The 1st Halifax Goth Festival: A Weekend of Music, Literature, and Gothic Charm

Halifax is set to host its first-ever Goth Festival from Friday, 14th February to Sunday, 16th February 2025, thanks to an exciting collaboration between town centre favourites The Grayston Unity, The Book Corner, and Beetl3juice. This unique event highlights the vibrant community spirit of Halifax, with local businesses coming together to create a memorable weekend packed with gothic-themed events.

Expect an eclectic mix of live music, gothic fiction talks, book signings, and guided walks at iconic venues across the town centre, including The Book Corner, Calderdale Industrial Museum, and The Grayston Unity. Whether you’re a dedicated goth or simply curious about exploring a new cultural experience, Halifax will be filled with creativity and gothic charm all weekend.

Festival Highlights:

Friday, 14th February

  • Spellbound: An Evening of Gothic Fiction
    Time: 6:30 PM | Location: The Book Corner
    Explore the history and influence of Gothic literature with writers Michael Stewart and Claire O’Callaghan. From Frankenstein to Dracula, discover how gothic themes have shaped stories through the ages.
    Tickets: £5 – Reserve on Eventbrite

  • High Parasite & Icon 13 – Live @ The Grayston Unity
    Start off the festival with an atmospheric performance by High Parasite & Icon 13, setting the mood for a weekend of gothic celebration.
    Tickets: £15.50 – Purchase tickets here or purchase them at the Bar in The Grayston Unity.

Saturday, 15th February

  • Book Signing with Rosie Garland
    Time: 1:00 PM | Location: The Book Corner
    Meet acclaimed novelist and poet Rosie Garland, who will be signing her latest novel, The Fates.
    This is a free event—just drop by!

  • Talk: John Robb – The Art of Darkness
    Time: 2:00 PM | Location: The Grayston Unity
    Join journalist and musician John Robb for a fascinating talk on the history of goth culture.

  • Dark Halifax Tour
    Time: 3:30 PM | Location: Starts from The Grayston Unity
    Take a guided walking tour through the darker history of Halifax with Halifax Heritage Tours CIC and Haunted Halifax CIC.
    Tickets: £10 – available online from TicketSource.

  • In Conversation: Gary Marx (Sisters of Mercy) & John Robb
    Time: 4:00 PM | Location: The Grayston Unity
    Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Gary Marx, a founding member of The Sisters of Mercy, in conversation with John Robb about goth music’s legacy.

  • Paul Weatherhead’s Weird Calderdale
    Time: 6:30 PM | Location: Calderdale Industrial Museum
    Join Paul Weatherhead for an intriguing talk on Calderdale’s weird and wonderful history, covering everything from phantom attackers to urban legends.
    Tickets: £5 – Reserve on Eventbrite

  • Live Music: Rose of Avalanche & Dawn of Elysium
    Time: 8:00 PM | Location: The Grayston Unity
    End the day with a powerful performance by goth rock legends Rose of Avalanche and Dawn of Elysium, followed by a goth DJ set from Paul Owens.

Sunday, 16th February

  • Halifax Minster Bell Tower Tour
    Time: 12:00 Noon | Location: Halifax Minster
    A guided tour offering a unique perspective on Halifax’s history.
    Pre-booking is essential, tickets are available on Eventbrite.

  • Dark Halifax Tour
    Time: 2:00 PM | Location: Starts from The Grayston Unity
    Take a guided walking tour through the darker history of Halifax with Halifax Heritage Tours CIC and Haunted Halifax CIC.
    Tickets are £10 and available online from TicketSource.

  • Live Music: Cover of Dark
    Time: 4:00 PM | Location: The Grayston Unity
    Close out the festival with a set of iconic gothic covers performed by Cover of Dark.

Ticket Information

Halifax Goth Festival tickets can be reserved in-store at The Book Corner or online via Eventbrite. Some events are free, while others require pre-booking. For more details and ticket availability, visit The Grayston Unity’s website.

Experience the Dark Side of Halifax

Whether you’re drawn by the music, intrigued by gothic fiction, or keen to explore the town’s unique venues, Halifax’s first Goth Festival offers a weekend of unforgettable experiences. This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of local creativity, culture, and community.

Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and prepare to immerse yourself in the dark and delightful world of Halifax Goth Festival!