Twelve great and gloomy photos from Goth Day at Leeds City Museum

The sun was beating down, but a corner of Leeds remains dark and sinister for an annual celebration today.

The Festival of Gothica has taken over the Leeds City Museum with the free-to-enter event, amd there has been no shortage of interest.

The city-centre venue was transformed into a sprawling sanctuary of all things dark, macabre, and creative, and the spectacular event is completely free to enter as it honours the legacy of World Goth Day by championing the city's unique position in alternative music and subcultural history.

The packed daytime itinerary features an array of live music, spoken word poetry, independent alternative markets, academic talks, performance art, and specialised architecture walks.

The festival was officially opened by acclaimed novelist, poet, and The March Violets vocalist Rosie Garland.

Visitors explored a vast alternative market weaving through the museum’s historic spaces - including Brodrick Hall, the Thoresby Room, the Upper Circle, and the main exhibition galleries - showcasing the very best dark artisans, independent creators, and alternative traders.