PHOTO
The first "real" Steampunk festival since the global pandemic began last night with a "Grand Opening" in Harbour St in Oamaru’s historic precinct, with a light, fog and music show replicating a foggy Victorian town.
Steampunk New Zealand Trust trustee Carolyn Lewis said a lot of effort had gone into ensuring activities for a broad range of tastes.
"There’s lots for locals to do in the long weekend ... and you don’t have to be a steampunker to enjoy it," Ms Lewis said.
This year’s theme of "Transported" sees the return of the grand parade for the Steampunk festival.
In keeping with the theme, the grand parade will include steampunk vehicles that have not been seen before.
Ms Lewis was excited to welcome back the steampunk parade after a four-year hiatus.
She wanted to encourage locals to attend the "enhanced" parade.
"It’s going to be a big parade this year," she said.
The colourful array of Steampunk folk, machines and entertainment is due to parade through the streets of Oamaru from the Victorian Precinct into Harbour St at 11am today.
Most ticketed events have sold out for the event, which spans four days, but there are plenty of free events around to fill out a day filled with colour and costumes, unusual items and teapot racing.
"This year especially, we’ve made sure there are things for kids," Ms Lewis said.