Asylum Steampunk Festival Confirmed for Lincoln in 2025

The organizer of the Asylum Steampunk Festival expressed his delight that the event is set to return to Lincoln in 2025. This four-day event, held during the August bank holiday, draws an international audience, though there had been previous speculation regarding a potential move to a different venue. John Naylor, the festival’s director, indicated that the scarcity of hotel accommodations in Lincoln had made the decision about its future “on a knife edge.” Although the location for next year has been confirmed, Mr. Naylor stated that the venue for the 2026 event remains undetermined. Lincoln’s Member of Parliament, Hamish Falconer, conveyed his delight at the announcement via social media, while the City of Lincoln Council also expressed that it was “very pleased.” Mr. Naylor commented that the festival had become “a victim of its own success” and had subsequently “outgrown” the city. According to Mr. Naylor, participants had previously faced difficulties securing sufficient affordable lodging in Lincoln, but adequate accommodation for the upcoming year is now available. The organizers have been provided with 1,000 rooms from both universities, along with access to a campsite situated at the International Bomber Command Centre. Mr. Naylor stated: “It was absolutely on the knife edge, and we only made the decision convincingly to ourselves as a team on Friday.” He elaborated that dynamic ticket pricing software and the scarcity of beds had, in certain instances, made the event unaffordable for its primary audience, frequently comprising students. Attendees were cautioned against making bookings for 2026 until a venue is officially confirmed. Mr. Naylor described Lincoln as “amazing” and expressed his hope that it might still host a more modest Halloween event. He further remarked, “The city is marvellous,” adding, “but we’ve just grown too big.”