Beloved Australian entertainers, Emma Memma (Emma Watkins) and Pete Helliar, have been crowned as the 2024 Moomba Monarchs, helping Melbourne celebrate 70 years of the iconic festival.
“We are 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,” said Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
“This special milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the community-driven festival’s incredible journey and our own special memories of Moomba over the years.”
This year’s Monarchs will be a hit with both little and big kids alike – Pete Helliar who is one of the country’s most popular comedians as well as a best-selling kids’ author and acclaimed children’s entertainer, Emma Memma, renowned for empowering the next generation through inclusive performance.
In a coup for the 2024 festival, Moomba Monarch Emma Memma will be plunging into the Yarra River as part of this year’s Birdman Rally, fundraising for Expression Australia who provide services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to crown much-loved Australian entertainers Emma Memma and Pete Helliar as this year’s Moomba Monarchs – in a reign that will bring plenty of laughter and joy to the banks of the Yarra,” said Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
Dancing Queens and Super Troupers can re-live the magic of ABBA’s 1977 Moomba performance when their world-renowned tribute show, Bjorn Again takes to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage on Saturday 9 March.
Moomba attracted more than 1.3 million visitors last year, and crowds are again expected to enjoy a kaleidoscope of activities across five magic days, including:
- The highly anticipated Birdman Rally -which will see 14 participants pilot homemade flying ’crafts’, attempting to soar across the Yarra River. Last year’s competition raised $165,000 for charity.
- The Moomba Parade – featuring 1,800 performers from community groups and dance troupes, eight floats and four large-scale puppets.
- The Moomba Masters water sports competition – showcasing elite Australian and international athletes.
- The Moomba Carnival – featuring more than 30 rides for thrill-seekers of all ages including the brand-new Warrior, which is Australia’s tallest and fastest travelling ride.
- Nightly fireworks will light up the Melbourne skyline, as well as feature films on the Moomba big screen.
- Relaxed hours will be introduced, from 4pm to 6pm on Friday 8 March for people sensitive to bright or strobing light and loud music. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Symbol initiative will return, supporting those living with hidden disabilities.
In celebration of 70 years, free bookable tours showcasing a curated Moomba exhibit will run at Melbourne Town Hall from 20 February until 8 March. A larger-than-life Moomba-esque photo moment will be set up outside Melbourne Town Hall for revellers to capture their own anniversary pictures.
Moomba is proud to return in 2024 as an accessible and certified carbon-neutral event. The innovative ‘Green my Plate’ initiative will be available in designated areas, with vendors serving meals on reusable plates and bowls.
“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. It is an honour to be crowned Moomba Monarch in such a significant anniversary year,” said Moomba Monarch Emma Memma.
The Moomba Festival runs 7 – 11 March 2024. For more information and full program, visit: www.moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Pete Helliar and Emma Memma (Emma Watkins) are the 2024 Moomba Monarchs – courtesy of the City of Melbourne