There will be important discussions about the future funding of the Alexandra Blossom Festival at the Vincent Community Board next week.

Last year the committee was disappointed with comments made by the board about having to work towards becoming self-sustainable, when all of its funding was only short term.

According to its accountability report, the festival costs $224,400 a year to run and the VCB grants the festival $24,500 each year for the infrastructure.

Treasurer Tim Coughlan told the board last year that 2023 was a close call, with rain all week in the lead up to the September festival threatening the iconic event.

He advised the board it would cost them $100,000 in reserves if the event had to be cancelled last minute, but all market sales would be refunded.

He said there was not much room for error - always just one event away from not being able to make it work financially, if bad weather or another pandemic forced its cancellation.

The committee also relied on corporate sponsorship - Contact Energy has been involved for many years, donations/fundraising in 2023 raised $126,000 and revenue on the day almost $100,000.

A recent post on Facebook from the Blossy Fest committee called on the community to make submissions to the council's Long Term Plan, to secure more funding. Submissions closed on May 1.

Because the festival had to apply for support through the contestable Community and Promotions Events fund, financial support from council was not guaranteed.

“Including the Blossom Festival in the budget moving forward would help to ensure not only the longevity of the festival, but that we are able to keep it affordable for people to attend - particularly Central Otago locals who benefit from our 'locals' early bird tickets,” the post said.

The Blossom Festival has been a cornerstone event in Alexandra and the wider region for 68 years, attracting visitors from across New Zealand, and internationally.  

In his report to the board ahead of next week’s meeting, Tim said there had been close to record numbers attending both the parade and the Party in the Park last year.

“An excellent outcome in our view…”

He believed the additional Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBEI) funding to increase its promotional spend assisted with driving the event exposure.

Read more: Blossom Festival hits back over comments of self sustainability

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