A fine Victorian affair

WHEN Stephanie and Jason Jeffs set off for a long weekend in Oamaru, they never expected to go back in time.

The Christchurch couple were none the wiser that the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations were in full flight in the town.

‘‘We came down yesterday [Friday] and just stumbled across it,’’ Mrs Jeffs said.

There were top hats, corsets, hoop skirts, and fascinators as far as the eye could see, as hundreds of people prepared for the grand parade celebrations on Saturday.

‘‘Seeing everyone dressed up, it’s been really cool.

‘‘We love it here, all the old vibes, and it’s quite nice seeing all the older architecture, because we lost a lot of ours in Christchurch [in the earthquake].’’

Fellow Christchurch resident Vivian Huang and her children, Charlotte (6) and Harrison Jin, donned traditional attire as they joined their first grand parade.

‘‘We’ve never got the chance to come down, and it’s been great — it’s been beautiful today.’’

June Simpson, of Queenstown, was attired in a blue and white chequered dress to celebrate her 12th attendance at the event.

Her son’s interest in pennyfarthings was how she had become involved.

‘‘I love dressing up — I went to the great ball and I’ll be going to Totara Estate, the shindig and the fete.’’

Peter Benson moved to Oamaru from Australia last year, and was thrown into the weekend’s festivities, spending Saturday guarding Queen Victoria.

‘‘I’ve been roped into it by friends, but I love the Victorian theme, all the friendly people . . . and protecting the Queen.’’

Victorian Heritage Celebrations coordinator Anisha Lee said more people dressed up for the celebrations this year than previously.

‘‘It’s been absolutely fantastic to see how many people have actually turned up to celebrate today.’’

The Victorian literature theme had received great support, and about 80 people listened to Oamaru writer Fiona Farrell’s talk on Thursday.

‘‘They usually get about 40 at these things . . . it’s very well supported and people have really got behind it.

She believed people got into the spirit as Covid19 had put a halt to other community events.

‘‘It is our first big event since lockdown.

‘‘People are getting more nostalgic about the past, and learning more about their own history, and this has given them the ability to do so.’’

The celebration events began last Wednesday and concluded yesterday.

PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Three suitably attired gents enjoy their day out at the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations on Saturday, while Will Banford (8), of Oamaru, sneaks up on them. They are (from left) Gilbert Black, of Milton, Bernard Flannery, of Milburn, and Geoff Swift, of Dunedin.

Hidden treasures . . . Nanna Bangles owner Olivia Kwant disguises herself among the mannequins.

All together . . . A contingent of Victorian era members gather for the grand photo after the parade.

Lean feat . . . Practising his tricks before the 26th Heritage Bicycle Championship is Oliver Briggs, of Oamaru.

Royal chariot . . . Gordon and Wendy Pringle, of Oamaru, escort Julie Clark, as Queen Victoria, in their replica 1901 Oldsmobile. Holding flags behind are Graeme Clark and Peter Benson.

Tuckered out . . . Stephanie and Jason Jeffs, of Christchurch, have a break in the shade with their sleeping dog Brocky.

Speedy . . . Labour MP David Clark, and daughter Clara (7), take a ride in a replica 1886 Benz.

Ladies of leisure . . . Waiting for the parade to start are (from left) Jule Norris, of Mosgiel, June Simpson, of Queenstown, and Suzee Beckett, of Christchurch.

PHOTOS: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Sparkly . . . Mother Vivian Huang and children Charlotte (6) and Harrison Jin (4), of Christchurch, take part in the Grand Parade for the first time.