STEP down King Street in Raymond Terrace on May 21 and be transported back in time.

All things old will be made new again when the Step Back into King Street Heritage Festival is held for a second year.

Last year’s festival, held just days before the April super storm hit, was a success with about 1000 people turning out to the event which celebrates the history of King Street.

“There are many local organisations getting involved including Lions, Rotary, Men’s Shed, Scouts, Raymond Terrace Art and Crafts, historical society, senior citizens, local schools and more,” festival organiser Kaye Newton said.

“It will be a real community day as well as having a focus on stepping back in time to enjoy old fashioned activities and learning something about the past.”

King Street was the original main street and CBD of Raymond Terrace up until the 1955 flood.

The street still features a number of historic buildings, including some dating back to the 1890’s.

For the past two years the King Street Preservation and Action Group, of which Ms Newton is chairwoman, has worked to raise awareness about its historical significance.

“Two years ago this [area] was just full of cars and in complete neglect,” Ms Newton said.

“Some of these buildings were in danger of being pulled down and once they pull one down, they all start going.

“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen and make sure what is left is preserved.”

To festival helps the group achieve their goal by getting the community involved in history and heritage.

The street is closed to cars between 9am and 4pm and the festival, free to attend, will be held from 10am to 3pm.

Volunteers, shop keepers, special guests and vendors are dressed up in historical clothing, and traditional games such as marbles, draughts and knucklebones are available to play.

A town crier will ride around on a Penny-farthing, children can draw with feather quills, there will be a historical display in the Scout hall and festival-goers can get a modern photo but in historical dress.

Men have an opportunity to show off their beards in a competition.

Women and men can enter into the hat competition.

A hat just has to be similar to what was worn about 100 years ago.

There will be plenty of entertainment on the day, with the Irrawang High School drum corps to perform as well as the Black Jock Morris Dancers, Port Stephens Community Choir and the String Loaded Celtic Fiddle Band.

There will be no wedding under the wedding trees this year, but a vow renewal ceremony.