Spoof blue plaque scheme returns
A Spoof blue plaque scheme entitling Steampunks to discounts and special offers is a way for businesses to thank those who pay for the annual summer bank holiday festival.
The Ministry of Steampunk organises the Weekend at the Asylum in uphill Lincoln - this year it will run from Friday - Monday, August 22-25.
It attracts thousands of Steampunk enthusiasts to the city, who in turn attract thousands of visitors keen to see them parading in their Victoriana/Sci-fi inspired regalia.
This year’s event is the 15th - dubbed Asylum XV - is expected to be just as popular.
“The historic quarter of Lincoln will once again be transformed into a fantasy wonderworld when Steampunks from near and far come together to enjoy the biggest Steampunk event that takes place anywhere in the world” said a Ministry statement.
It is inviting local businesses to take part in the spoof blue plaque scheme to offer visiting Steampunks discounts and other incentives for goods and services. Most outlets that took part in the 2024 scheme offered a 10 per cent discount, explained Guy Sawle for the Ministry.
“The Ministry of Steampunk who run the festival (none of whom live in Lincoln) do not receive any grant income nor any financial contributions from the Lincoln/Lincolnshire councils.
“All of the Steampunk content is paid for by the Steampunks who buy a festival wristband in order to attend the event. Weekend at the Asylum does not belong to Lincoln; it belongs to the Ministry of Steampunk and the Steampunks who attend and pay for the event.
“Because the event depends on the sale of festival wristbands, we are keen to make sure that the Steampunks who buy wristbands are properly rewarded for doing so.”
To sign up for the scheme email
“We would love for more businesses to become involved with this year’s festival, which is set to be the biggest since the pandemic.”
The Ministry has also introduced a new landing page on its website specifically for Lincoln residents at
https://www.ministryofsteampunk.com/axv-local.
“It is designed to provide some background information to locals who know that the event takes place but don’t really know much about what it actually is,” added Guy.
Pictures: Ministry of Steampunk
