Couple sought to renew vows during Raymond Terrace heritage festival

Why not renew your vows during the Step Back into King Street Heritage Festival?

Organisers of the festival are seeking a couple to renew their vows under the Wedding Trees in King Street as part of the third-annual event.

“It just adds to the festival,” co-organiser Kaye Newton said.

“For a couple who have been married for a long time, this could be something really quite special.”

Laura and Chris Evans were married under the trees during the first festival in 2015. Last year, Jo and Steve Pinter renewed their vows. The ceremony was performed by Michele Cramp.

If a couple can be found for this year’s festival, being held on May 20, Ms Cramp will again officiate the ceremony.

Mrs Newton said the only stipulation on the couple was that they needed to be married already and willing to wear vintage clothing.

“This mainly means no low necklines or bare arms,” Mrs Newton said.

“And the man needs to wear a hat.”

All patrons to the street festival are encouraged to dress up in vintage clothing.

There will once again be a hat or bonnet parade for women and a best beard competition for men.

Unique to the festival, this year attendees will have the chance to enter the Richardson and Scully building, formerly the Newcastle University Aquatic Centre.

The riverfront warehouse was built in 1867. It is the last of the original river-facing buildings in King Street. 

The doors to the building will be open to the public between 10am and 3pm.

For more information about the festival, check out the Save Historic King Street Raymond Terrace Facebook page.

Couples interested in renewing their vows during the festival are asked to email kayenewton@bigpond.com or call 0408 233 016.

The Black Joak Morris Dancers, form Sydney, will return to the festival this year and perform their traditional style of dance in the street.

Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society will have quills for visitors to the festival to use, there will be old farm