UPDATE: The Steampunk Victoriana Fair in Goulburn has just wrapped up, showcasing a vibrant display of creativity and community spirit. On October 18, 2023, fair-goers enjoyed perfect weather, making it a delightful day filled with unique costumes, games, and attractions.
Attendees from as far away as New Zealand flocked to the Goulburn Waterworks for the event’s 11th iteration. Organizer Julianne Salway expressed her excitement, noting, “We couldn’t have asked for better weather.” The conditions allowed participants to fully embrace the Steampunk aesthetic without the discomfort of extreme heat.
The fair featured attractions like grand teapot racing, hobby horse competitions, music, markets, and horse and carriage rides, drawing thousands of attendees. This year’s event proved to be a significant success, continuing the trend of increasing popularity for the Steampunk genre, which blends industrial-era design with imaginative storytelling.
The origins of the Goulburn fair trace back to 2011 when Salway visited a Steampunk exhibition at London’s Kew Bridge Steam Museum. Inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm she witnessed there, she envisioned a similar celebration in Goulburn, leading to the inaugural fair in 2014.
The fair has grown substantially over the years, with accommodations made last year to handle larger crowds, a change that remained in place for this year’s event. Salway highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating that volunteers play a crucial role in the fair’s success.
A special tribute was paid to the late Bruce McDonald, whose dedication to restoring the historic Appleby Beam Engine at the Waterworks was instrumental in preserving Goulburn’s industrial heritage. McDonald, who passed away in June 2023 at the age of 95, is credited with rescuing the engine from disrepair and ensuring its operation as a museum piece. Without his efforts, the Steampunk fair may never have become a reality.
The atmosphere at the fair was electric, with attendees showcasing their most imaginative costumes, embodying characters from a world that fuses history with fantasy. The event is not only a celebration of Steampunk culture but also a testament to Goulburn’s unique history and community spirit.
Looking ahead, the Steampunk Victoriana Fair is set to return in 2026, promising to continue its tradition of creativity and community engagement. As the fair wraps up this year, organizers are already planning ways to enhance the experience for future events, ensuring that Goulburn remains a beacon for Steampunk enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for updates as preparations for next year’s fair begin, and be part of the growing Steampunk movement that captivates audiences worldwide.
