Moomba 2011

Editorial

Allegedly an Aboriginal expression meaning 'let's get together and have fun', it seems that someone was having a joke at the expense of the City of Melbourne's councillors when the family-friendly Moomba was first held in 1955. The real translation of Moomba is 'up your bum', a joke which today is entirely in keeping with the good-natured spirit of the festival.

Focused around the banks of the Yarra River, Moomba embraces the eccentric and the silly as well as the sedate and the serious, and features everything from carnival rides and live music through to multicultural performances and workshops in its diverse program.

A perennial highlight is the Moomba Birdman Rally on Sunday 13 March, which sees a hardy crew of deranged and daredevil pilots attempting to take to the air in their homemade flying machines in the name of charity. Some glide, some plummet, but it's all good fun.

As well as the waterlogged hopes of would-be aerialists, the Yarra also hosts the Moomba Masters International Invitational Championships, featuring some of the world's best waterskiiers competing in a range of competitive events.

Overlooking the river, the Alexandra Gardens comes to life with sideshow attractions, food stalls and rides of all types in the Moomba Carnival, and live bands on the Moomba Rhythms main stage; while on the opposite bank, Birrarung Marr hosts the Cultural Quarter, featuring a range of intimate and unique experiences celebrating Melbourne's multicultural vibrancy.

Topping it all off on Monday 14 March is the traditional Moomba Parade through the streets of the city, a bright and vibrant celebration of everything that's great about Melbourne. Add fireworks on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights, and you've got the perfect recipe for fun in the city.

Up your bum, everybody!

Richard Watts, Citysearch

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