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                    Action packed Moomba long weekend in the city

                    Media release, Friday 5 March 2021
                    Much-loved musicians, giant floral tributes and a sound and light-show representing Melbourne’s heartbeat are just some of the activities on offer for the jam-packed Moomba long weekend.

                    While sessions at the Moomba Carnival are now booked out, the magic extends beyond the riverbanks with light installations, live music performances, Instagram-worthy floral installations and street art overtaking the city.

                    Some of Australia's favourite musicians will make surprise performances across the city as a result of a partnership between the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Government and Mushroom Group.

                    Artists include Vance Joy, The Rubens, Mia Wray, Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald, Chris Cheney, Shane Howard & Emma Donovan, Kate Ceberano, Thomas Headon, Richard Clapton. Details for these performances will be announced just prior.

                    The artists agreed to perform at the request of the late Michael Gudinski, who was a passionate advocate for Melbourne that championed the role of music and entertainment in our city's recovery.

                    In line with the 'Love Melbourne, Love Moomba' theme, 23 city landmarks will be lit up in red and floral love hearts will be on display at Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Town Hall, Bourke Street Mall and State Library Victoria.

                    A giant sound and light installation will be installed at the upper terrace at Birrarung Marr symbolising the heartbeat of Melbourne. The heartbeat features an eight-minute soundtrack recorded by local Melburnian musicians including the rattle and ding of trams, the roar of a packed MCG, and the heartbeats of everyday Melburnians.

                    Moomba will also feature 84 buskers performing across seven city locations including Degraves Street, Flinders Street Station, and Queensbridge Square. Talented street artists will create murals along Tattersalls Lane, Hosier Lane and Loveland Lane, while families can experience Rainbow Laneway, a colourful tape and chalk playscape on Degraves Street.

                    Local musicians will also perform at Hardware Lane, Crossley St and near Cargo & Berth in Docklands

                    Tickets are still available for live music and entertainment shows taking place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, including The Cat Empire, and Kids at the Bowl with Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, Dan Sultan and Pevan & Sarah. 

                    Lord Mayor Sally Capp will host a panel discussion at Library at the Dock on 'how we can build our city back in an equitable, sustainable, and uniquely Melbourne way' featuring Rebecca Scott, Joost Bakker, Jeremy McLeod and Pat Nourse. The event is free but ticketed as numbers are limited.

                    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 Alexandra Gardens Carnival precinct.

                    Parking in the city will be free across the long weekend but time limits still apply. Public transport, including VLine services, is free for Moomba attendees who download a voucher via the PTV website.

                    The City of Melbourne thanks its valued Moomba partners for their support, including the Victorian Government, Transport Accident Commission, Nine News, oOh!media, Ticketek and Wallaby Water.

                    For the full Moomba program visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba.

                    Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:

                    "The Carnival sessions are already booked out but there's plenty more fun to have as we're spreading the Moomba magic across the city for everyone to enjoy," the Lord Mayor said.

                    "We're excited to get Melbourne's heart beating again with activities across the long weekend as well as year round attractions such as our food, dining, galleries, theatres and shopping."

                    "The late and great Michael Gudinski personally programmed more than 24 music performances that will happen over the long weekend. Michael gave so much to Melbourne's music community and we're honoured to work with the Mushroom Group to bring music back to our streets.

                    "Moomba is a great family friendly celebration and we're encouraging everyone to come into the city and bring back the buzz to Melbourne."

                    Quotes attributable to City Activation Portfolio Chair Councillor Roshena Campbell:

                    "When Melbourne needs it most, Moomba has provided jobs for tradespeople, creatives, hospitality workers and ride operators.

                     "Up to 1,000 workers – many from sectors hit hard by COVID – have been hired to deliver Moomba this year, and ensure there's plenty of family friendly fun throughout the city over the long weekend."

                    "The floral heart displays and the 'Heartbeat of Melbourne' light installation capture the beauty of our city, and we invite all Melburnians to come down and show their love for Melbourne." 

                    Quotes attributable to Jamie Russell, creator of the Heartbeat of Melbourne:

                    "Melbourne already has a huge heart, and we are excited to see it start beating again. Having been involved with many of Melbourne's night lighting activations over the years, we are acutely aware of how light can draw people in, allow people to stop for a moment, and reconnect with their city."


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