Created by Layered Reality in partnership with Jeff Wayne and set in the heart of the City of London, the multi-award-winning experience has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors since opening in 2019. The venue's participation in International Steampunk Week represents a natural celebration of its Victorian-era aesthetic, combining HG Wells' seminal novel with Jeff Wayne's iconic musical adaptation in an authentically themed celebration.
You don't need a ticket to enter; the celebration centres around the venue's THE Spirit of Man Bar and Restaurant, which greets its visitors on arrival with a huge Martian Fighting Machine, providing the perfect backdrop for steampunk festivities. Visitors can expect a fully immersive steampunk environment throughout the week, featuring dedicated selfie stations with authentic steampunk props, specially curated playlists in The Spirit of Man venue, bespoke backgrounds for souvenir photography, and signature cocktails including the exclusive "Flaming Ogilvy." Daily steampunk menu specials have been crafted specifically for the celebration, whilst staff in Victorian steampunk outfits will serve guests throughout the week.
“Steampunk has always been part of our DNA,” said Andrew McGuinness, CEO and Founder of Layered Reality. “The War of The Worlds blends a Victorian era aesthetic with futuristic imagination, exactly what steampunk is all about. International Steampunk Week is the perfect time to celebrate that. From our immersive design to the costumes and atmosphere, we live and breathe steampunk all year round; this week just turns the dial up to 11.”
The venue is hosting a "Best Dressed" steampunk competition on Instagram (@thewaroftheworldsimmersive), with the winner receiving two VIP tickets to the complete immersive experience. The winner will be announced on Monday, 16 June. For those seeking a complete immersive journey, tickets to The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience are available with a 20% discount using code SPIRITOFMAN throughout the celebration week.
Now in its sixth year, JEFF WAYNE’S The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is the UK’s most awarded immersive theatrical production, having earned 12 major accolades, including the prestigious Thea Award, and more than 18,000 five-star reviews. It continues to evolve with enhanced scenes, expanded physical effects, new haptic technology, and upgraded audio design.
"H.G. Wells' original novel was the perfect foundation for steampunk culture, Victorian society confronting otherworldly technology," commented Jeff Wayne. “Our immersive world captures that spirit with industrial set design and a love of all things mechanical. International Steampunk Week allows us to celebrate these elements that have always made our venue special, whilst welcoming the wider steampunk community to experience our Martian invasion firsthand."
Event Information
What: London's Biggest Steampunk Celebration - International Steampunk Week
When: Until 15 June 2025
Where: Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience, Leadenhall Street, London
Competition: Best Dressed Steampunk Competition via @thewaroftheworldsimmersive (Instagram)
Pricing: Bar access free; experience tickets available with 20% discount (code: SPIRITOFMAN)
For tickets and more information about International Steampunk Week events and competition terms and conditions, visit thewaroftheworldsimmersive.com