Check out the upcoming events at the Tower

A new exhibit at Firth Tower Museum offers a captivating look into the clothing styles of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, showcasing how fashion reflected the social norms and cultural shifts of mid-20th century New Zealand.

The Mid-Century Clothing Exhibit features authentic garments and accessories from the era, highlighting the evolution from wartime practicality to post-war elegance and the vibrant self-expression of the 1960s.

In the 1940s, clothing was often handmade and passed down through families. Girls wore dresses exclusively, while boys wore shorts with long socks. Wool coats, hats, and proper rainwear were standard in winter. Mothers and grandmothers commonly sewed clothing at home, using patterns and materials from local stores such as Ivan Toomeys and Farmers.

The 1950s saw continuity in everyday wear, with women donning suits, dresses, gloves, and hats for outings. School uniforms were detailed and layered, including wool pinafores, stockings, and blazers. Teen fashion included full skirts supported by starched petticoats, modest blouses, and carefully styled short hair.

By the 1960s, fashion underwent dramatic changes. Hemlines rose, colours brightened, and casual styles became popular. Jeans, trouser suits, ponchos, and bold accessories like medallion necklaces reflected the influence of rock music, television, and youth culture. Shops in Matamata adapted quickly to meet the growing demand for teen fashion.

The exhibit on at Firth Tower throughout November offers a unique opportunity to explore how clothing shaped and reflected daily life, education, entertainment, and social events during these transformative decades.

Whether you're interested in fashion history or simply curious about the styles of the past, this exhibit will provide an engaging and informative experience for all ages.

Celebrate Christmas with us at Firth Tower!

An evening of carols, community, and Christmas cheer.

Come along to a joyful evening at Firth Tower this December, as we celebrate the season with live music and festive cheer!

The Matamata Brass band will be performing a set of traditional Christmas carols, as well as a ukelele band and award-winning opera singer Jazz Vidamo, in front of the historic Church. Bring your picnic blanket, gather your friends and whānau, and enjoy the music on the lawn as the sun sets over summer skies.

✨ What to expect: 

• Live Christmas carols by the Matamata Brass Band
• Award-winning opera singer Jazz Vidamo
• A peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere
• Christmas decorations and a twinkling tree
• A sausage sizzle and coffee cart with drinks and treats
• Space to relax, picnic, and enjoy the evening

🎟️ FREE ENTRY – Everyone is welcome. No tickets required.

Please note: the museum buildings will be closed during this event.

🗓 Event details 

• Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
• Time: 6.30pm – 8pm (gates open at 5.30pm)
• Location: Firth Tower Museum, Tower Road, Matamata
• Cost: Free! (Food and drink available to purchase)

This event is designed to be simple, sustainable, and community focused. Come as you are, bring a picnic, and enjoy a festive summer evening in good company.

Do bring:

• Warm clothes
• Mosquito repellent
• Picnic food and drinks
• Blanket or camping chairs
• Your best singing voice

Don’t bring:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Smokes or vapes
• Cooking equipment
• Dogs or other pets
• Grinch energy

Please contact us with any special needs your group requires. Our staff are all first aid trained, and will help everyone evacuate in the case of an emergency.

We have a disabled car park space, accessible public toilets, and level paved or gravel paths throughout the site. Certified assistance dogs have right of access to the Firth Tower Reserve when assisting a person with a disability.  Please ensure the dog wears the appropriate coat and carries a valid ID card. Please note that other pets are not permitted on the reserve.

Let's come together to celebrate the season in our vibrant community. We can’t wait to see you there! 

FAQs:

What time does the live music start? 

The brass band and choir will be starting up at 6.30pm and perform until 8pm. Gates will open at 5.30pm.

Can I bring my pets along? 

As animals are not permitted on the historical reserve, so they’ll have to stay home this time. However, certified assistance dogs have right of access when assisting people with disabilities. Please ensure these dogs have the appropriate coats and valid ID cards.

Can I bring a BBQ to cook my dinner? 

No, please don’t bring cooking equipment (BBQ, spitroast, gas burner) onto the reserve, we will have a BBQ there for the sausage sizzle. Otherwise, a precooked meal or picnic would be ideal for this event.

Can I have a few cheeky drinks with dinner? 

Alcohol is not permitted on the reserve, so please only bring non-alcoholic drinks along with you.

Can I smoke at the event? 

No, the reserve is a smokefree area, so please don’t smoke or vape when you’re here.

What if it’s raining, will the event be cancelled? 

This is an outdoor event, so we will cancel if it’s too wet. We will make a call the day before about whether to cancel, so keep your eye out for updates on antenno or facebook if you see grey clouds circling.

Will there be any coffee or food trucks? 

Yes there will be a sausage sizzle and a coffee truck to provide some food and drinks, however we recommend bringing along your own picnic. We’re a small team so want to make this a fun, free event that’s easy for us to put on and easy for you to attend. Please bring take everything away with you when you leave to keep the grounds beautiful.

Is the venue accessible for less mobile people? 

Yes, we have a disabled car park space, accessible public toilets, and level paved or gravel paths throughout the site. Please contact us with any special needs your group requires and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Museum closed to honour Christmas public holidays.