Official 13 days of Halloween Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          September 30, 2011

THE NEW GOTH CITY PROJECT CREATES AND

IMPLEMENTS THE “13 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN”

The New Goth City project, a New York City based multi-media and multi-outlet cultural endeavor created to promote, support, and sustain the Gothic culture and lifestyle, introduces a worldwide notion to revolutionize the concept of the Halloween holiday season, hereby known as the 13 days of Halloween. Launching this year, the 13 days of Halloween will span from Friday, October 21^st, now named the “Day of Shadows,” and past the actual date of Halloween, through to the 2^nd of November, also known as the “Day of the Dead.” These 13 days of the Halloween season represent a focused and defined period of time in which the Goth community, on a global scale, can celebrate their alternative and “offstream” lifestyle as well as promote tolerance and acceptance to those who hold prejudices and hostility against them or others who misguidedly believe the Goth culture is dangerous, evil, or some sort of depraved religious cult.

The 13 days of Halloween campaign is spearheaded by New Goth City’s creator, Sir William Welles, 39, who runs and maintains the informative website, NewGothCity.com, which is the only website of its kind that highlights any and every cultural event within the Gothic, industrial, vampire, and fetish community throughout the Tri-State area. Sir William boasts that by “determining and claiming a set number of days centered around what most dark natured and like-minded individuals consider their favorite holiday and time of year, we are able to properly celebrate openly and create, as well as adopt, some new and time honored traditions.”  Welles also adds that through the Internet and social media, this revamped concept of Halloween will soon reach beyond the United States and the U.K., where Halloween traditions are observed as a family activity, throughout the world wherever a Gothic individual may dwell and wish to find a connection with others who share the same ideals.

In the long run, the concept of the “13 days of Halloween” is to intermesh the established ideals of the mainstream culture with those of the offstream culture to which what is considered scary and/or spooky is celebrated, not demonized. Essentially, the Goth culture embraces and romanticizes all that is dark and macabre simply to find beauty within it, and in that respect, appreciate the life we are now living…this is what the 13 days of Halloween reflects and represents.

For more information and traditions established for the 13 days of Halloween, please visit Sir William Welles’ blog article via this link:

http://newgothcity.blogspot.com/2011/09/article-13-days-of-halloween.html

For any and all inquiries, please contact the New Goth City project directly via email: contact@newgothcity.com. Mr. Welles is available for interviews.

Gothic Gathering: N.Y.C. Medieval Faire

We're so excited about this! This Sunday (10/2/11), New Goth City will be hosting the second annual Medieval Faire Gothic Gathering at Ft. Tryon (as in: "Hey! Try on this corset!) park, all the way at the tippy-top of Manhattan island. Starting at 2pm (or sooner for you early-bats) we will converge and make camp at the only fork in the main road of the park...conveniently located near the only beer and mead vendors. Everyone is free to come and go and roam around as they please, but the constant headquarters will be held at this location. I actually petitioned the N.Y.C. Parks Commission to allow us a legit booth and space for this year's faire, but they stated that we weren't "historical" enough. No big deal...we'll just gather on our own accord and scare the mead out of people!

But if it is anything like the blast we had last year, be prepared to become part of the entertainment and attraction! I kid you not, when I say that last year's gathering felt as though we were all back in high school drinking beer, smoking cigarettes (be warned: smoking cigarettes in city parks is now prohibited) and being goofy behind the cafeteria! At one point we even had an auxiliary police detail assigned to us...we still are not sure if it was to protect us from the crowd, or protect the crowd from us! All in all we were perceived to be the evil & dark side of the Medieval times...Morgana's minions, as it were. Good times!!!

If you do decide to join our debaucherous group, also be prepared to have the mundane folk wanting to take pictures of you...especially if you are dressed up extra fantastical (which you should be!!!!), and even get a request for an interview from a television news crew or two (if so, please be a dear and mention NewGothCity.com...thanks!).

Also, the official Gothic Gathering after-party will be held at Dark Bar (200 Orchard Street) which starts right when the faire ends at 6pm. Just take the A train all the way down to West 4th Street and transfer downstairs to the F train and exit at the 2nd Avenue/L.E.S. station. For complete Dark Bar info, click here.

For full directions and details for the Medieval Faire, click here to see the New Goth City official listing.

On last note: This is supposed to be a very fun event as well as being a very safe one! There are to be NO altercations of any kind! If for any reason you feel that you are being made fun of, taunted, or even bullied, simply return to the Gathering location to find safety in numbers, find a police officer (they will be everywhere), or if you feel so inclined to do so, leave the park entirely and safely. Do not...I repeat: DO NOT CONFRONT ANYONE!!! This type of thing has never happened in the past, so do not worry about it, however, I do not wish to see a "first time for anything" scenario play out here. Are we clear? If any doubts, questions, or problems arise, at the very least come find me!

