Bendigo Advertiser Easter Festival Gala Parade 2015: Faces in the crowd

BENDIGO was a mix of colour and sound, as thousands gathered for the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade at the weekend. 

Sixty-two floats wound their way through the city centre, as crowds cheered and clapped with joy.  

Several fire trucks, including one from the Central Victoria Fire Services Preservation Society, sounded their sirens while a convoy of Chryslers dating back to the early 1900s impressed spectators. 

A child dressed as a clown blew bubbles, cheerleaders performed complex routines and theatre groups, including characters from The Wizard of Oz, interacted with crowds. 

However, it was Sun Loong, believed to be the longest imperial dragon in the world, that really turned heads.

The magnificent creature snaked its way down View Street and along Pall Mall to the sound of firecrackers.

Women and girls dressed in colourful silk, twirled umbrellas and danced. 

Charlie Bell said the gala parade was the pinnacle of the Bendigo Easter Festival and the event on Sunday had once again proven why. 

"It's great for Bendigo. It brings hundreds of people to the city every year," he said. 

"It's one of the best attractions in the state. Other than the Moomba parade (in Melbourne), it's the next big thing in my books. People come from everywhere to see it. You only have to be here."

Twelve-year-old Nathan Thomas said his favourite float was the Dribs and Drabs Cabaret Show.  

Nathan, who travelled from Melbourne with his family to see the parade, said the costumes were realistic. 

"I like that theme and I think they looked really great," he said. 

Sisters Milana, 9, and Harriett Whiteacre, 7, attended the parade for the first time on Sunday. Milana said she liked the Chinese dragons, while Harriett preferred the puppies

 Pictures published by the Bendigo Advertiser can be purchased by visiting the office at 47-51 Queen Street during business hours or calling 5434 4400.