Skip to content

Historic prison transforms for gothic market

Shade Stower Gloucester's historic prison is filled with people visiting market stalls. Shade Stower
More than 120 traders sold items that included gothic art and literature

A prison was transformed into a goth-inspired market that took over the cells.

More than 120 traders sold everything from gothic art and literature, crystal healers and fantasy crafts at Gloucester Prison on Saturday.

The prison also sold coffee and burgers - and visitors could sit on "authentic prison stools".

University of Gloucestershire lecturer Julie Farr came up with the idea and said she was "excited to see the typically dark, silent building pulsing with life".

Shade Stower A person is dressed up as a witch in an old prison cell. There are lit candles next to the person.Shade Stower
The event was inspired by goth and "dark tourism"

Ms Farr added: “It’s an eerie, sensory experience as light trickles in through the cell windows, casting shadows all around as you sit in a prison cell experiencing a head massage or psychic reading.

“Developing this event and watching it grow remains a thrilling and rewarding experience."

Shade Stower A market stall is selling mushroom themed items. A trader is handing over a brown paper bag to a customer.Shade Stower
People sold their handmade crafts at the market

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story