Something in the Aether...

Glory Days guest reporter, Stuart Attwood, files a report from the front line of Aethercon 2015...

Having attended Aethercon in 2014, I was very much looking forward to this year, and I was certainly not disappointed! This years event was run in conjunction with Costumefest, so there was a large array of both Cosplay and other interesting outfits from the crowds that attended, mostly tending toward Steampunk.

For those uninitiated, Steampunk is a loose alternate Victorian reality, driven mostly by Jules Verne fantasy, adventures into the unknown and the creative genius of its participants.

On arrival, I stepped up and took one for the Glory Days team by being shot in the backside by the 2 1/2'' Pounder air driven cannon, which is a masterpiece of engineering and proved a great way to start off the day... with a bang!

Then into the goodies! There was so much to see and get involved with. I chose to wander around and talk to some of the stall holders to see what they had on offer, and I discovered several personal standouts. 

Firstly, Beatrice Carlson (pictured below). A consistent finalist at the World of Wearable Art competition, Beatrice had her amazing range of Cameos and clothing on offer. The Cameos are from her ''Vie de boheme'' collection. Very distinctive, and quite beautiful. Her work can be viewed at www.beatricecarson.com.

On the literary side, I had the good fortune to meet S.C Green (pictured below left). She is the author of ''The Sunken'', part one of a series, named ''Engine Ward". The next book "Gauge War'' is due out sometime this year. She is someone to look out for, if your reading material tends toward Steampunk/Fantasy/Paranormal. She also writes humorous Fantasy under the name Steff Metal. Green is a prolific writer and is well on her way. Find out more at www.steffmetal.com

I spent a good part of the day speaking with Gracie from Clevedon Costumes and Vintage Apparel (below right), and the discussion we had was a story in it self. Gracie has a wealth of knowledge and some amazing outfits and accessories and is just an all round great person to talk to. We discussed the experience of purchasing vintage clothing and costumes from a dealer as opposed to online shopping. It really is a case of getting out there, meeting new people and talking to those who are well versed in fitting us out. Go visit your local stores folks, it's well worth your time and effort, as well as supporting those in the business of making us look great! Find Gracie on her Facebook page.

The quality of the costumes at this years event was outstanding. The personal highlight for me however was an outstanding Victorian dress made by Amy Beales of Northwic (pictured below). She spent hours working on the garment itself and it was simply beautiful. A visit to her website is a visual treat for those who love to see master craftsmanship and quality. 

There was so much to see and experience. The inspiration, time and imagination that went into Aethercon and the people who attended will stay with both myself and those who attended for some time. I'd like to make special mention the hostesses of Aethercon, Vola Tile and Madame Rou, they were real troopers. 

 And finally Michael, Belle and the rest of the Aethercon team thank you for your kindness and for being so accommodating, it was a fantastic event and I'm looking forward to next year, Well done!

For more images from the day, visit our Facebook page.

Would you like to find out more about Steampunk? Check out Glory Days Issue 4 - A Victorian Christmas which you can access for free online from our archive!