Light rain throughout the parade did not deter the crowd. Thousands of people lined Wendouree Parade between South Gardens and North Gardens to catch the display of colour, diversity and community spirit. 

See our gallery of photos from the parade below. 

The Chinese Australian Cultural Society began the 45 minute parade. Children were excited as a colourful dragon danced past the crowd. 

The diversity and inclusion of the Ballarat community stood out during the parade with a number of cultural associations sharing their culture with the community. 

It was the second year members of the Mahindra Bali Community traveled from Melbourne to parade with the Ballarat Indonesian Community group in a show of solidarity. 

Made Rudy said the group were proud to share and celebrate their culture in Ballarat. 

"We have done this many times at Moomba in Melbourne and now we have a chance to share our culture with the Ballarat community."

Check out the video of the full parade here:

The group will also perform in Ballarat for Harmony Festival next week. 

Music education group Cocosounds caught the attention of festival-goers during the parade with their infectious funky beats and outlandish costume. 

Students from Mount Clear College joined students from music school Cocosounds. 

Mount Clear College head of music Scott Mangos said performing at the festival was a 'heap of fun'.

"We walk along playing, having a fair bit of fun, seeing everyone smile on the sides. People get into it," he said. 

"A parade experience is really different to a normal gigging experience. Having that excitement build up and everyone playing is a really great experience for the kids and to feel special in front of all these people."