Victorian elegance, parasol duelling and a world re-imagined will throw the vibrant town of Sheffield into a steam-fuelled frenzy this weekend for the 26th annual SteamFest.
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Sheffield's Brenton Wheare came across the world of 'steampunk' for the first time when a pair of career costumers arrived at last year's event dressed in garments that would have made Jules Verne himself proud.
"Steampunk is based off the writing of HG Wells ... Terry Pratchett, for example. In the 1970s people got enthusiastic about imagining a world that ran on steam instead of fossil fuels," he said.
Mr Wheare and the other members of the Sheffield Steam and Heritage Society were so taken with the idea that they decided to make it the theme of the 2020 festival.
"I'm an enthusiast now," the stationmaster said.
"It's all about the imagination ... which is just what we want to celebrate."
Mr Wheare said the event had come just in time after the an eventful year of natural disasters and health emergencies had left the tourism-reliant community "suffering".
"We know that last year was probably a peak year ... I suppose we have to be realistic, tourism is down and Sheffield as a tourist town is suffering," he said.
"But the push this year has been getting Tasmanians to connect with their history, enjoy their own heritage and support their small towns."
The festival will be held over nine acres "packed" with stalls, steam machinery and entertainment.
In a Tasmanian first - and in line with the Victorian-inspired theme - the headlining 'sports' event will be parasol duelling.
"Believe it or not, it's a recognised sport," Mr Wheare said.
"I think they must be rubberised, you wouldn't want to poke someone's eye out with a parasol."
A steampunk costume competition will be held each day, and discounts will be awarded on entry for "genuine attempts" to dress up.
Helicopter rides, live music, woodchopping, rock crushing and a miniature goat display will also be available throughout the weekend.
SteamFest will run from March 7 to 9 at the Sheffield Steam and Heritage Centre. Camping options available.
Tickets range from $8-$20. Buy online at eventbrite.com.au or at the gate.