Wave-Gotik-Treffen is perhaps one of the largest alternative festivals in the world, and certainly the largest Gothic festival, engulfing the entire city of Leipzig, Germany, for one long weekend. 2016 marks the momentous occasion of the festival's 25th instalment, and is due to be visited by an estimated 20 000 guests. In commemoration of this historic milestone in the history of Wave-Gotik-Treffen, the Museum for Town History in Leipzig will be hosting an exhibition looking back over the last quarter century of this darker side of the city, whilst the festival itself has pulled out all plugs, ensuring a weekend jam-packed full of entertainment. Featuring numerous stunning locations spread out throughout the city, various subcultures of the Gothic scene gather in a glorious festival of celebrating all that is dark, with a massive scope of attractions featuring something for everyone.

Starting off on Thursday evening at 8pm, the picturesque Belantis adventure park will be the place to be, with eight different themed areas enclosed in the 27 hectares of the park's manicured estate. Adding to the festive air are the numerous rides in the park, which can freely be used by festival-goers until the welcoming firework display at midnight. And if this isn't quite up your alley, numerous DJs will be spread out throughout the park, turning its lawns into a scintillating dance arena, with four main areas each catering to a different sub-genre, all the way from Industrial to Goth-rock, and from Neoclassical to Dark Wave. And that's just the warm-up party.

The festival itself runs over the course of the long weekend, featuring innumerable bands and artists from a massive selection of genres, with roughly 200 bands, both local and international, putting on fantastic performances. The great thing about Wave-Gotik-Treffen is that there is guaranteed to be something there of interest for everyone, no matter your particular predilection. Not only will local and international bands of exceptionally high calibre be performing, but smaller and less known bands will also have the chance to showcase their talents. For the more Metal-inclined readers among you, tasty offerings such as KORPIKLAANI, MY DYING BRIDE, SWALLOW THE SUN, CARACH ANGREN, HEIDEVOLK, DARK FORTRESS, BIFRÖST, SKÁLMÖLD, DORNENREICH, GERNOTSHAGEN, and TROLLFEST to name just a few. And that's just the crème de la crème of the Metal genre. Each sub-genre within the Goth scene is just as lavishly represented, including Gothic, EBM, Industrial, Ambient, Neofolk, Synthpop, Goth-Metal, and Post Punk bands from all corners of the globe (for a full list of artists, click here).

In addition to all of this, medieval markets and Renaissance fairs stud the city, whilst numerous other attractions beguile the festival goers, ranging all the way from theatre performances to films, from exhibitions to lectures. The days can be spent exploring this slew of artistic expression, whilst nights are filled by the myriad bands gracing stages all around Leipzig. And if you still haven't had enough, several parties will be happening around the city that will keep you dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

For those more inclined to watch others dance, also included in the programme is a ballet choreographed to Morzart's Requiem Mass. Other classical events include everything from chamber music to organ concerts, and even a musical set to the timeless story of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Moreover, other artsy events include author readings, as well as the presentation of unique and extraordinary films. And for those who stray on the kinkier side, there will also be a Fetish party, although only those following the strict dress code will be admitted. And speaking of dress code, one of the absolute highlights of the Wave-Gotik-Treffen is the splendour of the visitors themselves. Many spend months in advance fastidiously preparing the most phenomenal outfits specifically for this event, and this sees Leipzig turn into a veritable town-wide fashion parade. And if you'd like to learn more about the heritage and legacy of Wave-Gotik-Treffen, there will also be guided tours through the city on both Saturday and Sunday, available in English.

With events happening in close to 50 locations spread out about the city, planning your day can be a a bit of a juggling act. Enter the useful WGT-Guide, a free app that will help you make the most out of the festival, downloadable from all the usual outlets. And for those of you with the four-day camping ticket (the so-called Obsorgekarte), you'll also be able to get a copy of the "Pfingstbote" which contains a detailed programme of all the events. Also included in the four-day ticket is free use of the public transport system (from Friday morning until midday on Tuesday), allowing you to comfortably get from one venue to the next and to take in as many of the sights as possible.

With so much to see and do, this is likely to be one of the most memorable weekends of the year; the ultimate celebration of the more macabre side of life, and is an event that is not to be missed. Metal Temple looks forward to seeing you there!