Started by then Mayor JB Mullen, the October long weekend fixture is Australia's oldest running festival and an integral part of the city's history.

COVID-19 tossed a curve ball last year and forced several events online. But committee president Cr Carol James says organisers want to make this year's festival extra special.

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"We want to have a big street parade, hopefully with 70 floats. We need people to start thinking about them now, start building them in their back sheds and get kids involved as well," she said.

The committee is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, May 13 in the hope of gathering ideas for the festival.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Cr James said the committee was also looking for new members and supporters and fresh ideas "to make the event great."

Organisers are keen to again turn the Big Merino lilac, have purple lights and old festival photos in shop windows, host markets in Belmore Park, hold a fun run, canoe race, pet parade and the Lilac Queen competition.

"We want everything we had in 2019 and more but we need help to build the movement," Cr James said.

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Wendy Antony has again come on board to organise the street parade but needs assistance. April Helene-Horton will step down as Lilac Queen after a two-year reign. Cr James said she had been a wonderful ambassador for the festival and now new candidates were needed.

The committee is also planning a memorabilia display of past festivals and is calling for past Lilac Queens to participate.

This year is one of anniversaries with Bradfordville and Wollondilly Public Schools and Goulburn Speedway marking 50 years. Cr James said it would be wonderful to have them involved in the event too.

"We want people who are passionate to come forward. We'd also love to get some young people on board," Cr James said.

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The public meeting will be held at the Goulburn Workers Club at 6.30pm on May 13. People can become a member of the Lilac Festival committee for $5.

For further information, call Cr James on 0409 483 766.

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