THIS Saturday Stroud will play host to a Steampunk Picnic in the Park.

If you are wondering “what is Steampunk?” the answer is Steampunk is a style of literature, music, dress, or performance that is inspired by a combination of Victorian and futuristic ideals, plus it's lots of fun.

The event takes place in Stratford Park and the Museum in the Park and is split into two parts.

Between 10am and 5pm there will be a free event featuring:

• a modest Steampunk market selling crafts, clothing, books and CDs

• talks from leading Steampunk authors including Craig Hallam, Mat McCall and Stephen Palmer

• a special presentation featuring Doctor Geof and Alexia Clarke – curator at the Museum in the Park looking at why museums and Steampunk go so well together

• games including tea duels and reworkings of classic Cotswold events including spurring the barre (Cotswold tossing the caber) and mini cheese rolling with a miniature version of Coopers Hill.

The day event is suitable for all the family.

The evening features performances in Stratford Park bandstand from leading Chap Hop performer Professor Elemental, new performances from the Ominous Folk of Hopeless Maine, whose line up includes local authors and performers Tom and Nimue Brown, and what promises to be a lively fun set from Gloucester trio Way Out West. All this is backed by a gin bar.

Tickets for the evening event are £20.00 and are available from www.stroudsteampunk.weebly.com