Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, hurry hurry hurry and step right up to see the greatest show in town.

Today the Thames Art Festival fires into action and more than 49 events celebrating the local arts community will be staged around the town for the next two weeks.

The Thames Arts Festival starts today and runs until December 7. Model: Tracey Glover/Artist: Mem Bourke. Photos: Thames Arts Festival

Now into its third year the festival has undergone a radical change in 2014 by incorporating the theme of Steampunk.

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that celebrates steam-powered technology and is often set in an alternate, futuristic 19th century Victorian England. Think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

Deborah MacDonald Brown says the organising team are really excited by the change in direction 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.

'We're bringing our heritage and our arts together which is a great mix and people love it.”

The more traditional arts will still shine just as bright over the next fortnight and everything you loved about previous festivals is on offer.

Deborah says the festival's major events take place over the next three weekend, while smaller events, workshops and exhibitions will run regularly until December 7.

Tonight is the official opening of the ARTbeat Exhibition down at the Thames Society of Arts on Tararu Rd, from 6pm.

It will feature works from Coromandel artists and artisans such as Michael Smither, Barry Brickell, Kate Ewing, and Hamish Horsley.

On Saturday night Mary St will be buzzing with the Steampunk Circus Freak Show and Street Carnival, says Deborah.

'It will be incredible, we've got a strong man, a bearded lady, Siamese twins, a dancing bear, it will be absolutely brilliant.

'It's a dress up party too so we're hoping everyone who's been taking part in the Steampunk workshops we've run this week gets all dolled up and comes down.”

Artist Mem Bourke wearing a Steampunk inspired mask she created.

The following weekend on Saturday, November 29, Totally Thames is hosting the Pohutakawa Festival Wearable Arts Show at the Thames Civic Centre, from 7pm

Check out Thames' home grown creativity, who will be judged this year by designer Annah Stretton, NZ Body Art Trust's Mem Bourke, and locally infamous Mamma Gin.

The weekend after on December 6 the festival will be brought to a close with the Bella Street Pumphouse Steampunk Ball, says Deborah.

'Tickets are available from the Seagull Centre which is the home of steampunk here in Thames.

'If you're after inspiration for what to wear then definitely head down to the Wearable Arts show the weekend before.”

Deborah says their philosophy behind the Thames Arts Festival is to have 'one arty party” and she is looking forward to the expected crowds of people.

As it is a community arts festival the aim is to show off Thames' artistic community and Deborah says they are unashamedly 'local, loud and proud.”

'We want for people to come down, have fun, get inspired and be challenged by what they see.

'So come out and enjoy the festival and try your hand at something you've never done before.”

The Thames Arts Festival runs from November 21 until December 7 at sites throughout Thames.

With more than 49 events and to avoid missing out on some fantastic events, workshops and exhibitions visit the festival's website at www.thamesarts.co.nz

Model Ellie Edworthy with body art created by artist Emma Edworthy