Hastings blossoms in red, white and blue

Hastings' cultural communities have come forward in their droves to participate in the Hastings Blossom Festival parade tomorrow, making it the biggest celebration since the Millennium.

"It's definitely bigger than last year," parade director Lyn Mackie said.

"It's probably comparable to the Millennium, with 27 floats and about 30 walking groups and other vehicles."

That number does not include special guests and mascots who are also set to take part in the event.

This year, festivities are focused on welcoming the French and Canadian rugby teams, who are in Hawke's Bay for the Rugby World Cup.

"There will be eight vintage and classic convertible cars carrying members of the rugby teams and their entourage," Ms Mackie said.

The parade would not only be bigger than usual, but more vibrant, with participation from many cultural groups, organisations, schools and businesses, event manager Angela Kilkolly said.

"There are a group of Native Indians here for Takitimu who will join in, and though the Japanese rugby team do not arrive for a couple of weeks, the Japanese community have dusted off their kimonos for the parade.

"A martial-arts group also have a display planned and Sherenden School have made a whole lot of rickshaws, which are decorated in the colours of Rugby World Cup teams."

In all, there will be about 1300 participants in the parade, which has been planned down to the finest detail.

"It's going to be very bright, very loud and very multi-cultural," Ms Kilkolly said.

The parade begins its colourful procession from the Hastings CBD at 1.30pm tomorrow.

It will be the start of a week's worth of festivities to celebrate spring and the RWC.