Held across the weekend from Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, the event was complimented by the Quota Art Exhibition and ran alongside the Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Championships in Pioneer Park.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor Anne Jones attributed the runaway success of the event this year to the unique combination of events available on the day and the hard work of the organisers.

“I think it was the biggest crowd since inception. A lot of that was down to the organisers. There was just an unbelievable atmosphere,” Councillor Jones said.

“It was really great for Wellington, it shots that we can put on these big events and have them be successful.”

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Organisers estimate the attendance across the event at nearly 4,500 people, with over 90 market stalls open in Cameron park on the Saturday.

Springfest chairperson Emily Falson acknowledged the sponsors that had help make everything possible, including Eulabah Pastoral and Infigen Energy. 

“It’s twelve months of planning to organise everything,” Mrs Falson said.

Following the parade on Saturday morning, guest judge Bobby May picked his winner for best in show, awarding the trophy to Maranatha House for their float and van driven by Maranatha workers and residents.

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The busking competition that challenged some of Wellington’s best singers was decided by people’s vote, with the $600 prize split between first place winner Kim Thomas, second place Zoe Taylor and third place Mikaela Solomon.

“A huge thank you to all our sponsors, all the stall owners, the volunteers who made this possible and everyone who attended on the day,” Mrs Falson said.

The mammoth success of the weekend’s events has given hope that Wellington’s involvement in regional events will continue to grow. 

“I think there are plenty of different attractions we can bring to Wellington,” Councillor Jones said.