Steam Punk Festival at Ryde 27th September The VHVC Ltd were invited at quite short notice to attend with a maximum of 8 classic cars at the Ryde Bus Museum which was linked to the main event happening in the Western Gardens adjacent to Ryde Pier entrance. On the day 7 members cars were displayed in the Cul de sac by the museum, consequently not many visiting members of the public viewed the cars. A vintage Bus ran a shuttle service every 20 minutes to the Western Gardens, which brought a few more people around lunch time. By this time, we were entertained by a procession of Steam Punk people dressed in Victorian clothing, very much decorated with futuristic decoration (See Steam Punk footnote below). We were kept fed and watered by the museum tea shop. By the time the Belly Dance group gave their display, there were only a few people left to enjoy their dance, which was a shame. By 2.30 we decided to leave. Something very different indeed, just a shame we were not more visible, wanting more people needed as visitors to the Museum. I drove along the esplanade on the way home and could clearly see the Western Gardens was buzzing with live music and crowds being entertained. A great boost for Ryde businesses and guest houses in autumn. Those VHVC ltd members attending were :- Steve Walker Mercedes 280 SL, Bill & Vickie Rasmussen MGA, Peter Hodgson MGBGT, Keith Bucket Austin Swallow, Chris Clark Ford Capri, Andy Barker Panther Lima, Kevin Attwood Bentley T1 Mk 6 Note. Steam Punk Explained :- Steampunk is a genre of science fiction that combines Victorian-era aesthetics and 19th-century steam-powered technology with speculative elements like advanced fictional inventions and alternate history. Emerging from 1980s literature as a playful offshoot of cyberpunk, the term was coined to describe works by authors like K.W. Jeter. It has evolved from a literary concept into a broad subculture encompassing fashion, art, music, and a philosophy valuing creativity, individualism, and a different relationship with technology, often characterized by a rebellious anti-authoritarian spirit. The look is heavily inspired by the 19th century, particularly the Victorian era, incorporating elements like gears, pipes, goggles, cravats, and crinolines. A distinct fashion style blends Victorian clothing with mechanical elements, leather, and accessories like goggles and belts, creating elaborate and often original character designs. The "punk" aspect signifies a rebellion against mainstream norms and corporate power, promoting a desire to connect with and understand technology by hacking, repairing, and customizing it, rather than using invisible, disposable devices.