suitcase challenge 2024

With approval from (the instigators) Hatton Cross Steampunk, Gloucester, VA, USA, we are delighted to offer this creative experience again for Steampunk NZ Festival 2024.

For this challenge, we shall offer one category only: ‘The Personal Suitcase’, aka: ‘I’m only going on a short jaunt.’ This category will focus on your own personal suitcase of a size that you could carry unaided, and which you could place under your seat or in the overhead bin of an airship. It should be no larger than 70 cm x 53 cm x 36 cm, and weigh no more than 20 kg. Judging criteria and points will be awarded on the aesthetics of your luggage, how creative the backstory is and how well it fits the 2024 theme of Botanical-Mechanical, how much are you able to incorporate into the suitcase and what (if any) transformation happens upon opening it. We want to see all the bells and whistles, lights and all the things that make this build uniquely yours.

Plumb the depths and exceed the limitations of your experience as an inventor and maker.

Soar to new and glorious lofty goals.

Wow the judges with your creativity.

We hope you have a wonderful time creating your suitcase and look forward to seeing them in all their glory.

Your suitcase needs to be on display at the Festival Hub by 10am Saturday 1 June 2024.Judging will take place at 2pm Saturday 1 June and if your suitcase has bells and whistles that the judges need to see – you will need to be in attendance to operate these.

Instructions for drop off will be on your registration forms. Registration forms will be available April 8. No entry fee.Judges this year are: Tim Arthur – Arthur’s Antiques, Martin Hoorspool – Buggy Robot and Iain Clarke jeweller and Festival Ambassador.