The real reason why the Tulip Time festival has to change dates

A local council meeting in March revealed a "temperate winter and unseasonal warm weather" forced the star of the show to begin their performance ahead of schedule, which may happen again in the future.

For 2024, 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 and slated to finish on September 30.

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

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.