Each week, Culture 101 puts the spotlight on a different region in Aotearoa for the weekly Regional Wrap. This week we’re in the steampunk capital of the world - Oamaru.
Beth Strickland Photo: Supplied
Lea Campbell Photo: Supplied
For King’s Birthday weekend, the farming town with the best-preserved collection of Victoria architecture in the country, will bring together steampunk fans from around the country and the world. Wrought iron meets science fiction in a host of activities with the parade being the largest gathering, along with ticketed dinners, shows and plenty of free activities. What started as an exhibition in 2009 became a festival in 2010, and is expected to draw thousands of viewers and participants.
This year, the Steampunk Festival will be sharing the weekend and its space with the Waitaki Arts Trail. With over 25 venues and 100 participating artists, it’ll be a chance for the public and visitors to meet and purchase artwork from artists from the surrounding Waitaki region.
Culture 101's Perlina Lau speaks to festival organiser Lea Campbell and Waitaki Arts Trail organiser Beth Strickland.
Photo: Flickr/Russell Charters
