Moomba returns to Melbourne

The Moomba festival will return to Melbourne for its 70th year from March 7 to 11.

This year’s festival will feature Moomba Monarchs Emma Memma and Pete Helliar, who are popular with little and big kids alike.

Memma, a children’s entertainer and former member of The Wiggles, will also be jumping into the Yarra River to raise funds for Expression Australia.

Helliar, a comedian and kids’ author, will join Memma on the Monarch float at the Moomba parade.

The acclaimed children’s entertainer said he was excited to reign over Moomba.

“As somebody who was born and raised in Melbourne, some of my earliest memories were attending the Moomba Parade with my grandparents and watching the Birdman Rally on the Yarra. Never would I have dreamt that one day I would be a Moomba Monarch,” Mr Helliar said.

The event will feature world-renowned ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again, who will be performing at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, March 9.

Other activities planned for the five-day festival include the Moomba Parade, featuring large-scale puppets, floats, and 1800 performers from various community groups.

Crowds attending the event will also be treated to the Moomba Carnival, which features more than 30 rides for people of all ages. There will also be a variety of food and drink stalls, and nightly fireworks.

The festival, which attracted 1.3 million people last year, will also be implementing relaxed hours on Friday, March 8 from 4pm to 6pm, for individuals sensitive to bright lights, strobe lighting, or loud music.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the festival, free bookable tours showcasing a Moomba exhibit will be running at Melbourne Town Hall from February 20 to March 8.

Officials and Moomba Monarchs alike are excited for the 70th year of the festival.

Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said he was “thrilled to bring the Moomba magic to Melbourne as it celebrates 70 years – a testament to the festival’s status as a beloved, quirky and iconic part of our city’s culture”.

Ms Memma also highlighted the community’s love for the festival.

“Moomba is an event synonymous with Melbourne, and this year’s 70th celebration cements the community’s love for the festival and all it has to offer,” she said.