“You’re getting too old for this,” jokes New Model Army frontman Justin Sullivan as he watches fans mosh, stripped to their waists and glistening with sweat.
They roar back, then cheer as the 63-year-old says: “Nah, some of us never get too old for this!”
And like New Model Army, active since 1980, the festival they are headlining proves some scenes never die.
Tomorrow’s Ghosts is the latest addition to Whitby’s rich goth tradition, dating back to Dracula author Bram Stoker being inspired there in 1890.
The biannual festival debuted at the North Yorkshire town’s Pavilion last October with nights headlined by Paradise Lost and Fields of the Nephilim.
New Model Army were joined as this spring’s headliners by grebo pioneers Pop Will Eat Itself. And a buzz is building for November 1-3, when Wayne Hussey from The Mission and Dutch darkwave giants Clan of Xymox headline.
Organiser Absinthe Promotions presents heady line-ups. The support acts this time included Sisters of Mercy-esque Londoners Terminal Gods, Manchester post-punkers Chameleons Vox and French coldwave outfit Saigon Blue Rain.
Speaking to Absinthe’s Kirstin Lavender as she darted around busily on the first night, she lamented: “So many great bands and I’m lucky to hear one song!”
If so, it would be a shame. The weekend was clearly a labour of love, a rich package for fans of all things gothic. As well as music, there were horror film screenings at the Pavilion’s cinema.
Hammer Horror actresses sharing memories in an event called Hammer Glamour included Caroline Munro. And proving care for detail is everything to Absinthe, the poster was painted by Graham Humphreys, a stalwart of horror cinema art.
Bram’s great-grandnephew Dacre Stoker also gave a talk and the marketplace was packed with macabre curiosities and clothing – mostly black.
But if it sounds a bit dark, it was anything but. People came for fun, as did the bands – summed up by the huge smile on PWEI bassist Davey Bennett throughout their roof-raising set.
And thankfully, Kirstin did manage to enjoy herself, saying: “I’ve laughed and danced to the point my sides ache. Our second festival has blown me away, from the music to our guests.”
November tickets are on sale and next April’s line-up is set but secret. And with planning under way for Halloween 2020, this fixture won’t give up the ghost any time soon.
· More details at tomorrowsghostsfestival.co.uk
