The Steampunk NZ Festival was held in Oamaru over the long weekend and organisers were yelling huzzah after another successful iteration.
This year’s theme was ‘‘frontiers of steam’’ as hundreds of people filled the streets with their creative costumes and alter-ego characters.
Festival chairwoman Lea Campbell said the event was ‘‘a real winner’’.
‘‘It’s been fantastic, we have had so many happy people and such good feedback.
‘‘The new people are going to be wowed no matter what, but if you can keep your regulars happy and surprised and interested, that’s a real winner.’’
She loved seeing the creativity of all the festival-goers making their own outfits.
‘‘There are a lot of talented people.’’
This year was also the 10th anniversary of Steampunk NZ setting the Guinness world record for the largest gathering of steampunks with 228 people.
With an eye toward the festival’s 20th anniversary in 2029, Ms Campbell said they ‘‘might have another go at that’’ record to celebrate.
The 2026 festival began with a street night on Friday.
The grand opening saw the steampunk gates opened in a ceremony which Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust vice-chairman Graeme Clark told the crowd was ‘‘very loosely’’ based on the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London.
The Wizard of New Zealand even made an appearance and took photos with fans.
On Saturday, hundreds lined the streets to watch the parade.
Yesterday, parasol duelling was held on Harbour St with members of the public participating.
Later in the afternoon, a fashion show in the Scottish Hall was held with an upcycle and recycle theme.
The Grand Ambassador’s Ball at the Oamaru Club last night rounded out the day’s events.
The festival officially wraps up this morning with the SteamPINK Breakfast which raises funds for Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust.
