And a taste of that sexy science fiction world is coming to Ballarat next week.

As part of next weekend’s Ballarat Heritage Weekend, Suttons House of Music will host a Steampunk evening, encouraging patrons to arrive clothed in dandy chaps for the lads, and corsets or petticoats for the lasses.

Adornments such as goggles, ray guns and other post-apocalyptic accessories are also de jure.

Suttons events co-ordinator Dani Fry said the building itself was entirely appropriate to the Steampunk 19^th century aesthetic.

When renovating the building, Ms Fry and her business partners discovered remnants from Ballarat inventor Henry Sutton’s work including Ballarat’s first telephone wire and parts of an hydraulic lift.

Sutton was also known for inventing lightbulbs, radio transmitters, vacuum pumps and early designs for a television – making him possibly the most “Steampunk” fellow Ballarat has ever known.

“The building was built in 1891, right in the Goldrush times. A lot of the Steampunk era is of that time and that crosses over with some of the inventions of Henry Sutton. It’s the 1800s with a sci fi bent.”

She said the evening would feature tapas and canapes on arrival, cocktails, a prize for best dressed and music provided by Melbourne “gypsy dance continental classics” group The Royal High Jinx.

Molly Fry, dressed in a frilled Victorian shirt and military-style goggles, said Steampunk was a fashion trend rising in the alternative world.

“It’s a really fun style and it’s something a lot of people have become huge fans after trying it out. There’s lots of room for creativity,” she said.

Ms Fry, who is studying musical theatre at Federation University, said Steampunk was more than just about the clothes.

The event will be held Saturday, May 7, with tickets $60. For information, visit www.suttonshouseofmusic.com.au For more on the Ballarat Heritage Weekend, visit www.ballaratheritageweekend.com