenant? Revenant is a Whitby Goth Weekend event. Born from Whitby’s Gothic tradition and uniting generations in the alternative community. Comprising 3 nights of Alternative Live Music and an array of free events all weekend. At it’s heart, Revenant exits to celebrate alternative music & subcultures with passion, inclusivity and creativity.
When does Revenant take place? Whitby Revenant takes place twice a year during Whitby Goth Weekend in Spring & Autumn each year.
Spring – May 2026: Friday 1st, 2nd, 3rd May 2026
Autumn – October 2026 Fri 30th, Saturday 31st Sunday 1st November
Where does Revenant event take place? Revenant takes place at The Royal Hotel, West Cliff, in the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. THE ROYAL HOTEL, WEST CLIFF, WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE YO21 3HA
DATES FOR 2027: The dates for WGW 2027 will be announced at Halloween 2026 on The Official WGW website and in The Little Black Almanac, (WGW’s Whats On Guide). We recommend checking here that the dates are published here to avoid confusion with other events and to avoid disappointment.
A Note on Young People & Families: The future of live music and alternative subculture lies with young people, that is why we are committed to offering a programme that is fun and family friendly. All our events do carry a Parental Advisory (some bands may include explicit lyrics and adult themes) but guests under 18 years of age are welcome to the evening events when accompanied by an adult. Families: Please note under 14’s are permitted free of charge into the ticketed live event with proof of ID (Passport or Birth Certificate) alongside a parent or legal guardian.
How do I get to Whitby?
The following links should help:
Arrivabus https://www.arrivabus.co.uk
National Express https://www.nationalexpress.com/en
National Rail Enquiries https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Whitby Train Station https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/whitby/
Where can I stay?:
Check Out our Ticket Options for exclusive Weekender Stay Packages at The Royal Hotel
THE ROYAL HOTEL, WEST CLIFF, WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE YO21 3HA
Other places to stay:
Arundel House: https://www.arundelhousehotel.co.uk
The two largest companies offering self catering options in Whitby are:
Whitby Holiday Cottages https://www.whitby-cottages.net/
Ingrid Flute’s Holiday Cottages https://www.yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk/
Other ideas:
Airbnb https://www.airbnb.co.uk
Booking.com https://www.booking.com/
Expedia https://www.expedia.co.uk/
iKnow-UK https://www.snaptrip.com/
Laterooms.com https://www.laterooms.com/
Trivago https://www.trivago.co.uk/
Whitby Tourist Info 01723 383636.
Where can I park in Whitby?
Pay and Display car parks can be found throughout town, and there is also a Park & Ride facility located on the western outskirts of the town. Opening hours and more information for the Park & Ride can be found here. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/park-and-ride/whitby-park-and-ride
What is the best way to get around in Whitby and the surrounding area?
Whitby town itself isn’t that big, so most places are within walking distance, but for local buses connecting Whitby to Middlesbrough, Scarborough, and also for getting out and about outside of the town centre please visit Arrivabus.
There’s high demand for the reasonably priced taxis in town so were recommend booking well in advance of when you need a pick up.
Abbey Taxis – 01947 606666
Streamline Taxis – 01947 603306
White Rose Taxis – 01947 604604
WHITBY REVENANT ~ A WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND® EVENT 