Redefining the Vintage Weekend
Heather Cox is the new event manager for Whanganui’s huge January party — Vintage Weekend.
Vintage Weekend is on January 18-21 next year.
“There’s an expectation that I’m going to tidy up the back end a bit and define what it is so we can engage more people,” she says. “There are two parts to my role: event management and PR management, which obviously overlap. So it’s Whanganui Vintage Weekend and within that is a programme of events organised by others. Rivercity Caboodle on Saturday is organised by Mainstreet with the support of the Trust. On Sunday is the Shindig, organised by members of the community with the support of the trust . . . so my role is to engage with all of those organisers and share with them what we want to achieve so we have a quality event with good attendance and a good profile for Whanganui Vintage Weekend.”
The Trust consists of Bruce Jellyman (chairman) with Kate Joblin, Annette Main, Rory Smith and Keith Smith.
Heather is busy creating a structure in digital and hard copy for herself and future event managers.
“Then I can tick off what I need to do and what I need from event organisers to ensure it’s that quality event that fits with the brand,” she says. “It’s not new — it’s just creating a defined framework.” In doing so she has brought together the pieces of the puzzle.
Heather has studied past Vintage Weekends with a view to destination marketing and “placemaking” — how to use events in public spaces to draw the community in.
“It creates atmosphere and a sense of pride in their community.
“The weekend is a showcase of the best from eras gone by, illustrated through entertainment, activities, food, drink, technology and fashion with the historic and awardwinning architecture of one of New Zealand’s oldest cities as the backdrop.”
Heather says they want more people to engage with the theme.
“Pick an era you love, any era.”
Whanganui’s settled history extends back to the 1830s so that gives an awful lot to choose from, right up until a few decades ago.
“If you live in Whanganui, plan to be here for Vintage Weekend,” says Heather. “Invite your friends and family to come from out of town and organise vintage outfits from any era you choose.”
Heather says Whanganui’s wealth of op shops allows a wide choice of costume for the occasion.
A new device-friendly website is being designed and there is an existing Facebook page for Vintage Weekend.
Wanganui Camera Club is the official photographer for the occasion.
If you wish to help as a volunteer, get in touch via the Facebook page.
Retailers, operators and services can buy advertising in the Whanganui Vintage Weekend brochure, website, Facebook and Instagram.