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PLENTY of tourists have helped swell crowd numbers at this year's Easter Gala Parade in Bendigo.

Among them are Albury visitors Max and Sandra Carmody, who were in Pall Mall with their dogs Bella and Olivia.

Mr Carmody said he and his wife - a former local who moved away more than 40 years ago - had come specifically for the Bendigo and Easter Festival and were keen to see as many attractions as possible.

"I have been to Bendigo before but its' the first time I've been at this festival," Mr Carmody said.

"It's brilliant - they have a bit of everything.

"We've come to enjoy whatever is on. The whole thing has been excellent."

Mrs Carmody said the festival had always had a good reputation, but she believed it was better than ever.

"The amount of people and entertainers and stall and everything going on is just amazing," she said.

"You also have the Marilyn exhibition.

"It's been years since I've been here, the city has just gone ahead so much.

"You are right into sport here in Bendigo too. We saw the beautiful facility out at Huntly, it's absolutely gorgeous."

The couple gave a big thumbs for the local hospitality.

"Everyone is friendly - we can't complain in any way about anything."

Among the locals Mr and Mrs Carmody have met were Ivan and Phyllis Bergmeier.

The California Gully couple were backing up at the parade after enjoying Saturday night's Torchlight Lantern Procession.

Mr Bergmeier said he and his wife were looking forward to another great day and parade.