I was lucky enough to pop along to the Alternative & Burlesque Fair in Sheffield. Held in the Corporation nightclub, those who know the club will know that it’s the perfect venue. The Fair was split into two definitive sections. The main bar/dancefloor area was dedicated to the burlesque entertainment while an area outside was where the market had been situated.

There was a lot on display, from hand-made cards, to gas masks. Some of the steampunks selling there wares included Always Alternative who make delightful little steampunk jewellery items (a couple of which I have in for review, so watch this space). I also had a chat with the beautiful Kathryn from The Little Steampunk Emporium and Madame Dee’s Creations who have recently teamed up with English Voodoo designs. The girls there are the “go to” team if you like your steampunk fashion with a little more controversy. By controversy, I mean latex. For the corset enthusiast, you need to look at Curious Heart Ltd. Aimee has a number of off the rack corsets as well as making bespoke items.

Catering was supplied by Pear of Peas. Pennie is lovely and makes some delightful cakes. Especially the Battenburg – a staple of every English gentleman.

I managed to get a picture of Paul DoMaster, a jolly nice fellow who was providing the music for the burlesque entertainment in the main bar. Paul was backed up by compere Kieron O’Toole who kept us amused as he bridged from one act to the other.

I managed to catch a show by Sheffield based siren Deadly Nightshade and Heresy & Heelz resident Sukki Singapora.

I had a wonderful time and if you’re a steampunk or someone that takes an interest in the rubbery side of life, then The Alternative & Burlesque Fair is a lovely place to go. It’s hosted by Heresy & Heelz, ran by Jules Evans and his lovely wife Shazzie. The fair travels all over England stopping at Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol as well as Sheffield. The next fair is in Manchester on October, 12. Then it’s on to Birmingham for November, 23 with the final fair of 2013 landing back in Manchester on December, 7. You can see lots of information about upcoming fairs, galleries, news and videos at the Heresy & Heelz website. Do pop along to a fair, you won’t be disappointed.

Below are a selection of images from the burlesque shows by Deadly Nightshade and Sukki Singapora along with a few samples from the pole dancing spectacular by Blush Dance studios.

Blush Dance Studios

Deadly Nightshade

Sukki Singapora