ONCE upon a time there was a credit union nestled in the town of Murwillumbah.

Southern Cross Credit Union in Commercial Rd, Murwillumbah are getting right into the spirit of the Tweed Valley Banana Festival, dressing up their building and staff as a reflection of the Cinderella fairy tale.

The theme of the festival this year is Once Upon A Time and the Credit Union have taken to the task enthusiastically, with props like the glass slipper, a horse and carriage, a pumpkin, a big clock, red carpet and staff dressed up as Cinderella, Prince Charming and the ugly sisters.

The Southern Cross Credit Union usually supports the annual theme of the Banana Festival and last year they dressed as the creepy and kooky Addams family.

"Everyone's been involved from staff to husbands welding things at home," Southern Cross Credit Union employee Tanya Denner said.

"The Carriage my husband built that so that was a job for him and the horse one of the staff daughters had that and brought it in."

"I think more businesses should get involved with the Banana festival so hopefully we can encourage them to get involved next year."

The Tweed Valley Banana Festival has been running since 1955 and is one of the region's longest running festivals.

As part of the festival Murwillumbah Autumn Club will host a craft display at the CWA Hall in Queen St on Thursday, from 9am to 12pm.

On Friday at 4pm King and Queen Banana Judging and winner announcements will be at Coles at 3pm and the Banana Festival Ball will be at Murwillumbah Civic Centre at 6.30pm.

This year's main parade will be held on Saturday, starting from Murwillumbah Showground at 12pm.