Retro-futurists could soon make Lincoln the focal point for the burgeoning Steampunk movement, after announcing the community's first ever UK festival is to be held in the city.

Enthusiasts, who dress in Victorian and Edwardian attire, are taking over the The Lawn in September for a weekend of comedy, live music, exhibitions and appearances from the likes of author Robert Rankin.

And organisers hope they might be able to expand the non-profit proceedings into the community with events open to the public – but are still waiting to hear back from the city council.

John Naylor, a member of the Victorian Steampunk Society, said: "We've tried to get the city involved but they've not bitten.

"What we've offered the council is to try and open up the grounds around The Lawn.

"I'm trying to get the council to help us not because we need it, but because we can help the city.

"It's potentially very good for Lincoln as it could end up as the focus for this very artistic movement.

"Our first event will bring £100,000 to the local economy and it's quite galling when the council won't even return our calls."

In years to come, if this first "convivial" is a success, it is hoped the event could return annually, pumping millions into the city, like a Lincoln Steampunk equivalent of the Whitby Goth Week.

The city council told the Echo it supported the idea of the event in theory but could make no further comment while discussions were ongoing.

For more on the Steampunk festival, see Saturday's Echo.