KEY POINTS:
Fashion lovers will have a rare opportunity to view vintage clothing later this month as private collections are put on public display.
Vintage fashion collections from the 1920s to 1940s will be paraded in the majestic setting of the Civic Theatre's Winter Garden as part of the Auckland
Heritage Festival.
The free art deco shows will also feature an illustrated talk on costume jewellery by well-known collector Jan Ford and live music from the era performed by Bretts New Internationals.
For those more interested in history than fashion, a documentary about the Civic will also screen and kids will be kept entertained with a 'history hunt'.
Hats, jewellery, gloves, bags and other accessories from 1860 to 1960 will also be on display at Highwic house in Newmarket.
The Auckland Heritage Festival runs from 15 to 30 September and includes more than 150 events celebrating Auckland's unique social, built and natural heritage, most of which are free.
Some of the beautiful historic homes and buildings across Auckland will open their doors to the public during the festival including Braemar, Cotter House, Allendale House, Alberton, Highwic, Armanasco House, Ewelme Cottage, Kinder House, Monte Cecilia Pah Homestead, Panmure Stone Cottage and Onehunga's fencible cottages.
Guided walks and tours will also appeal, with topics of interest ranging from historic golf courses and art deco delights, to significant city cemeteries and celebrated streets that have evolved over the years.
Trips to historic sites on Motuihe, Motutapu, Waiheke and Rangitoto islands, as well as sailings on a square rigged heritage vessel and boat tours of the city's port and harbour will satisfy those searching for some on-the-water activities.
And those who enjoy the local beer will not be disappointed either; the history of brewing in New Zealand and Sir John Logan Campbell's brewing legacy - including his ownership of Domain Brewery, which merged to become Lion Brewery - is also commemorated during the festival with an exhibition at Cornwall Park.
Chair of Auckland City Council's Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee, Councillor Christine Caughey, said the large number of events this year demonstrated the commitment and passion that programme contributors have for sharing the stories of local areas with the wider public.
"I encourage both young and old to look twice and see Auckland from a new perspective this September as the festival brings alive the times and places of yesteryear," she said.
The full programme of events is available here or can be requested by phoning 379 2020. Bookings are essential for many events.
- NZ HERALD STAFF