HUNDREDS of goths from all over the country are expected to head to York for a music festival weekend this summer.

Organisers say DV8Fest, which takes place from July 15 to July 18, will be the country’s premier goth music festival.

A spokesman said three of York’s major live music venues, The Duchess, Fibbers and Stereo, will be working together to bring a unified musical event featuring 45 bands. “There are three gigs on each night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

Top acts will include Wayne Hussey, former frontman of The Mission, Devilish Presley, Zombina And The Skeletones, Gene Loves Jezebel and Nosferatu.

“DV8Fest has been created to celebrate the diversity of music currently on show within the UK’s alternative music scene whilst championing the medium of the local music scene,” he said.

“In an age of big ‘green-field’ festivals, DV8 wants to encourage people to support the life blood of the alternative music scene and go back to the local live music club.”

Founder and organiser Chris Sherrington said: “People can pick and choose the festival experience for them, whether they enjoy Goth, Industrial, Rockabilly, EBM (Electronic Body Music), Punk or Glam-Goth, DV8Fest will have something for them.”

But he said he also wanted to show York’s “darker side”’ to visitors.

“Whether you enjoy the blood and gore of the York Dungeon, the gothic splendour of York Minster or just relaxing with a drink after shopping, York promises to be a great host for the festival with many attractions and shops working in partnership with us.”

He said there would be opportunities for goths to build up their wardrobes, with alternative markets planned, which would sell everything from boots and bangles to corsets and cupcakes.

Whitby has for years hosted a festival which attracts hundreds of goths from all over the country to the historic coastal resort.