Music in Bull Street, Chinese dancers and the awakening of the Dragon kicked off the day’s festivities before the Downtown Torchlight Procession and extravagant fireworks display awed crowds long into the evening.

Bendigo Easter Festival Committee of Management chairman Cr Rod Fyffe said people had travelled from all over Australia to attend the festival. “We’ve been very happy with the amount of people here,” he said. (The Easter Festival) is great for Bendigo and great for the whole community. It’s a fantastic way to put Bendigo back on the map.” Cr Fyffe applauded the hard work of the thousands of volunteers who helped organise this year’s festival.

“Everyone involved has worked really hard to get the festival up and running,” he said.

“I’m very very happy with the way things have gone so far and we’ve still got the best to come with the Gala Parade.” Dubbed the heart of the festival, The Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade has been wowing crowds since 1871. This year crowds will be captivated by historic and colourful floats depicting Bendigo’s icons, marching bands, street performers and a breathtaking performance of Sun Loong as he makes his one and only appearance for the year, winding his way through the streets.

“In past years people have started to line the streets at 7.30am. It really is the heart and soul of the festival,” Cr Fyffe said.

Fifty-two local clubs, businesses and organisations have entered floats in the Gala Parade this year, including the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society, which will make a special appearance to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade starts at noon in Mitchell Street and travels along Pall Mall to finish at Chapel Street.