By SteamPunk Festival organisers

Sponsored content

STEAMPUNK @ Altitude is an all ages family experience, right here on the Monaro.

Thousands of visitors over the years have found Steampunk @ Altitude an affordable day out as there is no entry fee and there is a wide variety of activities to experience, join and peruse.

Get ready to have a look at what is on offer, with the exciting returning activity of a whole street Scavenger Hunt, last seen in Nimmitabel in 2021, plus some added Circus high-jinx, steampunk oddities, curios and competitions.

There will be a few elements of surprise arranged by the organisers of the Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce, and they are sure to be in keeping with this community festival that offers variety to encourage engagement, creativity, entertainment and fellowship.

Autumn weather is sure to feature this first weekend in May, but not as much as on the Steampunk Sunday in 2023 when there was glorious snow, about a foot of it. It was spectacular sight, one that some steampunk enthusiasts had not experienced before. Thankfully steampunk attire is amenable for many layers to be worn, and the forecast requirement of coats, shawls, capes and wraps to keep the autumn chill away will be fitting with the setting.

Experienced in cool weather as a high altitude village, the businesses in Nimmitabel and the Pioneer Memorial Hall have plenty of heaters, the Royal Arms and the Federal Hotel have blazing fire places, more than one! It will be a weekend where the sun will be welcomed, the activities warming, and just in case the Geldmacher Square will be hosting some gas outdoor heaters for visitors to enjoy.

The Surly Griffin Morris troupe will help keep you warm and entertained Saturday in the Geldmacher Square, performing in the morning and afternoon. Dancing border, cotswold, sword and clog, participants are welcome to join this fast paced dance troupe and enjoy the adornment of their bells and ribbons.

Saturday evening there is something for everyone in Nimmitabel. The Royal Arms is offering a two-course Hale and Hearty menu, the Federal Hotel a Victoriana Banquet three course meal that will be an experience to remember. Both can be booked via our website www.steampunk.in.

The Nimmitabel Roadhouse will have their diner open until 8pm, and if you are seeking a quiet beverage only, the Nimmitabel Country Club will have their bar open from 3pm to late Saturday.

The Federal Hotel will be a hub of steampunk activity Saturday afternoon and evening until late. Poetry in the Pub starts at 4pm for budding and experienced poetry reciters alike to join together, audience welcome.

The Victoriana dinner from 6pm is inspired by the Victorian Era and combined with modern Monaro tastes; and the DJ mixed Steampunk Dance Party by DJ Apparition where vintage vibes collide with futuristic beats, creating a unique sonic spectacle, will kick off at 8pm, ending late.

Whilst all are invited to this free dance event, please rsvp via the booking form on our website.

Music in the Mill will start off both steampunk mornings. The Geldmacher Mill has fantastic acoustics and wonderful heritage. Be there 9.30 am Saturday to enjoy Kalkite local Gabi Forman’s performance, and 9am Sunday morning for Melody Tonk who will perform a children’s show.

Sunday after the Steampunk Pet competition will be the Steampunk Animal Friend (soft toy) competition, get your children to style and bring theirs.

The Nimmitabel and wider community has come together to support Steampunk @ Altitude, with the following sponsorship:

- Omni Executive for Sanjex Seratti

- Lion’s Club Nimmitabel for Clockwork Circus

- The Royal Arms Guesthouse for Speranza Starburner

- The Federal Hotel for the Capital Tea Duelling Society,

- Luv Me Again for Dijor’s Re-purposed Fun & Follies,

- Nimmitabel Leather Shop for Steampunk Pirate Margosha,

- Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce for the Surly Griffin Morris

- Nimmitabel Motel for the Bega Town Crier,

- Archers BNSH and Lolly Shop Nimmitabel for the Scavenger Hunt,

- Sandy’s Grooming Tails & K9 Cafe for the Steampet Competition,

- A&A Thaler for promotions

- Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce Inc for the Fashion Competition, et all.

Thankfully also supported by DJ Apparition, Apparition Online, Dijor Machon and Bega Valley Town Crier Alan Morse, the Crew of the Airship Sirius, Steampunk Sydney, Lord Darius Foxworth and our wonderful volunteers from Friends of Steampunk @ Altitude.

If you would like to support Steampunk @ Altitude further there will be raffle tickets sold from May 1 in Nimmitabel and throughout the festival, with the four prize packs drawn 1.30pm Sunday afternoon.

The Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing you at Steampunk @ Altitude in Nimmitabel the first weekend in May.

Www.steampunk.in fb: Steampunk At Altitude

Saturday May 4, 9am to late, Sunday May 5, 9am to 3pm.