Day two sees many a back-combed head brave the saturating mist in search of the bounty of the Bizarre Bazaar. The markets in the Pavilion and Leisure Centre are full of traders happy to part the patrons from their hard-earned cash in exchange for pretty things. While over at the leisure centre car park the best in gothic customised cars assembled for the public to drool over. Everything from hearses to hot-rods and the lowest lowrider you've ever seen are on display.
But as the sun sets the crowds retreat back to their temporary abodes, ready to venture out for the second night of bands down at the Pavilion.

The Death Notes kick off the second night with their icy cold post-punk sound and sleek Siouxsie And The Banshees dynamic, which wins over with the crowd quickly. The slower, more methodical pace of the songs eases the crowd into their short set. Though the performance feels a little restrained at the beginning, the band soon warms up and quickly loose themselves in the songs. Successful in wetting the collective appetite of all those in attendance The Death Notes will be a name that many in attendance will not forget in a hurry.

Up next is Australian trio The Dark Shadows who, in true punk rock spirit, don't bother to wait for their introduction... or even for the DJ to finish the song before erupting into life. The band hurtle through their set crammed full of vampire baiting lyrics, punk riffs and cool bass lines. Much like Berlin Black the previous night the band up the stakes from the off and create a very tough act for anyone to follow. The Dark Shadows have all the tools necessary to be a big band, and hopefully they won't be strangers on these shores.

 

Luckily the following act is more than ready with a few surprises in store as Rhombus goes XL! First accompanied by a violinist before being joined by the four lovely Rhombettes on backing vocals. The band's trump card comes in the form of Anne-Marie Hurst of Skeletal Family fame. Rhombus have their sights set high and receive enthusiastic responses from the crowd for the likes of ‘Open The Sky' and ‘Anywhere', among others. Capping things off with a sing-a-long of ‘Celebration' the band prove that they are here to stay in a very big way.

Suddenly the stage shrinks in focus as the lone figure of gothic renaissance man Voltaire creeps up to the microphone. The banter, jokes and extra large personality of America's unofficial spokesman for all things goth are all on top form as he provides a more intimate style of performance. Classic songs include ‘Vampire Club', ‘Brains' and ‘When You're Evil' which elicit rabid cheers of approval, while even newer songs still provide plenty of sing-a-long action. Once again Voltaire proves that you don't need to be a full band to create festival magic.

Tonight's headliners need no introduction having been part of one of the most important bands to ever come out of Manchester let alone the post-punk scene. Chameleons Vox champion the legacy of The Chameleons with vocalist Mark Burgess at the helm and John Lever behind the drums and promptly give everyone in the building a lesson in musical genius. The smooth and collected performance is mired only by some minor feedback issues with the PA, but this doesn't dampen spirits. Minor technical hitches are instantly overshadowed by the sheer power of songs like ‘Nostalgia‘, ‘Rule Britannia' and ‘Caution', which seem more full of bite and relevance today as when they were first penned.

And so another Whitby Goth Weekend comes to an end. The DJ's play out the end of the night with more of the great selections they've made all weekend, as the crown jostle around the merchandise stalls before eventually filling into the night.

You can watch the Dominion TV interview with our old friends Rhombus below.

All photographs by Sean M. Palfrey (Imago Mortis Photography)
All video footage shot and edited by Spittingflower Productions.