Thousands turn out to see big parade

Traditional themes were a big part of Hastings Blossom Parade on Saturday

This year's Blossom Parade blended old and new with a diverse melting pot of cultures.

About 50 participants came forward for 2015.

The festival, which has been running since 1950, saw thousands of locals turning out to line the streets of Hastings, despite a drizzly start and crisp conditions on Saturday.

Creative Hastings manager Pitsch Leiser said any fears of being rained out were lifted when the sun started shining.

"We struggled a bit with the weather for a minute or two but there were still some people queuing up early. Then the sun came out, as is the tradition," he said.

"It was good fun. There were some great floats and quality after-parade activities, a prizegiving - we had a great turnout." One highlight was the effort shown by Hawke's Bay's ethnic communities.

Natural blossoms, orchids brought from Auckland and traditional costumes were part of the Thai representation, while a 20m waka gave a nod to Maori culture, and there were also Cook Island and Samoan groups.

There were some interesting original collectives, including Hawke's Bay Steam Punk Society, which added intrigue with "beautiful costumes".

A swan float made from flower blossoms appeared for the second time this year, with the addition of a clock tower.

The distinctive structure has featured in many past festivals and was recently donated by the family who made it, so that it may take part in many more.

"We get groups who get together early and make it happen, while others realise too late that it's a lot of work.

We always encourage businesses to come on board and design a float. For us that makes a big difference."

In the 1950s an estimated 60,000 people crammed the streets of Hastings. Organisers hope to claw back some of that popularity.