IT WAS a record-breaking Tulip Time festival.
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More than 39,000 people took part in the visual splendour of Tulip Time in 2016.
The 56th Tulip Time festival broke last year’s record of 38,000 visitors – a three per cent increase.
Council’s tourism and events manager for Destination Southern Highlands Steve Rosa said the festival showcased the best of what the Highlands had to offer.
“This year’s fun theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, the creative garden beds and the wide array of events on offer provided plenty of entertainment and attracted visitors from near and far,” he said.
“We are rapt with the record-breaking result considering that we were affected by bad weather throughout the festival.”
Major draw cards included The Mad Hatters Tea Party picnics, SHYAC’s musical performance of Alice in Wonderland, the street parade, Music in the Gardens and Sunset Cinema.
Mr Rosa said the expansion of activities available at the festival ensured there was something for everyone.
“Musical events across both weekends featuring local artists were crowd favourites. The continuation of ‘Greeters’ in the Gardens and at the Bowral Railway Station along with the expanded entry and exits to Corbett Gardens greatly enhanced the visitor experience,” he said.
“And families just loved the Alice in Wonderland SHYAC performances along with the giant outdoor evening cinema featuring Disney’s original animated 1951 film of Alice in Wonderland.”
More than $60,000 was raised for this year’s charity partner, the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Mr Rosa thanked businesses, sponsors, community groups and community members for their support.
“I’d like to pay special mention to the Destination Southern Highlands team, council’s Parks and Gardens team, and all of the members of the Tulip Time Working Group who helped organise this family-friendly event,” he said.
The Bowral Garden Club won the best float award and the best walking group prize was given to the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter.
Following the Food and Wine Festival on October 1 and 2, the tulip bulbs will be removed by council gardeners and donated to the Welby Garden Centre for sale.
