It's that time again

The Migrating goth heads to a small Yorkshire fishing town overlooked by the ruins of an Abbey.
Yes, it is the spring Whitby Goth Weekend, the first of 2009. 5000 dark clad individuals swell the population adding to the already growing native gothic contingent.
Good spread of bands this year.

Friday 24th April
Abney Park
The Last Dance
Zeitgeist Zero

Saturday 25th April
Diary of Dreams
The House of Usher
Razorblade Kisses

And on the side.
Don't forget there is the Whitby Fringe, and no that isn't the crimped dyed mop hanging in their eyes,
This is the loverly side events list that includes the Kumquat/Dead Funny comedy festival.

So go on, spend money, drink loads and enjoy yourselves. I won't be there in body but I will be in spirit.

Mourning the demise of hat wearing men.

Once upon a time, the hat was universally worn by men. It served a multitude of functions.

Most obviously it protected the head against the torrents of rain, and the hottest of sun, but also, waved enthusiastically in the air it made a great method of gaining attention or spreading a familiar greeting, and once more, doffed to the fairer sex it showed a lady that she has been noticed by a gentleman, or held across ones heart, a declaration of solemnity or respect. The hat is one of the most versatile elements a man can have in his daily wardrobe.

Sadly these days, most headgear seems to consist of either protective hard hats, the ubiquitous base ball cap, or the comedy snowboarding/music festival hat. Such a shame the most common form of headgear is the choice of the thug element of today's society.

I say it is time to reclaim the hat, be inspired by the likes of the indie kids, they have revitalised the stingey brimmed fedora, and the ska classic pork-pie hat, will Pete Docherty at the vanguard being seen in public with it tilted at a rakish angle. A good hat can even hide a bad hair day in way that no ammount of product can manage.

Why not bring back the top hat, the Fedora, the Trilby, the Bowler and the Panama. Wear a hat with pride and feel good. A hat makes a man. If you are feeling fruity why not try a tricorne to bring out your piratical Captain Jack streak.