Tuesday, 22 January 2019
Moonee Valley’s neighbourhoods will be filled with excitement this February and March as the Moonee Valley Festival celebrates local culture, performances, art and food in a series of free events.
The whole community is invited to experience the diversity on offer this year with the Food Fair Festival on Sunday, 24 February, Woodlands by Twilight on Saturday, 2 March, Family Fun Day on Sunday, 17 March and the spectacular closing event Illuminate the River on Saturday, 30 March.
Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Narelle Sharpe said this year’s festival events offer something exciting for all members of the community, activating a number of different spaces across the municipality.
“There really is something for everyone across this year’s festival program. We’re making this our biggest and best celebration of all things Moonee Valley,” Cr Sharpe said.
Headline performances for the Illuminate the River event include the X Factor’s Isaiah Firebrace, Melbourne-based five-piece Dinner Suit Boogie, soul powerhouse Kattimoni, internationally renowned circus company Gravity & Other Myths, Trucked Up aerialist performers, and Melbourne-based all girl acoustic trio Harlow & Hart.
“Come along and taste the flavours of our city at our Food Fair Festival on Sunday, 24 February from 12 noon to 4pm,” Cr Sharpe said.
“Hear some of our best local talent with an evening under the stars at Woodlands by Twilight on Saturday, 2 March from 4pm to 9.30pm. Festival favourite Jetty Road will be performing alongside talented local acoustic acts including Brendelle.
“There’s plenty on offer for families with fun and interactive activities for children at our Family Fun Day on Sunday, 17 March from 12 noon to 4pm. We’ll also have a huge day of fun for all ages at our spectacular closing event from 2pm to 9pm with ‘Beasties’ interactive show, the True Fairies storytelling, hula workshops and roving entertainers.
“The Incinerator Gallery will be open during the Illuminate the River event, with attendees invited to explore the space.
“Our grand finale closing event, Illuminate the River, will also see the Maribyrnong River lit up with laser light shows, sculptural lanterns of Lantasia by illustrator/designer Tyson Savanah, and fireworks into the evening.”
In its new format, the Festival will also incorporate a series of smaller-scale neighbourhood events including outdoor movie screenings, sustainability showcases, a triathlon at Queens Park Swimming Pool, as well as The Last Splash pool party to mark the redevelopment of the East Keilor Leisure Centre.
Moonee Valley Festival 2019 events:
Food Fair Festival
Sunday, 24 February, 12 noon–4pm
Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre
Free event
The Food Fair Festival will celebrate cannoli, with lots of tasty treats, cooking demonstrations, workshops and live entertainment. Meet local artisans and pick up a range of gourmet treats and provisions.
Get a taste of the real Moonee Valley at this festival of flavour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of our neighbourhoods.
Woodlands by Twilight
Saturday, 2 March, 4pm–9.30pm
Woodlands Park
Free event
Pack your picnic and sit back and relax among the beautiful surrounds of Woodlands Park for a twilight concert for the whole family to enjoy.
With free activities for the kids and entertainment from Australian and local musicians including Jetty Road, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Family Fun Day
Sunday, 17 March, 12 noon–4pm
Walter Reserve, Ascot Vale
Free event
Join in the fun and improve your fitness as you come and try a variety of easy and accessible ways to get active!
Local recreation and sporting clubs, groups and organisations will be onsite as well as a circus trapeze and a fun obstacle course!
Illuminate the River
Saturday, 30 March, 2pm–9pm
The Boulevard, Maribyrnong River, Aberfeldie
Free event
The Moonee Valley Festival comes to an end in spectacular style with a full day of food, art and entertainment in a grand cultural celebration. Be dazzled with live music, roving performances and pop-up activities for all ages!
The celebration will continue into the evening with laser lights, projection art and fireworks as we close the 2019 Moonee Valley Festival in style!
Neighbourhood events:
Pop-up cinemas
Saturday, 16 February at East Keilor Leisure Centre
Friday, 22 March at Windy Hill, Essendon
Free events
Enjoy a cinema experience under the stars in your own neighbourhood! Look out for the pop-up movies around Moonee Valley in February and March.
Green Living and Sustainable Living Festival
Thursday, 14 February, 6.30pm–8.30pm
Clocktower Centre
Environmental designer, futurist and pioneer of the permaculture concept, David Holmgren presents his new book RetroSuburbia, as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2019.
The Last Splash Festival!
Saturday, 16 February, 4pm–9.30pm and Sunday, 17 February, 10am–2pm
East Keilor Leisure Centre
Free event
Help farewell the current East Keilor Leisure Centre with a weekend of free activities and entertainment including live music and DJs, sausage sizzle, moonlight movie Paper Planes, pop-up library and an official closing ceremony. Plus, there’ll be free pool entry all weekend!
Queens Park Swimming Pool Triathlon
Sunday, 17 March
Queens Park Swimming Pool
The triathlon is the first event of its kind to take place at Queens Park Swimming Pool, open to beginners through to advanced triathletes.
Women in Business Luncheon
Friday, 22 March, 11.30am–2.30pm
The Australian Events Centre
Network with like-minded businesses, celebrate women in business and hear from iconic singer-songwriter, record producer, performing artist and business woman, Tina Arena AM. Hear Tina's inspirational story, from her days growing up in Moonee Valley to becoming a world renowned artist and performer.
Visit the Moonee Valley Festival webpage for further information and event and program details.
Contact for journalists:
Sarah Schwager, Media Advisor
Phone: 03 9243 8813; Mobile 0447 517 177; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au