VISITORS to Chepstow at the weekend could be forgiven to think they had gone back in time as the second annual Steampunk festival rolled into town.

Around 500 people attended the three-day event, despite the damp and dismal weather, to celebrate their shared love of Victorian re-enactments and the steam-powered science fiction of writers like HG Wells and Jules Verne.

Corsets and top hats were the favoured dress of the day for the crowds who strolled through the town centre to the sounds of Samba performed by The Ambling Band.

Victorian magic duo Morgan and West took to the stage on Friday night, along with skiffle bands Gaudy Orde and Boxcar Aldous Huxley, who performed using home made instruments and wash boards.

Steampunk rapper Professor Elemental impressed diners at Saturday night’s cabaret and ball with his alternative hip hop - Chap Hop, while Castle Dean Productions put on a satirical Victorian melodrama, The Curios Case, on Sunday night.

Organiser Andy Dingley, said the sold out event was a hit with locals and visitors alike.

He said: "People love the spectacle of it. Last year local people were saying ‘what on earth is that, it looks great fun’ and this year they have come along.

"It gives people a chance to dress up and display some etiquette. We are trying to revive some of the best parts of the last 100 years."