Vogel St party a success despite downpours

Vogel St party. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Vogel St party. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Steam Punk enthusiasts Caress Dittmer and Aaron Thompson. Photo Gregor Richardson
Steam Punk enthusiasts Caress Dittmer and Aaron Thompson. Photo Gregor Richardson
People find cover during one of the heavy downpours on Vogel St. Photo: Vaughan Elder
People find cover during one of the heavy downpours on Vogel St. Photo: Vaughan Elder
Regina Hegemann performs at the Vogel St Party. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Regina Hegemann performs at the Vogel St Party. Photo: Gregor Richardson

Thousands of hardy revellers have braved grey and thundery skies for the start of Dunedin's annual Vogel St Party.

And they have been rewarded already, as the sun broke through late in the afternoon to lift what was a chilly start to the event.

The crowd began building soon after the party's 3pm start, and were soon in full swing, enjoying a mix of live music and entertainment, including a silent disco, as well as food stalls, arts and crafts and the area's unique street art.

Owners of the precinct's impressive heritage buildings once again opened their doors to the curious and allowed them a look inside, giving people a chance to see the precinct's progress.

One space inside 123 Vogel St was set aside to display lanterns from Dunedin's Midwinter Carnival, as well as aerial performers, twisting amid smoke, lighting and music, in a showcase dubbed Spring Lights.

An entry fee would help raise money for a permanent space to display the lanterns, which could become a ``significant tourist attraction'', event producer Paul Smith said.

One of those impressed by the lanterns was Leeann Howson, of Dunedin. She was back at the Vogel St Party for the third year running, and said the lanterns were a definite highlight this time.

``It's pretty amazing and cool . . . it's nice to see [the lanterns] in a different context,'' she said.

The rest of the party was a great chance to peak behind the curtains and experience a range of offerings in the space.

``I just like to come and see different things . . . the revitalisation of the buildings,'' she said.

Caress Dittmer and Aaron Thompson, who only recently moved to Dunedin, took the chance to show off their steampunk costumes at the event.

It was the first time either had been to Dunedin's street party, which Miss Dittmer said was ``amazing''.

Mr Thompson said he was surprised how many people had braved the afternoon's earlier poor weather to show up.

``I thought it might have a lot fewer people with the rain . . . because it's cleared up, it's turned out to be a really good day.''

 

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