Live snakes, mechanical cats and a robot band invaded the Royal Oak pub in New Malden last weekend for the Surrey Steampunk Convivial.

Kingston’s deputy mayor Cathy Roberts arrived in time to kick off the tea duelling competition in which attendees battle it out to win the Nonsuch Ashes – the burnt remains of the tea bags from previous duels.

This was the third time the event has taken place in the Royal Oak and the first time the current management have hosted it.

The Victorian inspired festival is described “as if a circus has crash landed on a fancy dress wedding day” by organisers Ben and Tixia Henderson.

Surrey Comet:

Steampunk fans gather in the Royal Oak pub last weekend

Royal Oak general manager Luke Pullen said: “It was brilliant and they were a fantastic bunch of people.

“It was our first time hosting and I have to admit we were a bit apprehensive, especially when we were told there would be live snakes.

“But it was absolutely great.

“There was a lady with a mechanical cat that looked so real and was amazing to see.”