Weekend at the Asylum: The Markets

Europe’s largest Steampunk convivial was the host to several markets and tons of talented traders and craftspeople. There was one open to the general public in Castle Square, but the rest were only available to convention attendees. It was fun to be at the open market because of the opportunity to see all the “normals” mixing with the Steampunk crowd, but the closed markets were a great opportunity to visit booth after booth without being overcrowded.

I got a chance to talk to lots of people and collect several business cards, so I will do some posts on individual folks and businesses where you can get some stuff to add extra steam to your own cosplay. For now, here are some pics of the general hub-bub and the kinds of things you could purchase as part of the convention. Even with the pounds to dollars conversion I found the prices for vintage and handmade goods to be very reasonable. I picked up a utility belt, some art supplies and lovely lace collar for less than 50 GBP total.

Respirators for all of your high altitude airshipping

Goggles abounded at the convention.

You couldn’t ask for a better space than the old Bailgate neighborhood in Lincoln

Hats hats hats!

This booth had amazing kits and cut outs

So many hats, so little time

It isn’t called Castle Square for nothing. There is totally a castle in Lincoln and you get free admission with your Asylum wristband

Fancy something sweet?

I loved this method of displaying a hat