The pedal is to the metal in Greerton as organisers drive the Cherry Blossom Festival back into the city suburb on September 19.

The community event will run from 10am to 2pm, with vehicle displays, entertainment, activities and food aplenty throughout Greerton Village.

The Greerton Primary School Gala will take place alongside the festival, adding to what organisers expect to be a big community day.

Street theatre at the 2023 Greerton Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Greerton Business Association mainstreet manager Melisa Carullo said her organisation was excited to bring the festival back.

“Events like the Cherry Blossom Festival are about much more than providing entertainment for one day. They bring people into Greerton, create opportunities for our local businesses and, most importantly, strengthen the connection between the village and our wider community,” Carullo said.

“For us, it is about creating reasons for people to come to Greerton, spend time here, discover our businesses and experience the sense of community that makes the village special.”

Street Machines & Customs will have a car display on Chadwick Rd. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

One of the biggest changes this year will see the festival extend into Cameron Rd.

The parking area directly in front of the Cameron Rd shops will be closed to public parking for the day and incorporated into the festival footprint.

The area will become a pedestrian-focused space featuring live music and entertainment, food trucks, stalls and vehicle displays.

Carullo said extending the festival into Cameron Rd would help draw visitors towards more of the village’s businesses.

“This allows us to bring festival activity right around to the Cameron Rd businesses and encourage visitors to explore more of Greerton Village,” she said.

Live music and entertainment will feature at the Greerton Cherry Blosssom Festival. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Additional public parking had been secured at Greerton Racecourse to cater for expected crowds.

The traditional hot rod and vehicle displays will return to Chadwick Rd, with Street Machines & Customs confirmed to take part, Carullo said.

Organisers were also looking for another local car club to display vehicles within the new enclosed Cameron Rd festival area. Any club interested should contact Greerton Business Association.

Street performers at previous Greerton Cherry Blossom Festivals. Photo /Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Carullo said the return of the festival reflected strong community support. “The GBA Board has been very clear about wanting to bring these community events back, and the response we have had from people wanting to see the Cherry Blossom Festival return has been incredibly positive,” she said.

Street Machines & Customs will have a car display on Chadwick Rd. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

“When thousands of people come into the village for an event like this, we want them to enjoy the festival, but we also want them to explore the shops, cafes and businesses and come back again afterward.”

Volunteers were being sought to help on the day, with roles including providing information and directions, helping visitors move around the festival and supporting the event team at key locations.

Anyone interested in volunteering, having a car club involved in the event, or being part of the festival should email office@greertonvillage.org.nz