The Alexandra Blossom Festival has music to entertain the masses and celebrate the arrival of spring on September 27-28.

A wide range of music is booked including NZ Music Awards Tui winner and Blossom festival favourite Jody Direen as the headline act.

One of Australasia’s most vibrant country stars, Jody has shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, LeAnne Rimes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“I am so excited to be returning to the Blossom Festival stage this year. My band and I have a really fun, high-energy set lined up and can’t wait to get back out there,’’ Jody said.

Celtic fusion band Highland Storm is back too, with a blend of rock, pop, and traditional Celtic melodies.

The festival kicks off on the Friday night with the Mardi Gras, which will feature the round the clock race where competitors race across the river and up the hill to the clock and back.

Food stalls, illuminated fairies, daredevil freestyle motocross riders, street performers and a fireworks display will captivate locals and visitors on the opening night.

Blues guitarist Paul Foulds will perform on the Mardi Gras stage and get toes tapping.

He brings a wealth of experience having shared the stage with international artists such as Foreigner and Huey Lewis and The News.

On Saturday, September 28, thousands of people will line Centennial Ave to view the Grand Parade of floats, florreys, marching bands, vintage vehicles, street performers and more.

The party continues in Pioneer Park with carnival rides, wood chopping, gold panning, and two stages; the main stage and the children’s stage.

Queenstown band, The QFO Experiment will bring original jazz-funk mixed with covers by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, and Vulfpeck to get people up on the dancefloor.

Finally, festival goers are in for a treat with Simon Green’s “Solitary Man’’ a tribute to celebrate the music of Neil Diamond.

Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the 67th Contact Energy Alexandra Blossom Festival was the best way to celebrate spring in Central Otago.

“We are so excited to once again be bringing a stellar lineup of bands and entertainment to Alexandra for this year’s festival, there is something for everyone from the little ones right

through to the adults,’’ he said.