Hastings Blossom Festival 2008

Spring is the ideal time to visit Hawke's Bay. The orchards are in bloom, winter has slunk away and the hope of a new season is everywhere. The ten days of entertainment during the Blossom Festival are a wonderful opportunity for the community and visitors alike to celebrate.

As always, this year's Blossom Festival has plenty to challenge, stimulate and delight. Highlights include:

500 Letters - a one woman play written and performed by Pauline Grogan which tells the remarkable story of her friendship with James Lynch, New Zealand's longest stay hospital patient

The Look of Love - a sophisticated and glamorous night of song with Jennifer Ward-Lealand singing songs of love

Club Tropicana - music and dancing under the vaulted roof of the plaza at the Hawke's Bay Opera House with one of Hawke's Bay's hottest acts, Tropical Downbeat Orchestra

Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre - a 25th anniversary show from this internationally renowned troupe

Blossom Dance - held in the Assembly Room, Hastings, which has one of the best dance floors in the country

Hawke's Bay Olive Festival - a one day free celebration of all things olive

On Saturday, September 13, we feature the famous Blossom Festival Parade. Floats, clowns, carnival bands, masks, its all there in the parade. The whole centre of Hastings has a mardi gras atmosphere and you are invited to join in the party. Parade starts 1.30pm.

On the last day of the festival, Sunday 21 September, join us for a free Festival Fireworks Finale, a spectacular display that soars into the night sky accompanied by a music-track orchestrated to match the fireworks.

The full programme is available on our website, www.blossomfestival.co.nz All the events are listed there along with booking instructions. Most of the shows are booked through Ticket Direct - 0800 4TICKET. So take a look and we'll see you in Hastings.

The Hastings Blossom Festival is a great time to sample the delights of Hawke's Bay, enjoy festival events and bathe in spring sunshine.