Tickets for the popular event are now on sale at Whitby Pavilion and the line-up of bands is confirmed.

There had been some concern that, following a problem with tickets at last October’s event, this year’s could be in doubt.

At a gig by The Damned, some ticket holders were unable to get in and were left in the cold, prompting speculation tickets may have been forged.

In response to this, Scarborough Council has confirmed this year’s tickets will all be numbered and will feature holograms to stop any risk of forgeries being produced.

Event organisers Topmum are now looking forward to one of the best weekends yet with the line-ups for the concerts at Pavilion announced.

Three bands from America will be playing at the festival which organiser Jo Hampshire said is a real coup.

She said: “It is very difficult to get American acts over because they need other dates to play to turn it into a tour.

“So we worked closely with promoters elsewhere to make it happen and we’re delighted The Last Dance, Soho Dolls and Cruxshadows will be performing.”

The Last Dance and Soho Dolls will be playing on the Friday 27 April along with Dust and Razorblade Kisses.

Cruxshadows are appearing on Saturday night alongside Bella Morte, Machinegun Symphony and Rome Burns.

Topmum has sold out of tickets but there are some still available through Whitby Pavilion and through a list of sellers available on the Whitby Gothic Weekend website.

Miss Hampshire believes the lessons learnt from last October’s weekend will help the event in the future.

“We have had many meetings with Scarborough Council and I feel we have a better working relationship with them now then we have had in the past and it will only help us in the future,” she said.

“I think we have become the victim of our own success in some ways, like last year when we put on a band who have a fan base outside the rock scene.

“Fans of the band were so determined to see them they were prepared to get in at any cost.

“That is why we have been working with the council and are discussing further safeguards that can be brought in for the weekend in October.

“We are looking forward now to a great time in April.”

Steve Hollingworth, the borough council’s head of tourism and leisure services said the council was pleased with the progress which had been made.

“The council has been working closely with event organisers on the control of tickets and armbands for this year’s event to ensure the maximum number allowed in the Pavilion is not exceeded, and that all customers who have purchased an official ticket will gain entry,” he said.

For a list of ticket sellers visit www.topmum.co.uk or call Whitby Pavilion on (01947) 820625.