The Alexandra Blossom Festival committee has announced the cancellation of the Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras and The News Round the Clock Race tonight (Friday, September 22) due to severe weather.

Festival chairwoman Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay said she was “gutted’’ to have to cancel the popular event, however people’s safety came first, she said.

“The committee are absolutely devastated that we are having to do this, but people’s safety comes first. Our thoughts are with our neighbouring communities who are currently under a state of emergency due to the weather, and we just want people to be safe.’’

Event manager Martin McPherson said it was the right call to cancel the Friday night events and the organisers were still planning for a great day tomorrow with the Contact Grand Parade and Saturday in the Park.

“We are still all go for tomorrow, see you there!’’ he said.



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Torrential rain across the South Island has caused major problems on the eve of the festival and school holidays.