I truly hope to see a lot of you there (especially since it will be bizarre to see you in daylight hours!) for a great turnout. Once again, this event is really a lot of fun and we always have a great time! It's also a perfect way to celebrate the approaching Autumn season (temperatures should be in the mid to upper 50's). HUZZAH!!!!

Gothing Gathering: Medieval Faire 2010

From THE STAR: Goths on march to prove they’re not evil...

A peaceful march in Sheffield, England to promote non-violence against those of the Goth culture and lifestyle:


Published on Tuesday 6 September 2011 11:06


GOTHS in Sheffield staged a peaceful march through Sheffield city centre to raise awareness of the prejudice they say they face.

The demonstrators showed their colours as they made their way from Devonshire Green through Fargate to the cathedral, and back via the Peace Gardens.

Their aim was to dispel stereotypes and highlight the abuse and discrimination suffered by people who dress differently.
Organiser and mother-of-two Alicia Philpotts said: “The march was called The Celebration of Diversity as that’s what we’re all about.

“In this day and age, where people are treated equally, it is a shame that this has to be done.

“It’s amazing how a little bit of education and direction can help in so many ways.

“Sometimes people just don’t know what we are about, but a few simple words and love shared amongst human beings has seen us slowly but surely eradicate hatred and misunderstanding.”

The group marched in honour of punk musician Peter Williamson, who died from swine flu after allegedly being refused NHS treatment in Salford after medics assumed he was a drug addict and ignored his pleas for help, his distraught mother claims.

The march, on Saturday, also honoured Lucy Emmingham, from Sheffield, who was attacked on her wedding day and ended up in hospital.

Pink-haired goth Lucy, 21, was pushed down a flight of concrete steps and knocked unconscious as she and her new husband left their wedding reception on Queens Road shortly after midnight on Halloween in 2009.

Alicia said: “We just feel that maybe it’s our job to step forward and show the world we’re not evil. We don’t love Satan and sacrifice people’s children, we’re just flamboyant and a little different to the norm.”

Source: www.thestar.co.uk


See the video:
Goths on march to prove they’re not evil - VIDEO - News - The Star

Jokes from the Dark Side



The passengers on a plane are waiting for their flight to takeoff when two men, both wearing dark glasses, dressed in pilot uniforms, walk up the aisle toward the cockpit. One man is being led by a seeing-eye dog and the other is tapping away with his cane.

Nervous laughter spreads throughout the cabin as the men go by and into the cockpit, close the door and start the engines.

The passengers are all looking around for some sign that this is some sort of practical joke, but there isn't any. As the plane moves faster and faster down the runway, the passengers at the window seats realize that they are heading straight for the water at the edge of the airport at the end of the runway. As it looks as if the airplane will never take off and will crash into the water, panic-stricken screams fills the cabin. But just at that moment, the plane suddenly lifts smoothly into the air.

In the cockpit, the co-pilot turns to the pilot and says, "You know, Bob, one of these days, they're gonna scream too late, and we're all gonna die!"

Article: The 13 Days of Halloween

For the death of me I never did understand the whole concept of the 12 days of Xmas while growing up -- especially when it came to turtle doves, maids-a-milkin', French hens, and the rest of the lot! At least the 8 days of Hanukkah were explained to me...miracle oil that lasted 8 days (they really are obsessed with oil in the Middle East), but I thought they were talking about oil for their salad dressing! Was Xmas trying to "one-up" Hanukkah with 4 extra days? Moreover, as a young Gothling at heart, I always pondered why my favorite holiday, Halloween, only deserved one day...and a day that didn't get me out of school!!!


So, over the years, as an advocate of Goth culture and the special season we all love and call our own, I would like to introduce to you, and at the same time, solidify the tradition of the 13 days of Halloween! *cue dramatic music here*


The 13 days of Halloween span from October 21st, also known henceforth as the "Day of Shadows," all the way past the actual day of Halloween, and ends atypically on the 2nd day in November, the "Day of the Dead." Within these 13 spooktacular (I really, really hate that pun!) days, I'd like to encourage every and all Goths, young and old, throughout the world, to partake in certain traditions and customs that are either borrowed, new, or have withstood the test of time!


O.k., first let us identify and name for certain every significant day within the 13 days of Halloween:

• 1st day - October 21st: Day of Shadows
• Other nights: filler (make up your own!)
• 10th day - October 30th: Devil's Night
• 11th day - October 31st: Halloween (duh!)
• 12th day - November 1st: All Souls' Day
• 13th day - November 2nd: Day of the Dead.

