General News
22 September, 2024
Save the date for 2025 "Circus" event
The date of the next Wimmera Steampunk Festival has been set for April 12, 2025, and will see Dimboola once again transform into a unique fantasy landscape, this time under the theme "The Carnival of Peculiarities".
Steampunk's 2023 festival attracted around 4000 people from across Australia, and even from around the world, and next year's plans are already underway to cater for something bigger and better than before.
The Post Office end of Lloyd Street will be the beginning of the expanded food and drinks section, while Lochiel Street will solely be the entertainment precinct.
Organiser Chan Uoy said they have booked circus performers and roaming acts to entertain attendees.
"The vision is Cirque Du Soleil meets a fantastical 19th-century Dimboola," Mr Uoy said.
"There will be three stages - one underneath the canopy of the two heritage trees on Lochiel Street, one behind the Library's 'Garden of Wonderful Lights' and the other in the Dimboola Store courtyard.
"Weird and beautiful contraptions will also gracefully manoeuvre through the attendees to spark awe and wonder."
Tower Park is also set to be transformed into a mini-Wonderland,, while the former hardware store, located on the corner of Lochiel Street and Victoria Street, will be transformed into a "Menagerie Of Unusual Creatures".
"On behalf of the Dimboola Progress Association, I thank the Hindmarsh Shire Council for providing a $7500 grant towards next year's Wimmera Steampunk Festival," Mr Uoy said.
Part of the grant is allocated for a performance by magician and illusionist Luke Blaze, and his team.
Live music and other entertainment has also been booked.
"Subject to a grant application with Visit Victoria, we have tentatively booked Mitch Tambo," Mr Uoy said.
Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo is a world-renowned Australian music artist who uses traditional Aboriginal sounds and languages with contemporary beats.
He hit the world stage after appearing on Australia's Got Talent in 2019, and competing in Eurovision Australia Decides.
"I hope next year's event cements Dimboola as the Steampunk capital of Victoria," Mr Uoy said.
"The event intends to bring joy, community connection and attendees from within Victoria and interstate."
Mr Uoy said the Seymour Heritage Railway Centre were working on transporting passengers from Melbourne and Geelong for the event.
"I hope the unique train service can take attendees to Serviceton Station for more celebrations the day after the street party," he said.
With the festival growing in size and popularity, volunteers for the working committees are welcome, with the added incentive of free admission to the festival.
"If you want to have fun, meet people and give back to the community, become a volunteer," Mr Uoy said.
To become a volunteer, register at www.wimmerasteampunkfestival.com.au
Ticket prices and program will be available soon.