Singers, sports, carnival fun to feature in rebooted 2021 Moomba Festival
Melbourne’s beloved Moomba Festival was under threat last week, but a scaled-down show will still go on. See what’s on offer.
Victoria
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Top entertainers, a community basketball challenge and a national skateboarding title will feature in next month’s revised Moomba Festival.
Events will be held in Alexandra Gardens, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and across the city during the Labour Day long weekend.
Alexandra Gardens carnival precinct will still have rides for all ages, as well as food trucks and live performances.
Together with Arts Centre Melbourne, the City of Melbourne will host live music and
entertainment at Sidney Myer Music Bowl featuring artists Cat Empire, Kids at the Bowl with Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, Dan Sultan and Pevan & Sarah.
Riverslide Skate Park in the carnival precinct will host the Australian Skateboard League National Final in which experienced skaters, scooters and BMX riders will compete across the weekend.
Basketball lovers can enjoy the NBL 3x3 Hustle, register for a Community Hustle game, or catch the pros in an NBL Legends Game on Star Lawn, also in the precinct.
Entry to all activity in Alexandra Gardens is free, but session times must be pre-booked via the Moomba website.
Key buildings will be lit up in red, while big floral love heart displays will pop up at Melbourne Town Hall, Bourke Street Mall, the State Library of Victoria and more locations.
There will be no Moomba Parade or Birdman Rally this year due to coronavirus concerns.
Last week, the council had decided to cancel the entire festival, but reversed the move after intervention by the state government.
A “Love Melbourne, Love Moomba” theme will be displayed at some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Moomba 2.0 will be different this year, but she encouraged all Melburnians to come into the city and take part from March 5 to 8.
“Some traditions never die and we are excited to reveal our 2021 Moomba Monarchs very soon,” she said.
“The floral heart displays will help to capture the community spirit that’s at the heart of the Moomba Festival.”
Councillor Roshena Campbell said: “Events will continue to play an important role in our economic recovery, and we want everyone to have a fun-filled long weekend and for our businesses to get a boost in their trade.”
To book and for full program details go to melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba.
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