Hobart’s annual Zombie March returned today, with organisers hoping the event continues rebuilding to its former glory.
The march, which began in 2007 with just 25 zombies, once attracted close to 200 participants in 2017.
Numbers dropped to around 30 following COVID restrictions, but have been steadily climbing back up in recent years.
“The plans are always to grow the horde, get more zombies,” organiser Steve Hore told Hobart FM host Beau Downham in the lead-up to the event.
Participants gathered at Princess Park from 1pm, with judging of costumes taking place at 1:45pm.
The march kicked off at 2pm, winding through Salamanca before stopping at Parliament House.
“We often don’t find too many brains there, unfortunately, so we move on,” Hore joked.
This year’s route continued along the waterfront, stopping briefly at Mawson’s Place before finishing at Hobart Brewing Company for a zombie after-party.
Co-organiser Sarah Jane said the event welcomes all ages and abilities.
“There’s no pressure. Just put on a little bit of ketchup around the mouth and come out and have some fun,” she said.
Past costumes have included zombie brides, plague collectors and Mr and Mrs Zombie Claws.
This year’s prizes included donations from State Cinema, Hyperdrive Kart Racing, and the Lady Nelson ship, who are hosting a zombie sail.
Despite the spooky theme, organisers said the event is family-friendly and respectful.
“We actually try not to be too scary,” Hore said.
“We have rules, don’t put your hands on people, no running, don’t put handprints on property. We try to be actually very responsible zombies.”
The march relied on around 10 volunteers who handled everything from social media promotion to wrangling the horde on the day.
Jane said the event has become a highlight of her year.
“It’s like going on a holiday … A little bit of a flight from reality, getting into the whole horror scene,” she said.