So, with that determined let's explore some new and established traditions you can observe and partake in:

• Decorations: I would encourage that decorating your dwellings for Halloween should happen as a personal or family event during the first few days of the 13 days. However, knowing you Gothlings the way I do, I'm sure that you have either eagerly decorated by the 1st of October or, like me, have your batcave Halloweenified all year round!
• Gift-giving: Why should giving gifts to friends and loved ones be confined to Xmas, birthdays, and anniversaries? Get into the habit of giving small, yet meaningful Halloween themed gifts or treats to special friends and lovers. Also, if you are the lone Goth in a family that may or may not understand your dark lifestyle, be extra sure to get them a small and cute trinket to wish them a happy Halloween. This will demonstrate to them that this holiday is important to you and that you want to have them involved within your world, if only goes for a little while! The same goes for giving...
• Halloween greeting cards: Much like giving gifts, get into the habit of sending fun and clever Halloween cards to friends and loved ones. Can't find a card to suit your dark taste, or they are just plain silly? Then create your own! On the same note, while sending ecards online might seem neat-o-rific (nerd terminology) and convenient, there is nothing like receiving a physical card though the mail. I actually have a collection of cards that friends have sent me over the years on permanent display perched upon my kitchen's shutter styled doors! Also, stock up on cards a few days after the big event...you'll be prepared for next year and you'll save a bundle of cash from the sales!
• Morbid pranks: Halloween is the perfect time to let loose your devilish prankster side onto the world. Quite simply: scare the candy corn out of people...just be sure to make it fun, and above all keep it safe! Also, if you are able to dole out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, take the opportunity to come up with very frightful ways to greet them at the door -- oh the stories I could tell! I once made a cocky teenager jump back in horror, fall to the ground and run away screaming while his friends all laughed at him!
• Costumes and anti-costumes: While most mainstream drones ponder endlessly what "they will be for Halloween," Goths have many options before them. On the one hand, you could be like most people and have one general costume, but with so many parties and events to attend to during the 13 days of Halloween, this soon becomes highly repetitive and eventually boring. Try to have at least 2 alternative costumes that you can rotate on any given night to change it up a little. Also, there is what I call the "anti-costume." This is when a Goth, who dresses like it is Halloween all year round, will dress up like a common Day-Crawler character for the occasion. Think: cheerleader, nerd, an athlete of any sport, or the most horrific costume of them all...a corporate businessman/woman or banker! *EEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!* The third option we Goths have for Halloween dress-up is to go as we normally would on any given day and bask in the comfort of not being labeled a "freak!" if for only a few days!
• No Work: Even though Halloween isn't recognized as a national or religious holiday, and the banks are open, and you will get mail, it doesn't mean you can’t schedule, far in advance, one or two days off to fall on October 31st and/or November 1st (to cure that hangover). If you get much resistance from your boss, just tell him/her that for you it’s a religion holiday you need to observe…hey, it works for Jewish people!
• The Day of the Dead Feast: On the last day of the 13 days of Halloween, on November 2nd, amass a selected group of like-minded friends and organize a dinner party at your (or your friend's/family's) dwelling, or simply go out to a favorite restaurant to enjoy an indulgent meal while showing praise and remembrance to those who no longer walk the Earth. Be sure to make a toast to the dead and to give thanks to the life you are living. Think of it like a Gothy version of Thanksgiving!
• Horror Movie Marathon: Over the course of the 13 days of Halloween make your eyes bleed by spending your free time watching cult classic horror movies at home or in movie theaters. In larger towns art-house cinemas usually have an array of campy fun horror movies they play around this time of year at a very reasonable price. And checking out a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening wouldn't be a bad idea either!
• Haunted Houses: Elaborate walk-through haunted houses are becoming more and more popular and prevalent as well as being dynamic interactive productions in their own right. Try to visit one or all in your area, and be prepared to laugh the fears away...or crap in your pants...whichever happens first! For us Goths haunted houses are pure adrenaline filled fun! (Warning!!! Ticket prices to some of the more elaborate haunted house can really soar into high digits. If you are short on funds you should probably spend the cash on more long-lasting and meaningful Halloween purposes!)
• Pumpkin Carving: Nothing beats stabbing and carving up a huge gourd (although Celts originally used turnips) into something fun and expressive!!! Hell...it's better than dunking hard boiled eggs into food coloring with a wire spoon! For some really amazing carved pumpkin ideas be sure to visit www.extremepumpkins.com. You will laugh your ass off at some of the examples they have listed there!!!
• Black Wreath: Let your neighbors know that you are Goth and that you are proud! Purchase or make your own dark and spooky wreath to hang over your front door and show your holiday spirit! Admittedly, this does fall under the "Decorations" category mentioned at the top of this list, and while I hate to admit it, for amazing decoration ideas and instruction go and visit Martha Stewart's (*facepalm of shame*) Halloween section at www.marthastewart.com. Goth help us all...
• Pilgrimage to Whitby, U.K.: While Muslims make the lifelong effort to take a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives, so should Goths embark on a similar journey to the Bi-annual Whitby festival, especially for the Halloween edition. For those who don't know, Whitby is the chilly seaside town in which Bram Stoker's Dracula story was mainly based. The weekend long festival is simply a huge gathering of beautifully dark and crative Goths from around the globe! The incredible Gothic atmosphere is perfect, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Go, at least once, even if it is your last trip on Earth! For more and all information, visit the Whitby Goth Weekend's new website at: www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk.
• Graveyard Stroll: There is almost nothing as soothing to a Goth than to take a quiet stroll through cemetery during the crisp and haunting 13 days of Halloween! Either by yourself, with friends, or with a loved one, take the time to meander through the fields of tombstones while enjoying the comforting crunching sound of dead leaves under your footsteps. It is also a great moment to appreciate the life you have instead of celebrating Halloween six feet under!
• Halloween Countdown: On Devil's night (October 30th), if you are out at an event, be sure to countdown and ring in Halloween night at precisely midnight, much like on New Year's Eve. Raise a glass of your favorite poison and toast with your friends this very special Gothic day!

