NIMMITABEL has its annual steampunk festival coming up on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5.

Whether or not you have been to SteamPunk @ Altitude yet, come one, come all; there is an extra Circus vibe this year and everyone is invited.

Stepping into the village of Nimmitabel during the festival is like stepping into another time, a time that never was.

You will see layered ruffled skirts, corsets over blouses, top-hats, goggles and brass cogs sewn to random clothing, they are all the rage at SteamPunk @ Altitude. Why? Because the SteamPunk@Altitude Festival in Nimmitabel brings fictional times and places combined with modern to the Monaro.

Steampunk is where the Victorian steam era and the Wild West meet with the fantastical style of punk, adding a sprinkling of time travel.

At SteamPunk @ Altitude you can peruse curios and oddities, experience high-jinx, race a snail, parade a pet, parade yourself, challenge a friend with tea duelling, or teapot racing.

Visit Nimmitabel’s unique buildings and historic spaces, hear the Nimmity Bell toll. There will be music in the mill, poetry in the pub, an evening steampunk dance party, live theatre, a uni-cycle and penny farthing riding by, plus more.

There is free entry with on street activities, market stalls, delicious food and plenty to see in a unique whimsical village atmosphere.

There will be vintage and steampunk inspired games, circus activities and workshops, music, theatre and markets, iconic buildings and locations, plus all stores on the main street of Nimmitabel open.

It’s a circus

Clockwork Circus is excited to be journeying to Nimmitabel for the SteamPunk @ Altitude Festival with their SS Artificer Airship, with their unique blend of steampunk and circus. With the SS Artificer as their base, they be offering circus workshops for festival-goers.

The Clockwork Circus troupe will also be wandering the festival with roving performances of juggling and stilt-walking and they’ll have some circus goodies for sale. A great addition to Steampunk @ Altitude, family fun for everyone.

The Pioneer Memorial Hall will be the location for Speranza Starburner’s circus inspired show, a one man act that is sure to entertain; either day come by 9.30am and be the first to see him! Speranza Starburner will also ride his unicycle on the street, which will you see him do first?

Dijor's Re- purposed Fun and Follies combination of Victorian era, circus themes, and steampunk elements has a fascinating collection of items to see. Sanjex Seratti attends as a late Victorian era Steampunk navigator and his curious engineering nature can be seen in his games and steampunk contraptions. Professor Justin Time will be exhibiting his mechanical wonders and sculptures.

Paint a Steampunk Sheep

On offer Saturday May 4, 3.30pm in the Nimmitabel Country Club by Art by Netty. There is room for groups so gather your friends and make some great memories, and get a little discount. Netty will provide all the inspiration, the paint, brushes, canvas and aprons. You just need to bring yourself, and a snack if you like. The bar will be open at the Nimmitabel Country Club for you to purchase your Sip.

Friendly competition

Friendly competition is a big part of the steampunk genre, and the Capital Tea Duelling Society returns with their tea and biscuits, the cometary and the suspense.

Saturday at 1.30pm is the best dressed fashion competition, where bringing your friends maybe to your advantage.

Pets are welcome at the festival, on leash of course, and are included in the festivities with their own Steam-Pet parade and competition held 11am Sunday, be sure to dress them in their Steampunk finest.

Sunday the Grand Teapot Race is at 12pm, to be called by the Bega Town Crier, who hasn’t missed a Steampunk @ Altitude yet. A Teapot Racer workshop will be held Saturday, bring your own racer vehicle and teapot, they will help you sort out the rest. Be sure to read the guidelines on our website under Competitions.

The Royal Arms Guesthouse is opening up their Tearoom for three High Tea sessions for Steampunk @ Altitude.

Indulge in a scrumptious array of savouries and sweets served on elegant tiered stands. Experience the elegance of a bygone era with their traditional High Tea service. Sip on a fragrant cup of tea from their wide selection of blends, and soak in the refined ambiance of their historic venue. Bookings required and can be made through the www.steampunk.in website.

Contact Diane for bookings or further details 0429 312 302

There is so much to see and do at Steampunk @ Altitude. Check their Facebook page and website. The festival activities on offer are varied to encourage engagement, creativity, entertainment and fellowship, the Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce encourage you to have a go, the steampunk way.

Whilst there is no general entry fee, you can support their businesses and vendors with your patronage.

Website: www.steampunk.in | Facebook, Steampunk At Altitude | Saturday 9am – 5pm day program, evening program 4pm til late | Sunday 9am – 3pm.