An array of floral designs brought colour and joy to the Bay of Plenty Area Day on Wednesday, bringing together entries from across the region.

The event featured creative floral designs, including dresses, ties, hats, and displays made with fresh flowers, paper flowers, and dried autumn leaves.

Many of the entries followed a floral theme, with some designs created as complete outfits.

The day included a fashion show featuring four dresses made by Whakatāne locals and modelled by Betty Currie, Robyn Watchorn, Kendra King and Fearn Phillips.

The designs included detailed floral work, with one dress using fresh flowers, paper flowers, and dried autumn leaves.

Another outfit featured a decorated parasol made from an existing paper parasol with ribbon and amaranthus.

The event was full of laughs, awe, and chatter from those in attendance, with members sharing their creations and explaining the techniques used to make them.

Bay of Plenty Area Day is a competition where groups from around the region compete against each other.

The Whakatāne group hosted the event, which also included demonstrations showing specific crafting techniques.

There were large centre displays, sales tables selling plants and crafting materials.

Organisers said it was the weakest year yet for entries, with some believing the recent cold weather may have contributed.

One attendee said it was disappointing compared with previous years, with fewer entries than usual.

The winners of the categories were Lyn Phillips from Whakatāne, who won the showstopper division; Sue Little from Rotorua, who won the cottage section; Glenys Stampa from Rotorua, who won fashion accessories; Sue Little from Rotorua, who won apparel ‘n’ leaves; and Ōpōtiki, which won the club design.