By Paula Munro
Once upon a time, in a delightfully quirky town hugging a sandy shoreline, the Gold Mining Town of Thames strutted onto the scene! Bursting with heritage, culture, and artistic flair, it became the perfect backdrop for the very first Steampunk the Thames Festival in 2015.
Origins sprang forth from Thames Art Festival and the Totally Thames Fashion event… where someone mentioned, “That’s so Steampunk!!” Fast forward nine years and loads of hard work later, and Steampunk the Thames Inc. has transformed into a jaw-dropping spectacle powered by enthusiastic volunteers and fueled by good old funding! It’s a whimsical wonderland where Victorian charm collides with recycled creativity, inviting you to let your imagination run wild!
Thames is rocking those Steampunk vibes, blending its rich history and gold mining roots with a splash of recycled art and a sprinkle of whimsy! It’s like a creative playground where local and not-so-local artists can strut their stuff and showcase their unique flair!
Since the dawn of Steampunk at Thames Inc. in 2015, the scene has morphed into a whirlwind of whimsy and weirdness! Sure, Oamaru may have the title of Steampunk capital of the South Island, but Thames is a fierce contender from the North Island! Who knew that one little idea could explode into this fantastical festival we adore today? Buckle up, folks, because this is one wild and wacky ride!
Every year, a fabulous army of Steampunk enthusiasts descends on Thames from every nook and cranny of New Zealand and beyond, ready to dive into the spectacular extravaganza! Mark your calendars for November 7th-10th, 2024, when the festival returns with the mind-bending theme of “Steampunk the Thames Inc. goes down the rabbit hole.” Imagine a delightful mash-up of Steampunk magic, Mad Max chaos, and Alice in Wonderland charm, showcasing a delightful mix of costumes, quirky gadgets, stunning art, and jaw-dropping vehicles! The only limit? Your imagination!
Get pumped for competitions: Photography contest, Punk My Ride, Punk My Pet, Tea Dueling, Hobby Horse Racing, Quiz Night, and so much more! Featured events this year include:
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, MEET “N” GREET
Thursday 07 November, 4 pm-7 pm at Thames Bowling Club
MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY
Friday 08 November, 3 pm-5 pm at Thames Civic Center
MIND OVER MATTER BRAINS Quiz night
Friday 08 November, 7 pm till late at Thames Bowling Club
GRIBBLING DAY PARAD
Saturday 09 November, The Parade starts at 11 am on Pollen Street, Thames
HATS SPATS’N’ALL THAT
Saturday 09 November, 2 pm-3 pm at Thames Civic Centre
THE WHITE RABBIT SOIREE
Saturday 09 November, 7 pm-12 at Thames Civic Centre
WE ARE ALL MAD HERE FUTTERWACKEN
Saturday 09 November, 7 pm-12 at Bella Street Pumphouse
WONDERS OF WONDERLAND
Sunday 10 November 10th, 10 am-3 pm at Victoria Park
STEAMPUNK MARKET
Friday-Saturday, 9 am-4 pm at Salvation Army Hall
Sunday, 9am-3pm at Victoria Park, Thames
Get ready to hop down the rabbit hole and join the fun!
STEAMPUNK YOU THERE!
