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PROGRAMME AND TICKETS

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How can I buy tickets to events?

Tickets will go on sale in early September.  Please return to our Web site to check around 10 September, or email  ovhcommittee@vhc.co.nz and ask to be notified when tickets are available.

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When will the full programme be available?

We expect to finalise the programme by 5 August and to issue the printed brochure by 10 September.

 

VICTORIAN FETE

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How I can arrange to have a stall at the Fete? 

Please email fete@victorianoamaru.co.nz

 

How I can arrange to perform at the Fete? 

Please email fete@victorianoamaru.co.nz

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How can I buy tickets to the Fete?  

Members of the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust will receive their fete tickets by post the week before the Fete.

 

Tickets for non-members are available only at the gate on  Sunday 19 November.  If you have a large group booking please email fete@victorianoamaru.co.nz

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HERITAGE BALL

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I would love to attend the Heritage Ball.  Do I need to wear Victorian dress?

The dress code is formal ball dress, preferably Victorian or dress uniform for gentlemen. Tartans are not just welcomed this year, they are encouraged. 

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I would love to attend the Heritage Ball, but am not able to dance.  Can I attend and simply watch the dancing?

This is a dancing event, and as tickets are limited we prefer to have attendees participate in the dancing. Note that there are other (non-dancing) Heritage events happening on the same evening.

 

To learn the dances, please contact us at heritagedanceoamaru@gmail.com as there will be regular pre-ball practices held in Dunedin and Oamaru, as well as on the Friday morning of the Ball.

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FOOD

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I have dietary restrictions.  How can I ensure that the food served at an event will be suitable for me?

Our event providers are familiar with dietary needs. When booking your ticket, please ensure that you advise the event organiser of dietary or other requirements. 

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Can you recommend places to eat?

There are many good restaurants and cafes in and around Oamaru, both near the Historic Precinct and farther afield. We can’t predict your preferences, but Trip Advisor or Restaurant Guru are good places to find a comprehensive list.  Whatever your tastes, most restaurants are very busy during Heritage Celebrations, so we recommend that you contact the restaurant to check availability.

 

GRAND STREET PARADE

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How can my organisation arrange to join the parade?

Please email ovhcommittee@vhc.co.nz and ask to be included in the parade.  We will get back to you with detailed information.

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Can my friends and I march in the parade?  (We don’t belong to any group)

Individuals in costume are welcome to join the parade. Marchers should assemble at the corner of Wansbeck and Harbour St by 11:30 on Saturday 20 November.  For your safety, please listen to and follow the instructions from the Parade Master.

 

In early November, the Updates page will have more information on what is involved in taking part in the parade.

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COSTUMES

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Do I need to wear a Victorian costume to attend events?

You'll feel more a part of the festivities in Victorian (or traditional Scottish) clothes. Costumes have a huge impact on some events.  In particular, the Heritage Ball has a dress code, and people must also be in costume to march in the Grand Street Parade. Costumes are strongly encouraged if you want to participate in events that recreate the heritage feel, such as the Ceilidh or formal Victorian-style meals. (Costumes can be simple - not everyone was rich!).  You are welcome to watch the outdoor events in street clothes, and to attend the Fashion Show, lectures, displays, church services and exhibits in any style.  

 

How can I hire a costume?

The Victorian Wardrobe, 4b Harbour St, has a wide range of costumes, for all ages, sizes and shapes and Victorian social classes.  The Wardrobe is currently open 10:00 to 4:00 on Thursdays. From October, it will also be open on Sundays, 10:00-4:00. And leading up to the Celebrations, it will be open every day from 14 to 21 November, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Check the the the Victorian Wardrobe Facebook page for examples of the styles on offer, or view the Victorian Wardrobe link from our HOME page.

 

 

TOURIST INFORMATION

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I want to visit the wider Oamaru and Waitaki area.  Where can I find tourist information?

The Tourist Information Centre is located at 12 Harbour St, in the Whitestone City building.

Online, check Tourism Waitaki  for highlights on the region.  

 

Can you recommend places to stay?

Sorry, we can’t help with accommodation.  There are many good hotels, motels and B&Bs in Oamaru, both in town and farther afield. Trivago, Air BNB, Trip Advisor and Booking.com all have comprehensive lists.  

 

Note: Accommodation usually books out early for Heritage Celebrations week and we recommend that you make you plans as early as possible. 

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JOINING IN 

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How can I arrange to model my costume in the Fashion Show?

Ladies and gentlemen are very welcome to display their Victorian-style clothing.  Please email misstemby@gmail.com by 8 November to register your interest.

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How can I join the Parade?

If you are on foot, just assemble at the corner of Harbour St and Lower Wansbeck St at 11:30 on Parade Day.  Please listen to the parade marshalls who will advise how to be visible and stay safe.

 

Larger groups and vehicle should contact parade@vhc.co.nz by 11 November to register your interest, and so we can plan the line-up. 

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How can I join in the Heritage Bicycle races?

We welcome new riders, and the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment!  All riders are encouraged to wear traditional riding attire.

 

You will need to supply your own bicycle.  Penny farthings can be reproductions but must have solid tyres front and rear for racing. Safety bicycles can be more recent traditional style, but generally pre-1960s, no dérailleurs or modern brakes.

 

Collect your entry forms from the club trailer on Tyne Street prior to 1pm.  Prize-giving for each race for will be held after each event’s championship race.

 

Enquiries to oamaruordinary@gmail.com or 027 2931059.

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