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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 of people on Bank Holiday Monday, has been canceled and temperatures are forecast to soar to 38C.
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 take place to ensure the health and safety of performers, spectators, workers and volunteers,” Cr Capp said.
Melbourne’s Moomba Parade has been canceled for Monday after a severe heatwave hit the city (pictured, participants in 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 outdoors in heavy, hot outfits, putting them at greater risk” .
“This is a very difficult decision, especially on the 70th anniversary of Moomba, but we must prioritize people’s health and safety in these extreme conditions.”
The parade, which winds along Birdwood Ave alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, featured Moomba monarchs: former Wiggle Emma Watkins and comedian Pete Helliar.
Around 1,800 participants were scheduled to take part, many of them dressed in traditional costumes or playing musical instruments.
The news sparked a divided response among followers.
‘Good decision Moomba! Safety first!’ one person commented.
‘Very wise. He was nervous about the participants. Hopefully they can show their talents another time,” said another person.
But not everyone was happy.
“Gone are the days when people could handle the summer heat!” wrote one person on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Working from home and the comfort of 24/7 air conditioning without going outdoors had weakened and softened some people!’
Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp said “the difficult decision was made in the interests of safety.”
“It’s not even hot in Melbourne, this is pure propaganda,” said another.
‘Get rid of illegitimate advice! Throw them outside.’
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for this weekend and Monday.
Moomba organizers assured that the carnival set up along the banks of the Yarra River and other events are taking place as planned at this stage.
“At this stage, the Birdman Rally, Moomba Carnival, Bjorn Again Show and Moomba Masters will go ahead as planned,” a statement read.
‘We encourage all attendees to plan ahead, check for updates and stay safe.
‘Thank you for understanding.’
Not everyone was impressed with the decision to cancel Melbourne’s annual Moomba parade. The parade participants appear in the photo.
The heat wave has also affected the development of other events in Victoria.
Attendees at the Pitch Music and Arts Festival, held near the town of Moyston in the state’s south-west, have felt sweltering in temperatures approaching 40C.
Concern about bushfires led the festival to advise patrons to leave on Saturday morning and those who had not arrived to cancel their attendance.
Parents and relatives of festival attendees took to social media to express concern for their children, some of whom are believed to have had no reception.
“The truth is that they are blocked and can’t leave if they want,” said one commenter on Facebook.