The annual Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras drew a full crowd, lighting up the Linger & Die as local musician Joel Neilson performed and street entertainers, along with illuminated fairies, delighted the children.

Interactive lighting installations — including giant inflatable zoo animals, glowing flower gardens and a laser light show projected onto the hills and Alexandra clock — proved to be crowd favourites, leaving spectators amazed.

The high energy thrills continued with the daring stunts of Freestyle NZ, bringing together FMX rider Stuart Ewing, MTB rider Levi Goodall and BMX rider Hamish Burrow for a flip train.

The night rounded out with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Alexandra sky.

The Mardi Gras also gave the public a chance to meet the 2025 Blossom Royalty - eight Blossom Festival princesses and one prince - who were introduced on stage and joined in the evening’s celebrations-------