Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations

23/06/2026

🎩 Meet the Team – Ev Deans

As one of the key people behind the scenes of the Victorian Heritage Celebrations, Ev Deans plays a key role in bringing the festivities to life. ✨

Being his fourth year as the Festival Coordinator, Ev works closely with associates, sponsors, performers, community groups, and key stakeholders - while coordinating everything that’s needed to make the individual events happen.

Originally from UK with colourful Caribbean heritage, Ev brings a heap of experience in advertising, hospitality, heritage projects, podcasts and documentaries. His first ever job was being a bingo caller in a 1,000 seater club, which helped bring out the performer in him. Since then he has worked in advertising and creativity, even owned a popular Cuban eatery and Nightclub Descarga Cubana on K’Road in the 2000s. He has helped organise film and cultural festivals, worked as a freelance writer and interviewed All Black legends and Hollywood actress Lisa Bonet! 🤩

His passion for heritage, storytelling, and community shines through in everything he does. Ev feels the locals here are incredibly receptive and creative. “What I love the most about Oamaru is the creativity and enthusiasm of the people who help make these celebrations so special.” 💛

20/06/2026

Do you love all things old and nostalgic? ✨ Ever thought about participating in the Oamaru Heritage Celebrations as more than just an observer or a visitor?

We rely on our amazing team of volunteers to make the events run smoothly and always welcome extra hands to help make the magic happen.

If you're keen to roll up your sleeves and give some of your time to help behind the scenes in November, we would love to hear from you. There are plenty of small tasks, running errands and various jobs we need help with - so you can put your hand up for tasks that suit your own timetable and skills.

Check our website for more information to learn how to sign up! 🥰 🙌
https://www.vhc.co.nz/volunteers

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19/06/2026

Our events wouldn't run without the support of our wonderful volunteers!💎🙌

We are so lucky to have amazing locals and out-of-towners who are willing to give their time and energy, to help with the many events, tasks, and jobs involved in the celebrations. Many hands make light work — and certainly make it more fun! 😃

07/06/2026

Got a great idea for a heritage event?
We’re already lining up a big programme for this year’s Heritage Celebrations, and now we’re opening the door to the community for even more ideas.

This is your chance to help bring Ōamaru’s history to life - whether by hosting an event, suggesting something new, or pointing us to a story worth telling. All ideas are welcome.

For inspiration, check out this year’s theme at www.vhc.co.nz.

Email your ideas to [email protected] or just send us a message.
Be quick - we’ll be finalising the programme in a few weeks.

Can’t wait to read your pitch!

30/05/2026

Remember this marvellous Sea Shanty group from last year’s celebrations? 🎶

You can enjoy listening to The Barnacle Brothers at Craftwork Brewery tonight at 6pm. Going to be another excellent & entertaining evening, no doubt!! 🌊🎵🍻

28/05/2026

Still looking for the perfect accessory or piece of clothing to complete your Victorian ensemble for this year’s Celebrations?

The Victorian Wardrobe is holding its annual sale this Sunday 31 May 2026, from 10am to 2pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover some real gems! 👒🎩

The Victorian Wardrobe on Harbour Street.
Open during winter months on Thursdays 10am - 4pm.

26/05/2026

One more sleep... Steampunk NZ Festival 2026 is almost here!

Be sure to check their website www.steampunk.org.nz to browse all the amazing individual events, or download their new "Frontiers Of Steam" Newsletter for more information.
Huzzah!! 🔥🎩

Steampunk NZ Festival

Welcome to the Steampunk NZ Festival held yearly in Oamaru, New Zealand, over King's Birthday weekend.

25/04/2026

Plans for this year's Celebrations are in full swing! 🎩💃

Our new committee members have been busy. To be ahead of the game, one of the first key tasks was to find suitable outfits for everyone, which is always fun.

If you’re planning to be dressed for the occasion - be sure to get in early, not to miss out. Visit the lovely ladies at The Victorian Wardrobe, step back in time and enjoy getting fitted out in Victorian-styled costumes. With such an amazing selection of costumes, it is easy to find your favourite one!

https://www.victorianoamaru.co.nz/victorian-wardrobe/