The agenda for the March 20 ordinary meeting reveals that tulips began to bloom before the 2023 festival began, due to a "temperate winter and unseasonal warm weather".

The October long weekend would occur a week later this year, the agenda said, with the risk of flowers blooming before the event finishes.

For this year, it has been proposed to start on September 12, with an exclusive preview day for Highlands residents.

The popular festival would then be officially open to the public on September 13.

The document said the horticultural team recommended that it finishes on September 30.

"It also opens up the option for a second weekend for Tulips After Dark," the agenda said, with September 20, 21, 27 and 28 proposed for the Corbett Gardens to be open at night.

Former director of coporate strategy and resourcing Carmel Foster said the infrastructure from the festival would stay in place for the long weekend for another event, which was yet to be decided.

October 16 has been proposed for a bulb dispersal day for locals, where bulbs will be given to residents once the festival has finished.

It was introduced in 2023 and was a success.

According to the agenda, 1500 more people attended Tulip Time in 2023 compared to 2022, with 62,500 attendees.

Each session of Tulips After Dark sold out, with more than 2400 tickets selling overall.

Ninety-six per cent of attendees were tourists.

Spendmapp data shows that there was an economic benefit of $2.63 million in 2023, versus $1.8 million in 2022.

Daily, the local spend jumped from $181,000 (2022), to $235,600 (2023).

Close to $218,000 was also made in revenue a year ago at the festival alone.