Australia’s largest free community festival, Moomba, will take over Melbourne from Friday 6 to Monday 9 March with a quirky and colourful line-up of free events for all ages.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp earlier today (Wednesday 12 February) unveiled the 2020 Moomba program, revealing that much-loved comedians and media personalities, Nazeem Hussain and Julia Morris, are this year’s Moomba Monarchs. “I’m thrilled to crown Julia and Nazeem as this year’s Moomba Monarchs. Julia and Nazeem are natural fits for the royal roles and will bring so much joy, energy and humour to this year’s festival,” said the Lord Mayor.
“We’re expecting more than 1.3 million people to attend the festival. The program features free activities for the whole family including the Birdman Rally, watersports program, carnival and the Moomba Parade. We’ve also invited CFA volunteers and their families to take part in the Moomba Parade.”
Fresh from the African ‘jungle’ after co-hosting another successful season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Julia Morris is excited to be taking on her next role as Moomba’s leading lady. “Of all my many royal titles, I’m not even joking when I say, Moomba Monarch makes me feel the humblest. The previous female monarchs are all women I aspire to be, and I’m honoured to be considered among them, now let’s float,” said Julia.
Riding alongside Julia on this year’s Moomba Monarch float will be one of Australia’s most iconic comedians, Nazeem Hussain, who will also leap into the Yarra as part of this year’s famous Birdman Rally. “I’ve grown up going to Moomba each year with my family, watching the parade and laughing our heads off at the Birdman Rally. I am counting down the days until I get to don the Moomba crown. It’s such an honour to be named a Monarch for 2020. I’m so pumped!” said Nazeem.
Now in its 66th year, the Moomba Festival is owned and delivered by City of Melbourne. “Moomba generates $34.7 million in benefit for our local economy as well as highlighting Melbourne’s rich cultural diversity,” said the Lord Mayor. “I’m looking forward to watching the competitors take flight in the Birdman Rally. It’s such a fabulous Melbourne tradition and I commend the bravery and creativity of this year’s contestants.”
The 2020 Moomba Festival runs 6 – 9 March. For more information and full program, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Nazeem Hussain, Julia Morris and Lord Mayor Sally Capp (supplied)