:: Moomba Festival 2012

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

More than 100 acts will rock the stages at Moomba Festival next year with the City of Melbourne announcing its biggest musical line up yet. From Friday March 9 to Monday March 12 headliners Josh Pyke and The Panics will be joined by some of Melbourne and Australia’s leading artists to perform over 40 hours of free concerts at Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr.

The music program promises something for everyone; from established bands and solo artists to emerging talent, silent discos, DJs, marching bands and buskers. All of the events will be free and will be performed on four stages across the Moomba Festival site at Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr.

Main stage
The Main Stage will see the likes of Josh Pyke, The Panics, Tex Perkins, Darryl Braithwaite, The Bamboos, Wagons, Owl Eyes and the Paper Kites play under the big top tent. Performances will begin from 1.00pm and will feature a diverse line up of established and up and coming artists.

Other Sounds
For those wanting to check out the latest sounds, the Beats Stage will host; Eloji, 8 Bit Love, Return to Youth, Elephant Eyes, Amber Lamps and Animaux among a great line up.

When the sun goes people can also enjoy the Silent Disco featuring a variety of DJs mixing the many sounds of retro, electronic, dub, hip hop, latin, disco and funk. The Cultural Quarter will provide a unique space for people to chill out while they listen to the latest international sounds. Acts such as the Sunshine Sisters, Mandre Monte, The Sweet Monas, Afro Mandinko will entertain people as they enjoy a weekend of cultural exchanges. Workshops, performances and dancing will all be on offer at the Cultural Quarter and everyone can be involved.

In addition to the stages, marching bands, baton twirling, cheerleading ensembles and buskers will also be on offer in and around the main stage to add colour and movement during the festival.

All the traditional Moomba favourites including the Parade and the Birdman Rally will also return with a full program announcement taking place in February 2012.