Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations

Oamaru is about to undergo its annual metamorphosis stepping back in time to the Victorian era. From November 13 to 17, the town will celebrate its colonial heyday with old fashioned entertainment, historical information and people promenading in period costumes.

With a variety of events tailored to the 2019 theme of ‘‘Wheels ’’ celebrating local cycle history, farming history and innovation, they vary from the ever popular “Crombie & Price Victorian Garden Party” and “Gentleman’s Relish” to the formal “Queen Victoria’s Birthday Ball”. See vhc.co.nz for full schedule of events and tickets.

The official “Grand Opening” on Thursday is followed by an evening of entertainment. Start off with “Free Wheeling Women’s Cycle Club Musical Evening” with stories of local suffrage movement and the importance of bicycles in womens’ freedom. Throughout the celebrations there are talks and tours exploring the history of Oamaru, machinery and the revolution of the bicycle.

It has been 25 years since the first Heritage Bicycle Championships and Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club is celebrating in style. New Zealand’s foremost heritage cycling event attracting wheelmen (and women) from all around the globe. This will be another high thrills afternoon as riders participate in sprints, slaloms, relays, slow races, and the ghastly Tyne Street Grunter. With sections for both Penny Farthings and pre-10speed safeties it is spectacular for competitor and spectator alike.

For those wanting to explore more about the Victorian fashion and etiquette the “Historical Fashion Show” held on Saturday explores the decades of Victorian Fashion and the social etiquettes that inspired them. Bicycles changed the attitude towards womens’ clothing and the rational dress movement began. Join Dr Jane Malthus as she explores the history of bicycle wheels and dress reform in the late 19th century.

Those who want to dress in Victorian costumes have an astonishing array to choose from at the Victorian Wardrobe in Harbour St, with many people already acquiring their costumes.