Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has crowned iconic ex-cricketer Shane Warne and Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda as the King and Queen of Moomba, as Australia’s largest free community festival prepares to burst into life over the Labour Day long weekend.

More than one million visitors are expected to flock to Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens from 6th to 9th March for the City of Melbourne’s iconic event and explore Moomba’s extraordinary program of free activities and shows.

The Lord Mayor said Moomba is a uniquely Melbourne institution and a must-do for the Labour Day long weekend.
“The Moomba Festival program is bigger than ever this year with local music talent, world class athletes and a wide range of free shows and activities for all ages”.

He added, “Moomba is a festival truly unique to Melbourne which celebrates our diverse cultural identity and extraordinary local talent.”

Moomba’s Main Arena will play host to headline acts including iconic Australian bands Jebediah, You Am I and the Hoodoo Gurus, plus an array of incredible Australian music talent.
Festival favourite the Birdman Rally will be back for 2015 as well as a new addition to the Moomba site, The Green, which will be home to the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.

As tradition ensues, the Moomba Monarchs will appear among the colour and movement of the famous Moomba Parade on Monday 9 March.
Councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, Chair of Council’s Marketing Melbourne portfolio, said Moomba has etched itself into the hearts of Melburnians, and provides something new to discover every year.

“Moomba has been around for decades, yet it continues to evolve and celebrate Melbourne’s extraordinary curiosity and appetite for discovery with new attractions every year,” Councillor Pinder-Mortimer said.

“Adding to the Moomba fun this year will be trail of Moomba fun-facts as visitors navigate through the site’s five fun-filled and festive precincts.”