The news is out – it’s full steam ahead for the 64^th annual Alexandra Blossom Festival in September.

Event manager, Martin McPherson, said he was pleased the festival committee had carried on with business as usual.

They had been confident things would improve by September, so a lot of behind the scenes work was done.

Now, the festival would be one of the first major events returning to the South Island.

“By the time we get through winter, we will all be looking forward to a good party come spring,” he said.

St Gerard’s Primary School’s float, featuring princess Ella Flannery, won the school float category in 2019, as well as the coveted People’s Choice public vote. 

Martin said planning was well underway, and bands and other entertainment were booked, with two very popular groups returning.

Market stalls, food and beverage purveyors were all keen to come back, and people were already planning their floats.

Martin said the Alexandra Blossom Festival was New Zealand’s longest continuously running community event, having started in September 1957.

Last year, record numbers of over 15,000 attended.

The Senior Blossom Queen competition made a welcome return last year, with 2019’s Queens being Rosemary Magrath, Robin Hume, Arielle Bazley, Gwen Harrex and Sue Noble-Adams.

Festivities are set to kick off on Friday 25^th September with a Mardis Gras, followed by the cornerstone of the annual event on Saturday 26^th September - the grand parade, featuring a myriad of florreys, floats, princesses and queens.

Photos Rowan Schindler