Whitby Goth Weekend: The town where a subculture feels safe

Members of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation charity have been attending Whitby Goth Weekend since the 20-year-old was killed in 2007.

She died after a group of boys attacked her and her boyfriend in a park in Lancashire while they were dressed in gothic clothing. Two of them were convicted of murder.

The foundation has a stall at the festival to raise money for its work, educate people and keep her memory alive.

Elloise Dickinson, education and engagement manager, said the event was a “special place for the foundation”.

“The Whitby goths have always been there for us,” she said.

“We meet people who would see Sophie in Manchester or know people who knew her and even those who don’t come up and say: ‘We resonate with her story.’ ”

Ms Dickinson said the town felt like a “second home” for the foundation.

“Our heart is there,” she said.

“In a place like Whitby there’s so much support.

“The festival gives a chance for alternative people to come out in finery and express themselves and feel safe.

“It’s important for others to see alternative people look so amazing in a way they feel comfortable.

“I’ve seen people as old as 80 or 90 but also children as young as four or five who are just getting into it.

“It’s really important to celebrate difference in culture and celebrate diversity.”