Caboodle biggest party of the year

Salorina Henshaw and Wren Caldwell, both 3 enjoy the action at last year's Caboodle. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Music, food, dancing, vintage cars, burlesque - all this and more will be happening at this year's Caboodle.

The Caboodle, part of Whanganui Vintage Weekend, is a street party that will make Victoria Ave the place to be on January 21.

Kelly Scarrow from Mainstreet Whanganui said this year's Caboodle would be even bigger and better than before, with a number of new events.

The area between the Watt Fountain and Majestic Square will be a "kids' zone" with games, rides and food vendors.

"This is a new thing for the Caboodle. We know that it's difficult when you've got kids to sit for a couple of hours and listen to music. But we want families to be able to come along and have an experience with the Caboodle, and this way they can," Mrs Scarrow said.

There will be two stages for music - the Watt Fountain stage and the Majestic Square stage - with music ranging from the Whanganui Ukulele Orchestra to the River City Big Band to Afro-beat legend Sam Manzanza.

Mrs Scarrow said one block of Victoria Ave would be devoted to a display of vintage cars, and people will be able to take rides on vintage motorbikes with the money raised going to the Women's Network Whanganui.

She said the vintage flea market would this year move from the War Memorial Hall to three vacant shops in Victoria Ave.

Also new this year is the Glory Days VIP Lounge, which will be a "chill out" space in Tudor Court.

"There will be food and drink available, a jazz band, burlesque shows and a vintage photo booth. It will be a place for people to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Caboodle," Mrs Scarrow said.

The Caboodle after-party kicks off at 9pm, this time at Frank bar and eatery on Victoria Ave.

The Caboodle kicks off at 12 noon on January 21. For more information see www.vintageweekend.co.nz. Bookings for ticketed events can be made at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.