Highland residents and visitors from afar gathered among the Tulips in Corbett Gardens and around town to enjoy the markets, food stalls, live music and entertainment.

Colourful and lively floats marched along Bong Bong Street on Saturday afternoon in the Brighter Futures Street Parade.

Among the floats was Highlands Theatre Group acting out the production Chicago, Moss Vale Gymnastics Club and the junior crew for SHYAC's new production, Honk. Bowral Garden Club won the Best Float competition with a Settlers Cottage design pulled by an antique tractor.

Special mention went to Berrima Public School for its colourful group performance.

Following the parade, 17 contestants raced in the inaugural Billy Cart Derby down Bong Bong Street from Empire Cinema.

The carts varied from the traditional wooden billy cart to more contemporary models.

Winners were James Arnot in the 9-11 age group, Hayley Newling in the 12-14 and Jacob White for 15-17. The highest reading on the police speed gun was 25 kph, which went to James Arnot.

Mittagong Massage Therapies won the Window Dressing competition with Youth off the Streets in second place and Cips Real Estate in third.

As day turned to night Corbett Gardens lit up for the spectacular Tulips After Dark event with delicious food stalls, night markets and live entertainment.

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