Words by Richard Hornell
This year, Steampunk The Thames celebrates its 11th year of the festival with the theme “Time Marches On”. We have an action-packed 4-day plan planned from the 12th to the 15th of November.
This year’s festival starts off on Thursday 12th with “The Timeshift Social”, a relaxed Meet & Greet at the Thames Bowling Club. This is a family-friendly event and a great chance to catch up with Steampunk friends old and new. This is followed by a special Twilight Tour of the School of Mines at 7 pm.
9 am on Friday 13th, the festival kicks it up a Cog with our Hourglass Exchange market opening in both the Union Parish and the Salvation Army halls. With a huge number of marketers, this is a great place to start on your Steampunk outfit or add something to an existing costume.
Steampunk is a slightly crazy mix of Victorian and retro-futuristic technology, with amazing costumes and goggles galore. You will see an amazing level of creativity in the outfits and contraptions on display.
From 1 pm, the Thames Camera Club is running Steampunk photo booths at the Civic Centre; they are also back again on Saturday from 1 pm. At 2 pm, our High Tea: The Timekeepers Soiree is on at the Civic Centre. This event includes the very competitive and slightly bizarre Tea Duelling, with the one and only master of ceremonies Ernst Frutphlinguhr. A Steampunk Dinner is on at Gastronomics from 5 pm; phone to book your space. Friday evening, see the return of “The Clockwork Conundrum”, our quiz night at the Thames Bowling Club.
At 11 am Saturday 14th, “The March of Time and Steam” takes over Thames with New Zealand’s largest Steampunk Parade. See amazing vehicles, contraptions and costumes in what, for most people, is the highlight of the festival. This is followed by entertainment outside the Union Parish.
Next up at 2 pm is the “Clockwise Couture”, a fashion show like no other. Come and see the Steampunkers strut the catwalk in amazing, outlandish and enchanting costumes. This event always packs the Civic Centre! New this year is the “Great Exhibition”, with the winner being announced after the fashion show.
At 4.30 pm, one of our new events, Sewing Squadron, Mo’s & Bro’s, is on at the Thames Workingmen’s Club.
As we head into the evening, the historical Bella Street Pumphouse comes to life for “Pumphouse Ticking Along ” a chance to get out your dancing shoes and Boggie to the tunes of Toe Jam the Band and a special guest DJ.
On Sunday 15th, Steampunk The Thames takes over Victoria Park for our “Unwound and Unplugged” event, featuring the hugely Popular “Punk My Pet”, where participants dress themselves and their pets in Steampunk and parade down our Catwalk.
Other highlights are “Tea Pot racing”, our new this year “Steampunk Mascots”, Give-it-a-Go Circus and the family favourite “Hobby Horse Racing”. Plus market stand and food vendors, this is a truly Steamtastic family event.
Steam you there!
