One of Australia’s most iconic events has been canceled due to an extreme heatwave.
Melbourne’s Moomba parade, which was expected to be attended by thousands on Monday, has been called off as temperatures are expected to rise to 38 degrees Celsius.
Mayor Sally Capp said the decision to cancel the main event in the festival’s 70th year had been “difficult” but necessary.
“Due to the severe heatwave alert, the Moomba parade will not go ahead to ensure the health and safety of performers, spectators, workers and volunteers,” Cr Capp said.
Melbourne’s Moomba parade was canceled on Monday after a severe heatwave hit the city (photo participants of the previous Moomba parade)
‘Unlike other Moomba events where there is good access to shade, water and cooling measures, parade participants must spend several hours outside in warm, heavy costumes, putting them at greater risk.’
‘This is a very difficult decision, especially in Moomba’s 70th year, but we must prioritize the health and safety of people in these extreme circumstances.’
The parade, which winds along Birdwood Ave past Royal Botanic Gardens, would feature Moomba royals – former Wiggle Emma Watkins and comedian Pete Helliar.
About 1,800 participants were expected to take part, many wearing traditional clothing, costumes or playing musical instruments.
The news led to divided reactions from followers.
‘Good decision Moomba! Safety first!’, one person commented.
‘Very wise. Was nervous for the participants. Hopefully they can showcase their talents another time,” someone else said.
But not everyone was happy.
“Gone are the days when people could handle the summer heat!”, someone wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“WFH and 24/7 air-conditioned comfort without going outside had made some people soft and weak!”
Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp said the ‘difficult decision was made in the interests of safety
“It’s not even warm in Melbourne, this is pure propaganda,” said another.
‘Away with the unlawful councils! Throw them out.’
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for this weekend and Monday.
Moomba organizers assured the Yarra River Banks Carnival and other events at this stage will go ahead as planned.
“At this stage the Birdman Rally, Moomba Carnival, Bjorn Again Show and Moomba Masters will go ahead as planned,” a statement said.
“We encourage all attendees to plan ahead, check for updates and stay safe.
‘Thank you for your understanding.’
Not everyone was impressed with the decision to cancel Melbourne’s annual Moomba parade. The photo shows participants in the parade.
The heatwave has also affected the conduct of other events in Victoria.
Those attending the Pitch Music and Arts Festival, held near the town of Moyston in the state’s south-west, experienced sweltering temperatures of almost 40 degrees Celsius.
Concerns about the bushfires led the festival to advise patrons to leave on Saturday morning and those who had not arrived to cancel their attendance.
Parents and families of festival goers took to social media to express their concerns about their children, some of whom are believed to have no care.
“The truth is they are blocked and can’t leave if they want to,” said one commenter on Facebook.