70 arrests at Blossom Festival

70 alcohol-related arrests have marred Alexandra's Blossom Festival. Photo / NZ Herald

Police have praised the behaviour of thousands of people who turned out to celebrate spring at the Alexandra Blossom Festival this weekend, despite about 70 alcohol-related arrests.

Senior Sergeant Jill Woods said a liquor ban, with checkpoints at both ends of Alexandra, led to a reduction in the number of drunk revellers.

"The parade and carnival was again popular with families and the behaviour of the crowd was excellent," she said.

However, police were still concerned at the "extreme levels" of drunk teenagers, she said.

"This was still evident this year and there was actually a rise in the number of people arrested for breach of the liquor ban, some of whom were under 17 years old."

- NZPA