Step back in time: Nimmitabel’s SteamPunk@Altitude Festival is back next month!

Posted on 19 April, 2023

Music, a little bit of mayhem and magical costumes are all in store for those who travel to the gorgeous Nimmitabel village next month.

Across 6–7 May, less than two hours’ drive from Canberra, you’ll be transported to a world where the Victorian Steam Era and the American Wild West are blended and sprinkled with a touch of punk at the SteamPunk@Altitude Festival.

One of the Monaro region’s most beloved annual festivals, across the weekend the village will come to life with steampunk markets, themed activities (including tea duelling) and music, all at the altitude of 1100m. Included will be a performance from Steampunk Jazzman Peter Poole, a recent convert to the magic of the festival.

After learning of the festival when stopping through Nimmitabel before the event was set to kick off last year, Pete is excited to be back playing his tunes for all. He’ll be back next month, in full costume of course, in one of Nimmitabel’s historic buildings, the Geldmacher Mill.

“One of the best parts about the festival are the people who have put a lot of effort into creating their costumes and it actually changes their persona throughout the festival,” he says.

“I think that’s why people stay in their costumes during the whole festival and into the night because it’s a feel-good moment and that moment lasts for a long time.”

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to look the part either.

“It’s all about creativity and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Go down to your local op shop or Kmart. Even just rummaging through your closet you’d be amazed by what types of costume you can create,” says Pete.

Credit: Gillian Grundwell.

Pete only started creating his costume last year after being inspired from festivalgoers when performing.

“On the first day I just came in my usual ‘jazz man’ clothes but by the Sunday I had really gotten into the camaraderie and the whole atmosphere of the festival,” he explains.

“I actually went out and bought some steampunk attire from one of the local markets and I ended up becoming JazzPunk.”

Whether you meticulously pre-plan, spontaneously purchase or just admire the costumes of others, you’ll feel the infectious energy flowing through this charismatic village during the festival.

“I think dressing up and becoming a part of it is really the secret of enjoying the whole festival and getting swept away in the joy of it all,” Pete said.

As for the rest of the festival, costumes are just the tip of the iceberg for what is in store. A family friendly day to enjoy a range of activities (many of which are free) and support some amazing local businesses, buy from the stalls, and enjoy the ambiance. Come What May

Across the weekend, the Pioneer Memorial Hall will come alive with markets filled with trinkets, treasures and treats (both edible and not). Stop and chat to people who have gathered from far and wide, learn more about steampunk and pick up handy tips on how to become a part of the steampunk community, whilst you feel the magical energy of the historic village of Nimmitabel.

There will be something for everyone—from the young to the young-at-heart.

Credit: Andrew Lawson.

Outdoors, enjoy a range of Victorian Era-inspired activities including, but not limited to, tea duelling, promenades, vintage-inspired games and see the riding of penny farthings.

You definitely could get there and back in a day so why not make the most of it and book into the High Tea available at the Royal Arms. Stay for an evening meal with a range of ticketed-themed dinners.

Or get your singing on with the Federal Hotel turning up the noise at Steampunk Karaoke.

So rustle around in your closet, dig through your nearest op-shop and get that Pinterest board going to create the perfect fit for the festival and get ready to delve into the world of steampunk.

Feature image: High Plains Festival