It'll be an astounding, most exhilarating and seriously stupendous weekend with the Steampunk the Thames Festival kicking off today.

Steampunks from all across the country are descending upon Thames for three days of epic excitement, mind-boggling contraptions and scientific fantasy that's guaranteed to inspire and entertain everyone in the whole family.

The Tattooed Lady Ophelia Payne and Captain Rehab cast ashore at the Burke St wharf on the Firth of Thames. Photo: Peter James Quinn

For the uninitiated, ‘steampunk' is a subgenre of science fiction that celebrates steam-powered technology and is often set in an alternate, futuristic 19th century Victorian England or American Wild West.

The festival is being run by voluntary organisation Steampunk the Thames Inc. and its committee of ten members who each bring a wealth of talent, fresh ideas and a passion to 'art up Thames”.

President Deb MacDonald Brown says they are extremely excited to be presenting the first ever Steampunk the Thames Festival this year.

'Essentially Thames was a frontier town, built during the gold rush and kauri logging days, so it really is a Victorian town and we've got fabulous heritage buildings here,” says Deb.

'We've created this festival to celebrate Thames' own blend of art, heritage and culture, inspire and stimulate local talent, showcase local art and creativity and attract visitors to town.”

This weekend is so jam packed with fantastically fantastical events, workshops, competitions and more that you'll need a steam powered time machine just to fit it all in.

Events includes Bella Street Pumphouse Steampunk Ball, Mad Hatter's Steampunk Convention, Steampunk to the Max car parade and display, Steampunk Street Carnival plus the Wild West Burlesque show.

Also taking place are the Steampunk Costume Creation, Mad Hatters, and the Guns & Roses - 6 Degrees of attachment workshops which are guaranteed to inspire the steampunk in everyone.

And if you're needing help putting together a steampunk costume then make sure you head down to The Famous Steampunk Emporium pop-up shop on Pollen St, where the lovely Lady Lavinia Laudanum-Swoon and The Baroness Ditzy Von Karbon will sort you out.

The inaugural Steampunk the Thames takes place at locations all around Thames from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15. For more information visit: www.steampunkthethames.org

Captain Steamo and his band of Glorious Misfits ‘punk up their ride' on Beach Rd , Thames. Photo: Peter James Quinn