DIG out your top hat, dust off your bustle and wind up your clockwork in readiness for Chippenham's first ever Steampunk Festival, on October 19 and 20.

Steampunk is an aesthetic based on Victorian style and steam technology - but imagined with a futuristic dash of science fiction.

Imagine the novels of Jules Verne with steam-powered computers, or films such as Mortal Engines and Wild Wild West. It's a style that fits perfectly with Chippenham, because of its connection with visionary Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, according to Kathryn Crosweller of Chippenham BID, which is hosting the event in partnership with Chippenham Town Council.

"We wanted to try something different, with an appeal to all ages," she said.

The festival will combine a programme of daytime events around the town over the weekend, as well as a ticketed evening Steampunk Cabaret at the Neeld.

Look out for Ichabod Steam and his Animatronic Band in the steam-powered submarine at the Buttercross.

Wandering the streets by day, and taking part in the caberet by night, will be the talented Mr Greg Chapman, escapologist, juggler, comedian, magician and unicyclist.

Glamour act Violent May and the incomparable Captain Of The Lost Waves will join self-styled slaughterhouse steampunk blues band The Wattingers at the Saturday night cabaret. The Wattingers are described as a hilarious darkly funny blues band, pretending to be inbred and murderous family from the swamplands of the deep outh.

“Chippenham Connected and Chippenham Town Council are thrilled to be working with David Smith Events to bring something really new and different to the town. The Steampunk Festival will be a great event for all ages and really bring the town to life,” said Kathryn.

Follow the Chippenham Steampunk Festival page on Facebook and buy tickets at david-smith-events.co.uk.