City gears up for nostalgia trip

The Johnnys, from left, Liala Gianstefani, Suzi Fray and Jo Taylor, grace the stage on Saturday afternoon. The tribute band to the Man in Black play on a bill including The Black Trio and Sal Valentine and the Baby Shakes from 12.30pm Saturday.

Vintage Weekend is set to hit Wanganui with a bang, says Mainstreet Wanganui's marketing co-ordinator Sally Jane Smith.

This Anniversary Weekend will see an array of events including the Rivercity Caboodle, the Vintage Car Club celebrating its 60th, the Riverside Festival and the soapbox derby.

Saturday's Caboodle is Wanganui's largest annual street carnival featuring stalls and entertainment. The Watt Fountain and Majestic Square Stages start up at 12.30pm with local and national bands, The Johnnys feature at 5pm on the Watt Fountain Stage, with The Black Trio following and Sal Valentine and the Baby Shakes at 7pm.

"Time to get your dancing shoes rocking" concert goers are advised.

At 7pm the Boundless Banquet in all its SteamPunk glory starts on Victoria Avenue.

The Rivercity Caboodle finishes with the outdoor screening of His Girl Friday the 1940s screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

There is also the opportunity on Saturday, Sunday and Monday to enjoy the Whanganui Regional Museum Pop-Up Museum.

For all car enthusiasts in the area, the Whanganui Vintage Car Club celebrates its 60th anniversary at Springvale Stadium. At 7pm on Saturday the Whanganui Town Cruise gets under way. Cars will leave the Springvale Stadium in a convoy around town; a great sight for the whole community as they cruise past. Anyone who has a vehicle more than 30 years old is welcome to join the fun which will finish at the Grand Hotel.

Also on Saturday the popular River Traders and Whanganui Farmers Market will feature a large cross-section of stalls and the opportunity to take the Farmers Market Tour.

Sunday starts with the Burma Rally which leaves from Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens, Taupo Quay at 9am and finishes about 2.30pm. There's also the Riverside Festival from noon until 6pm which features a wide selection of food, beverages and a children's play area. The Boat Flotilla will be a sight to see from 12.30 to 1pm.

"It is highly recommended that you get out your bathing costume for The Glory Days, The Bathing Beau & Belle Contest, or dress up in your best vintage outfit," she said.

At noon there will be music from another great lineup of bands including The Johnnys at 1.30pm, Dawn Raucous BRASS and The Set.

Monday is another cracker, where you get together with a group of family and friends at the Champagne Breakfast and support the Wanganui Women's Weekend at Mint Cafe.

This is followed by the TotalSpan Soapbox Derby. Racing gets under way at 9am starting with the nippers (5 years and under), the zoomers (6-10), sprinters (11-15) and the open class (16+).

Further details can be found at vintageweekend.co.nz.