Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations

10/09/2026

📣 THIS PAGE IS CLOSING in 5 days! 📣

Don't get left behind and miss out on all the fun! 😭

FOLLOW our NEW page Victorian Heritage Celebrations now, to make sure you're up to date with all news and exciting "Fun, Frolics & Festivities" updates going forward
👍🎩🥰

➡ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592806215051

06/09/2026

📣 Don't miss out on all the excitement and news, come on over and follow our NEW Victorian Heritage Celebrations page! 📣

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592806215051

This old page ceases to exist next week, on 15th September 2026.

Both nstagram & page now have the same name "Victorian Heritage Celebrations", so we are easy to find and tag. WELCOME - can't wait to share more news with you soon! 😃

26/08/2026

📣 WE HAVE A NEW PAGE, for all things Celebration! 📣

Be sure to FOLLOW our new page to keep up with all the news and information about our upcoming Festival. 🥳🎩

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592806215051

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations - celebrating Oamaru's Victorian past

02/08/2026

🎩 Meet the Team - Zara Murphy ✨

Hi everyone! I'm Zara Murphy, Co-Chair of the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations Committee.

My journey with the Festival began as a volunteer. Having only lived in Oamaru for a few years, getting involved in local community events has been a great way to meet people, build genuine connections, develop new skills, and become part of something much bigger than myself.

I believe that community events foster a meaningful sense of belonging. They bring together people from all walks of life, celebrate local talent, and strengthen local businesses.

Outside of the Festival, I also help run a local market that champions small businesses, makers, and sustainable shopping, and I enjoy supporting local businesses with social media and marketing to help them grow and connect with their audiences. In my role at The Business Hive, I'm fortunate to meet people from across our district every day, creating opportunities to network, collaborate, and introduce people who might benefit from knowing one another.

I genuinely love bringing people together and helping great ideas and great people find each other.

If you've ever thought about volunteering, coming along to an event, or just saying hello, I'd absolutely encourage you to do it. Come along, get involved, and experience the wonderful sense of community that makes Oamaru such a special place.

01/08/2026

This is just one of the many gorgeous ensembles The Victorian Wardrobe can put together for you. 🩵 Time is flying - November is only 3 months away. .. Have you sorted your attire for Fun, Frolics and Festivities? 🥳

This is our most popular dress, we can see why

16/07/2026

We were so saddened to hear of Elizabeth's passing.

Elizabeth was a treasured part of the Oamaru community and someone our Heritage Celebrations Committee had the pleasure of working alongside for many years. She will be deeply missed by so many people.

Our thoughts are with Elizabeth's family, friends and everyone at the Victorian Wardrobe during this difficult time. 🤍🕊️

It's with heavy hearts that we have to let you know our good friend and work mate, Elizabeth, has passed away. There has been a private family service and there will be a memorial for her here at the Wardrobe on Saturday 25th July at 2.00pm.

28/06/2026

🎩 Meet the Team - Laura Byars

Originally from Finland, Laura has well and truly settled in Oamaru. The interesting history, beautiful old buildings as well as the friendly, colourful locals that reminded her of Europe - helped her fall in love with our little town.

With a strong background in sales & customer service, marketing, communications and brand management, she has worked in wide range of roles across fashion retail, event technology, hospitality, the spirits industry and tourism.

Being a people person, Laura gets her energy from interesting conversations, meeting new people and creating meaningful connections. Oamaru has plenty of spirit – from its welcoming community to its rich wh**ky heritage – making it an easy place to call home.

Always eager to give things a go and learn new skills, Laura has never been one to shy away from a challenge.. which probably explains how she ended up involved with the Heritage Celebrations. This is Laura's first time working behind the scenes, and she's looking forward to pitching in – and bringing a little more magic to November! 🍀✨

26/06/2026

We are so excited about this year’s theme – CELEBRATION! Fun, Frolics and Festivities!

We can’t wait to share what we’ve planned for November – to experience the Spirit of Celebrations with you all. Just like back in the day when community got together for grand balls and fairs, when sporting events and fun games filled the streets with excitement and joy… It will be such fun!

We invite you to come learn, laugh, and rediscover our heritage through a lens of pure jubilation!

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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