No matter which traditions and rituals you choose to follow, adopt, or observe throughout the 13 days of Halloween, be sure to understand the true meaning of this Gothiest of Holidays: Embrace and find beauty in everything that is dark and spooky, for true evil often times come in very pretty and sugar coated packages!



TO ALL MY DEAR GOTHLINGS: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  

New Goth City's 4th Year Anniversary



I am proud to announce that today, Tuesday, September 13th marks the 4th year anniversary of New Goth City!!! A lot has changed since it's debut, events have come, and some events have gone. Unfortunately the state of the economy in the N.Y.C. area, and the country as a whole, has really put a strain on the nightlife Goth scene forcing many of the community to move away from the area or to only go out to one party per month as opposed to crawling out of their caves on a weekly basis.

Last year we were also witness to the demise of the Don Hill's night club venue, and soon after the passing of Don Hill himself. He will be greatly missed no matter if you thought his venue was or was not suited to our scene. He was a great friend of mine and he confided in me one night that out of all the events that passed through his doors he preferred our crowd because "you Goths drink, dance, and don't fight!" R.I.P. my dear friend.

On the same note, within the past year it seems that the selection and variety of the venues have become scarce...this has forced many event promoters to think outside of the (black) box and become creative in finding new places, while others hunker down with what they have and hope for the best.

A note to the promoters, big and small: lately I've been discussing with you about promotions, marketing, and listening to your situations, and I have noticed that everyone (myself included) have come to rely too heavily on social networks to promote your events and brand to the masses. Sure, it reaches a wide audience in the blink of an eye and, more importantly, it's pretty much free. However, I urge you to reclaim some of the tried and true promotional tactics of yore to really drive your event across to your core audience. You are, alas, going to have to do some footwork...keeping an eye on your Facebook event page's RSVP count just isn't going to cut it, those numbers mean squat! ...just a bit of advice.

The Halloween season is fast upon us this month and I strongly urge you all to take advantage of the "13 days of Halloween" (more about that in the next blog post), and encourage some people that are outside of the Goth scene (read: curious Day-Crawlers) to take a glimpse into your world by maybe dragging them to a party or two...they'll be in costume anyway, right?

Also for Halloween, I also want to officially announce that New Goth City will be involved with a special Goth club event on Halloween night (yes...it's a Monday) presented by the joining forces behind the Berlin and Labyrinth nights . This event is called "Tricks and Treats" and will be held at the very accessible Sapony nightclub in Astoria, Queens. It's looking like it's shaping up to be a really fun Goth night with plenty of naughtiness! Hope you all can make it and celebrate Halloween night with us.

In closing, I just want to state that if it weren't for all of you wonderful Gothlings New Goth City would not serve any purpose. Four years ago when I started the website, it was to solidify a widely dispersed faction of people who do not live in plain sight. And apart from some minor squabbles and rifts here and there, I believe that we have achieved that...but I am not taking the credit for that, the credit goes to all of you that support the Goth scene...I am merely the information booth.

See you in the Dark!

Sir William Welles