Crimson Clocks were delighted to be invited to the Second Surrey Steampunk Convivial on Saturday 23rd Feb. Organised by Ben Henderson, aka Cubinoid, (and also the gentleman responsible for the cover illustration on my first Automata Wars novel The Home Front), this event was a steampunk oddity extraordinaire!
The animal kingdom was well represented with racing snails (clockwork), human snails (not to be confused with The Human Centipede), a belching, wolf-whistling parrot (mechanical), Boris Steamrat (stuffed) and Pockets Harper -Bear (stuffed), not to mention the Clocks own mythical Trevor the Cat (pussy). The steampunk kingdom was even better represented by a host of immaculately turned out ladies and gents, all ready to sample a non stop programme of entertainment.
The animal kingdom was well represented with racing snails (clockwork), human snails (not to be confused with The Human Centipede), a belching, wolf-whistling parrot (mechanical), Boris Steamrat (stuffed) and Pockets Harper -Bear (stuffed), not to mention the Clocks own mythical Trevor the Cat (pussy). The steampunk kingdom was even better represented by a host of immaculately turned out ladies and gents, all ready to sample a non stop programme of entertainment.
And it really was non-stop. Major Jack Union (Kit Cox) shared his expertise on Sink Matter Monsters, and a whole host more. Count Rostov challenged both the Major and Herr Doktor to a pun-off; and following a pun-ishing battle, Herr Doktor emerged victorious. Then there was the film talk (nearly sabotaged by a 'premature human snail'), sea shanties, hat making...
The competitive amongst us were able to take part in tea duelling and gadget racing along with snail racing and the Best Cake in the World competition (won hands down by Lady M with a two tier Rum and Raisin/ Gin and Tonic flavour cake). Throughout the day, a wandering minstrel with an incredible vocal range serenaded us. Of course, a huge range of steampunk stalls were in attendance, selling everything from books, to headdresses, to clothes to hats to gadgets of nefarious purpose... While Herr Doktor's exhibition, mechanical parrot included, provided yet more for us to marvel at over the day.
A shadow puppet theatre began the evening's entertainment, followed by, in quick succession, bands Dirty Spoons, Moth, Crimson Clocks, Birthrite and Gladstone, who played to a backdrop of silent movies. We were joined on stage for two numbers by Ceri (aka 'Random Dent'), a very talented percussionista - thanks for your help, and for your variety of guiro (frogs)!
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, taking part in the day and performing, and equally, we hope everyone enjoyed Crimson Clocks' first venture down south. We had to dash off before the end - you know how it is when you have to feed the cat - but we hope this event becomes a regular, and we'd love to come back again. Hint, hint...
And finally, it just remains to say - thanks to Ben and to all involved for a fabulous day. Having arranged events with far less going on, I know how much it can take out of you - you did a brilliant job, kept cool throughout, Moth were great, and - well, hats off, sir.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, taking part in the day and performing, and equally, we hope everyone enjoyed Crimson Clocks' first venture down south. We had to dash off before the end - you know how it is when you have to feed the cat - but we hope this event becomes a regular, and we'd love to come back again. Hint, hint...
And finally, it just remains to say - thanks to Ben and to all involved for a fabulous day. Having arranged events with far less going on, I know how much it can take out of you - you did a brilliant job, kept cool throughout, Moth were great, and - well, hats off, sir.
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