General News
16 April, 2025
Steampunk excitement over for another year
Another successful Wimmera Steampunk Festival is over for another year, many having travelling from far and wide to experience the uniqueness of the event.
Festival director Chan Uoy said his vision for the event came together in the end.
"Seeing it all come to life and seeing everyone have a good time made it all worth it," Cr Uoy said.
"It's hard work to create a world-class experience in a small community.
"And who can believe small-town Dimboola could pull it off."
Saturday evening's street party saw large crowds make their way through the town centre as they visited the many food trucks and distilleries and passed through the stores that opened during the night.
Mr Uoy said many interstate visitors, primarily from South Australia, converged on Dimboola to see what the festival had to offer.
"I heard that councillors and the mayor from Bordertown came to inspect the event, which was cool," he said.
The main stage featured performances by local bands, magic and illusions by Luke Blaze and headline musician Mitch Tambo.
Aerial artist Jo-Mari Pretorius amazed crowds with her elegant movements while stilt-walker Brendan Evans cruised the streets, posing for photos.
Fire artist Scarab captivated audiences as they twirled and played with fire.
Projections were shone onto the Dimboola Imaginarium and The Wonderland in Tower Park drew many to enjoy the Magic of Metals Show as well as to complete the mirror maze.
Train shuttle services were offered by Seymour Heritage Train Centre between Horsham and Dimboola on a regular schedule.
The night ended with Mitch Tambo entertaining the crowd, the dance floor filled with people enjoying his covers and original music.
"It was an amazing night," Cr Uoy said.
"The weather turned out to be phenomenal and the full moon made it even better."
Dimboola Progress Association president Kaylene Pietsch said "it was a fantastic festival".
"People were very impressed with how the shops on the footpath stayed open and loved the decorated windows," Ms Pietsch said.
"Everyone got into the spirit and the costumes were amazing.
"A shoutout to all the volunteers.
"As a small community we really need to band together."
The event had about 30 people signed up to volunteer.
Many spent Saturday morning and early afternoon down by the river, enjoying live music and market stalls from 10am until 3pm.
"The market got positive feedback and they embraced the beauty of the location," Ms Pietsch said.
"There were people sitting on picnic blankets listening to the band playing in the soundshell."
On Sunday costumed attendees enjoyed a high tea at the historic Serviceton Station while others stayed in town to make the most of the last performance of 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.
"I didn't get to go to the Serviceton high tea but I've been getting really positive feedback from it," Ms Pietsch said.
"It was great to see people supporting Sweeney Todd as well.
"It was just a real positive vibe the whole weekend."
Wimmera Steampunk Festival merchandise is still for sale at Kayls Hair Place in Lloyd Street, Dimboola, and from Ms Pietsch on 0429 894 218.
Mr Uoy expressed his thanks to the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria for their support and contributions towards the event.
