Steampunk NZ Festival got under way in Oamaru yesterday with the now annual op-shop tour.
Angela Taylor, steampunk name Merchant Lucretia, founded the event which she now runs with Lolita Angie Beesley.
About 20 people met at the Salvation Army shop, in Thames St, to begin the tour, but Ms Taylor said usually the procession of steampunk shoppers gathered compatriots along the way.
The op-shops around town would often save specific items of interest to the subculture for the tour, she said.
And it was a good way to introduce people to steampunk whether they were attending the festival alone or were new to creating a steampunk outfit.
A special screening of Martin Scorsese’s period fantasy Hugo last night rounded out the first day of festivities, which continued all weekend.
Tonight the grand opening is set to be followed by the Steampunk Street Night.
The street parade tomorrow was always a hit with the crowds and there were many other workshops and events happening this weekend, she said.
