Highlanders far and wide took to Bong Bong Street on Saturday afternoon to participate in the annual Tulip Time street parade.

Hundreds of spectators lined the street, walkways and shop front verandahs to catch a glimpse of the colourful procession as it wound its way down the main street in Bowral.

This year's parade included marching bands, floats, emergency service vehicles, classic cars, old machinery and several community groups and organisations.

More than 40 groups participated in the procession this year.

They included Bowral Public School, who are celebrating their 150^th anniversary, the Moss Vale Country Women’s Association, the Southern Highlands Kennel and Obedience Club, the Berrima District Old Machinery Club and many more.

Sea creatures adorned many floats to celebrate the Tulip Time festival under-the-sea theme. 

This year marks the 57^th Tulip Time festival for the Southern Highlands, which has in the past been awarded international tulip festival of the year.

In the lead up to the event, 100,000 tulips are planted in Corbett Gardens and around Bowral. 

The event is also used as a platform to raise funds for charity. Red Kite, a support service for children and young people with cancer, is the festival’s official charity partner this year. 

Visitors can purchase a red kite to plant in the garden during the festival, with all the funds raised going toward the charity. 

Tulip Time will run until Sunday, September 24.