Get your goth on with Hull’s Damaged Society

May 22nd is annual World Goth Day, which its website defines as "a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world."

World Goth Day originated in the United Kingdom back in 2009, almost a decade ago. BBC Radio 6 had dedicated a week in May to looking at a number of music subcultures. Once goth music had had its turn in the spotlight, DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin Oldgoth decided to put in the work to get a more frequent gothic celebration up and running – thus Goth Day was born.

Originally limited to the UK, the word has since spread as far as Australia, Mexico and Canada, earning it the title of World Goth Day.

Many of the events organised for the celebration feature local goth bands, and often use the money earned to donate to charities with relevant causes. Events in the United Kingdom and Australia regularly choose the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a charity that tries to curb prejudice and hatred against subcultures.

One of the most important aspects of goth culture is the unique and striking fashion. Though much of the clothing is widely available online, Hull has seen its fair share of alternative shops gracing the city centre over the years. One of the oldest was Xperience, formerly occupying a small shop down Carr Lane. Boasting two floors of unique clothing, accessories and footwear, it was a staple for locals who weren’t satisfied with the more commercial retailers in the city. Xperience eventually rebranded itself to X and moved locations, before sadly closing its doors for good.

Blue Banana, located down Whitefriargate, was a staple for teen goths in the late 2000s. Selling everything from studded belts to cheap piercings, Blue Banana lasted until 2012, and a charity shop currently occupies the building it used to inhabit.

The best place to find all things different in the city centre these days is Damaged Society. Still quite fresh on the scene after opening in 2014 and formerly named Asylum Industries, the shop is located inside Princes Quay, and sells a variety of alternative gear from well-known brands such as Iron Fist, Hell Bunny, and Criminal Damage. Their merchandise caters to a whole range of ages and styles; whether you’re a teen hunting for a new band T-shirt or a well-seasoned goth looking for that perfect edgy dress to set you apart at a family do, you’re likely to find what you need in Damaged Society.

Unlike previous shops of its calibre, Damaged Society also has stores outside of Hull, with branches in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham and Bristol. The Hull store has been praised widely on Facebook for its helpful staff members.

“This place is my personal heaven,” says one woman. “I could spend all day in here if possible!”

Find out more about World Goth Day and the events taking place this year. You can also check out Damaged Society and follow it on Facebook and Twitter.