Wellington's mayor puts his face on the line for Cuba Dupa

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is challenging anyone heading to Cuba Dupa this weekend, to match his costume efforts. Photo / Frances Cook

Wellington's mayor is walking the talk ahead of the Cuba Dupa festival, showing just what he expects for the festival's costume competition.

He spent 1.5 hours in a makeup artist's chair at Te Auaha today, to be transformed into the Rococo style of Louis 14th, king of France.

When the transformation was complete, he said he expected a similar effort at the festival's costume competition this weekend, where he would he one of the judges.

"New Orleans has Mardi Gras, Wellington has Cuba Dupa, so we want to make sure the city's all dressed up," he said.

"Growing up as a kid, I remember the Falco [Rock Me] Amadeus song, and thought oh that'd be a bit of fun, I can completely transform.

"Everyone needs to express themselves, show their culture and creative side, alter egos, or something weird and wacky, whatever they can come up with."

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester at the beginning of his transformation. Photo / Frances Cook

Cuba Dupa will see Wellington's iconic Cuba St taken over by over 250 performances, as well as food stalls and competitions.

The costume competition is no laughing matter though, with four prizes up for grabs, including a $1500 cash prize for the Supreme Costume Winner.

There's also $1000 for the best group costume, $500 for the best kids costume, and the Havana Coffee Works People's Choice, which includes a three-month supply of coffee and coffee training at Havana HQ.

The People's Choice category will be decided by public vote on a photo gallery after the event.

Justin Lester has his wig attached by Te Auaha NZ Institute of Creative Arts senior makeup artist Daniela Pike. Photo / Frances Cook

Contestants are being warned their efforts will be judged on creativity, quality, effort, and uniqueness.

The Mayor's makeup was done by Te Auaha NZ Institute of Creative Arts senior makeup artist Daniela Pike.