The Alexandra Blossom Festival has recorded a surplus from last year’s event, following a significant loss caused by the cancellation of the 2022 festival due to Covid-19.

Festival director Sharleen Stirling Lindsay said the $5,867 surplus and details of the festival finances would be presented by treasurer Nigel Smellie at this evening’s AGM (Tuesday March 28).

“This is a great result,” Sharleen said.

Record numbers attended activities on the Saturday in the Park event in 2022, with 1,3550 tickets sold (excluding under five-year-olds who attended free).

An estimated 1,8500 people watched the parade.

This was a significant increase in numbers compared to 2021, Sharleen said.

Event manager Martin McPherson said he was looking forward to working with the committee and sponsors in planning for the 2023 festival.

“Details of the main stage performers will be released shortly,” he said.

“Craft market and food and beverage sites are selling very well with nearly half the planned sites already booked and paid for.”

Sharleen said the festival would continue to encourage and reward float building, using the initiatives and incentives started last year.

“The parade is still the highlight of the festival and last year’s 55 record entries shows the community are still willing to get involved.

“The committee and our principal sponsors Contact Energy are all looking forward to another successful festival later in September.”

PHOTO: The Central App