About Revenant
It’s more than a gig, it’s a gathering!
Whitby Goth Weekend began in 1994 with it’s roots firmly founded in alternative culture and community. When our founder Jo Hampshire, arranged a meet up for a group of friends with shared interests in alternative music, art and fashion, she had no way of knowing that she had just ignited the phenomenon that was to become WGW, a biannual independent gathering, now in its 3rd decade, drawing thousands of visitors from across the world.
For over two decades, Stars & Moon have been closely intertwined with WGW and the wider Whitby community, through side shows, live music, DJ nights, themed parties and countless collaborations including. Working alongside the bands, the artists, the venues, the traders and visitors, that help to nurture this extraordinary grassroot community built on inclusivity, cultural participation, and artistic expression.
Revenant, hosted by Stars & Moon at The Royal Hotel, is a bold expansion for the gothic and alternative ecosystem that exists around Whitby and represents over 20 years of that evolution. Like the people we’ve watched meet, marry, raise children and return year after year, Revenant has risen alongside the WGW community. we provide a safe space where heritage, community, alternative music, art and identity meet. A hub for like-minded individuals, to celebrate who we are, a shared experience and a reminder that culture and community is something that we create together.
Alongside the Ticketed evening programme, Stars & Moon place a strong emphasis on The Royal Hotel as a daytime social hub, offering a welcoming, informal space that encourages connection, inclusion and community participation. Throughout the weekend, the venue becomes a meeting point for newcomers, long-standing attendees, families and friends alike – providing accessible opportunities to gather, converse and feel part of the connective culture that surrounds Whitby Goth Weekend. This softer, community-led aspect reflects Revenant’s Mission to curate a space shaped by a shared cultural expression, rooted in heritage, creativity and belonging.
Whitby Goth Weekend encourages community, creativity, diversity, and self-expression. Revenant provides an accessible and welcoming environment to engage and connect through music, fashion, visual arts, and alternative culture.
Revenant (WGW) supports upcoming artists and independent makers, encourages social connection and contributes to a vibrant, inclusive environment that very few independent festivals manage to achieve.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive space, shaped by cultural participation, and artistic expression. Supporting heritage, community and creativity.
We honour the past, evolve with the present, and celebrate the diversity that keeps 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 Community events all weekend.
At it’s heart, Revenant exits to Support our Community & celebrate alternative 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 alongside a paying 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
