Parade set to be blooming good

Blossom Parade organisers are aiming to restore its former glory.

Today's parade, which has a long history in Hastings, has been given a revamp this year, with entertainment and music around every corner, including performers in town for the Waiata Music Awards.

There are a total of 67 floats entered in the parade - 10 to 15 more than 2013 - not including 10 mini floats designed by local artists, which will be shown in the parade before parking up at Hastings City Art Gallery for a month.

"It's a great partnership, and it's fantastic exposure for the artists," event organiser Pitsch Leiser said. "People can see them from afar, but then they will be able to take a look up close."

Another fresh addition was the Blossom Breakfast Market, set up in Hastings City Centre from 9am to 1pm today.

"We're working with Hastings Business Association and stallholders who come to the night market and others, we are setting up in the mall. There will be entertainment from Hastings to Russell Street and Nelson to King Street."

Niko Ne Zna, a Balkan Gypsy brass band, and a mobile puppet show were set to be highlights. From 1pm a prizegiving will be held in Civic Square.

The parade itself starts from 11am, with appearances by three former Blossom Queens from 1960, 1964 and 1973, each riding in their own limousine to promote the return of a Blossom crown at next year's event.

"We want to relaunch the Blossom Queen contest, it will be a little bit retro with a modern twist, we want people to represent the region and embrace it, going out and being positive about the things we have here."

"We are re-claiming Hastings Blossom Parade for the people."

Long term they hoped to attract more businesses alongside community contributions, to boost the event's popularity.

"We want to re-engage them ... the Furnwares, David Trubridges, these great businesses in the Bay, the orchards, the packhouses - we want to encourage them to look at using it as a staff engagement exercise.

"People from the factory floor working with people from the office - we are working towards that."