The event takes place this year on 5, 6 and 7 of December and sees the streets flooded once again with visitors decked out in their finest Victorian costumes to enjoy a number of events many of which are of the period.

These events have previously seen folk bands singing bawdy tales, Punch and Judy shows and a number of crafts, such as spinning being demonstrated.

The Victorian Weekend is being run with the aid of Robin Hood's Bay Tourism Association and the RNLI, who have agreed that they will take responsibility for health and safety issues surrounding the weekend.

This involvement has helped give the event a lease of life which was previously hampered by red tape and health and safety fears which had forced the small committee organising it to dispand and the weekend's attractions to be scaled down two years ago.

But the weekend has continued to be a success and last year raked in more than £2,000 for the RNLI who have now taken charge of a majority of the fund-raising.

Rob Rymer, speaking on behalf of the the Robin Hood's Bay Tourism Association (RHBTA) said "The RHBTA remain committed to giving the Victorian Weekend their wholehearted support. We hope that the local community and local businesses will do likewise."

The first Victorian Weekend was held in 1994 and was created to promote business in the village in the traditionally quiet period prior to Christmas, the event has been staged annually and has grown larger each year.

Where in the past the RNLI has benefited from visitors to the weekend it has recently become more closely nit with the event itself, stepping forward from marshalling the event to organising parts of the programme.

Dick Hoyle, chairman of the RHBTA said he expects it to be a success once again.

"It's open to the whole community; visitors, locals and anyone from the surrounding area who wants to have some fun and raise some money for the RNLI," he said.

This year's fund-raising events are set to include a duck race where people can place bets on a numbered duck as well as some more regal activities.

As a returning part of the weekend, Queen Victoria will be seen making her royal rounds which include the crotchet like totting workshop and a procession to church on the Sunday

Mr Hoyle added: "It will be a really nice start to the Christmas season. It's going to be a full programme and a fun time."