Teviot Valley’s Shirl Marsden was named as this year’s Senior Queen, acknowledging her community contribution, in the Blossom Festival contest on Tuesday (September 20).

Heather Payne was first runner up in the Senior Queen event, a festival fixture since 1996 which celebrates the wonderful senior women in Central and their contribution.

The five nominees were nominated by clubs and individuals and enjoyed a fashion show and afternoon tea celebration at the Alexandra District Club, organised by the Clyde and Districts Lions Club. 

Thousands are expected to attend the 65th year of the spring festival this weekend. With a huge range of activities and spectacles on offer, from a freestyle motocross display to headline kiwi bands, careful planning is a must.

Metservice communications meteorologist Lewis Ferris has looked ahead to what we can expect for the weekend’s weather.

Lewis said on the whole things are looking good weatherwise.

“Friday evening should have no real wind, be mostly cloud free with a high of 19°C but the temperature will drop sharply after sunset.”

For Saturday’s grand parade and concert in the park a mix of cloud and sun is forecast but things will stay dry with light winds.

Lewis said Saturday’s high is 19°C but a chilly start of around 5°C.

“Sunday looks more cloudy but still dry and light winds early on, maybe a wee northerly by the end of the day, high of 19°C.”

Mild temperatures during the day, but chilly mornings are on the cards

Event manager Martin McPherson said a number of former blossom festival queens will be attending and will ride in vintage cars during the parade, with plenty of fun planned to make up for the cancellation of last year's festivities due to Covid-19. 

As Monday is a public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, Central residents will be able to tune in via TV or live stream to the State Memorial Service held in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Monday September 26.

Alternatively if the Royals are not your cup of tea, recover from the exertions of the parade, the Round the Clock race, or the ‘I Love Clyde’ heritage day - it’s a bonus day off with a historic sombre note. 

Check out the Blossom Festival progamme and other festival stories by clicking on the Blossom Festival button on the main The Central App menu.