The Contact Energy Alexandra Blossom Festival is set to entertain the masses come September.

In its 67th year, the Blossom Festival will see an array of events celebrating the arrival of Spring take place throughout Alexandra, culminating in two days of fun and entertainment on September 27 and 28.

On Friday, September 27 the Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras kick off a jammed packed weekend Blossom Festival weekend with the annual Round the Clock Race - an event sure to provide the thrills and laughs as competitors race across the river and up the hill to the Alexandra Clock and back.

Jodi Direen. Photo: Supplied

Food stalls illuminated fairies and street performers add to the night of family fun with daredevil FMX displays from freestyle motocross riders Freestyle New Zealand sure to captivate all ages.

Blues/rock guitarist Paul Foulds will take to the Mardi Gras stage with a musical set sure to get the feet moving. Paul comes with a wealth of experience having shared the stage with international artists such as Foreigner, Heart, REO Speedwagon and Huey Lewis and The News.

The evening wraps up with a stunning fireworks display lighting up the sky above Alexandra. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

On Saturday (September 28) the best of community spirit will be on show as thousands line Centennial Ave for the Grand Parade - a colourful display 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 not one but two stages.

The children’s stage will feature a range of entertainment and magic for the little ones while our main stage is sure to get people up on their feet dancing.

Headlining the festival is Vodafone NZMA Tui winner - and Blossom festival favourite - country-pop star Jody Direen.

One of Australasia’s most vibrant country stars, Jody has shared the stage with industry greats such as Kenny Rogers, LeAnne Rimes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini and more.

But nothing compares to performing for her Central Otago fans.

“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.

Also returning to the Blossom Festival stage are Highland Storm, a dynamic Celtic fusion force of nature that ignite stages with their unique fusion of rock, pop, and traditional Celtic melodies that's as electrifying as it is timeless.

Continuing the funky vibes are Queenstown band, The QFO Experiment. Alchemists of rhythm, The QFO Experiment’s original jazz-funk arrangements mixed with hip covers by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, and Vulfpeck are sure to get you up on the dancefloor.

Finally, festival goers are in for a treat with Simon Green’s “Solitary Man’’ - an intimately crafted tribute to celebrate the man and the music that is Neil Diamond. Simon's natural stage presence and powerhouse vocals are a hallmark of every one of his performances and this is a show you do not want to miss.

Add to this the much anticipated crowning of our 2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival princess, winning float announcements, plus craft market stalls, a huge array of food vendors and more and you have a weekend you do not want to miss!

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.

“It’s going to be a great weekend - so make sure you lock it in to be here so you don’t miss out on all the fun.’’