THOUSANDS of people have lined View Street and Pall Mall for the annual Bendigo Torchlight Lantern Procession.

Flamboyant floats, dragon teams, firefighters, State Emergency Service crews and highland bands all got in on the fun.

The street parade ended with a bang as fireworks dazzled and delighted onlookers.

The night-time parade has been a part of the city's Easter festivities since before 1900.

It pays tribute to the city's firefighterrs and SES volunteers and also its rich Chinese heritage.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor and Bendigo Easter Festival Advisory Board chairman Rod Fyffe said about 50 floats took part in the procession.

"It's getting bigger and better every year, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"What we are finding is there are more and more community groups entering and wanting to be part of not only the main gala parade on Sunday, but also the Torchlight Procession.

"We do these events well and I am very grateful to everyone who makes a contribution and the people at the parade really appreciate what's go into those floats.

While the 90-minute procession and fireworks did not get under way until 8pm, onlookers started arriving as early as 4pm to reserve their sport along the parade route.

Among the early birds were Bendigo woman June Grist and her granddaughter Madison Verdon.

The 10-year-old was most looking forward to seeing the Lion teams in action, while her grandmother was looking forward spending time with her eight grandchildren.

"I've been coming since I was a kid - always," Mrs Grist said.

Bendigo man Lindsay Clay said he had attended about 60 Easter Saturday parades.

This year he bought his grandson Patrick Zsigmond, who was visiting with his family from St Arnaud.

"It's a great family thing. As a child I came and when I had kids we came and now I have grandchildren and we are still coming," Mr Clay said.

"I think the atmosphere is fantastic, everyone claps as the parade and the floats go past.

"It's just a great family carnival."

"Patrick might be a little scared of the dragon, but I am sure we'll cope with that."

Like many at the procession, Mr Clay, who has previously carried Sun Loong, said he and Patrick intended backing up by attending the Bendigo Easter Gala Parade on Sunday.

The gala parade starts at 1pm.