Media Release Tuesday, 29 January 2013 Join the fun at the Moonee Valley Festival

Moonee Valley City Council encourages the whole community to join the fun on Sunday, 24 February for its largest annual, free community celebration, the Moonee Valley Festival.

Queens Park will once again come to life for a fun summer day full of excitement with rides, live music and activities for the whole family.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Narelle Sharpe said the festival, now in its 36th year, is the biggest event on the Moonee Valley calendar.

“Every year thousands of people of all ages come to Queens Park to enjoy what’s on offer at the Moonee Valley Festival,” said Cr Sharpe.

“This year is set to be more exciting than ever with market stalls, roving performers, entertainment stages, business expo sites, food stalls, amusement rides and community activities and displays.

“The Citylink Main Stage will host some of Melbourne’s finest performers including ARIA Award winning Monique Brumby, Kerri Simpson and Rebecca Barnard performing songs of the ‘70s as well as soul, blues, reggae and acoustic folk indigenous artist Benny Walker,” said Cr Sharpe.

“Children will love the Hall’s Taekwondo Kid’s Kingdom where free rides from LaManna Direct will be available all day as well as karaoke, face painting, giant sand pit and stage entertainment all day.

“My fellow Councillors and I will again host our traditional champagne breakfast, starting at 10am,” said Cr Sharpe.

“So come down early and enjoy some great entertainment by the Wendy Stapleton Trio whilst relaxing with some lovely food and drinks.”

“We are also celebrating the considerable talents of our community again this year through both the Moonee Valley Festival Community Choir and the Rendina Real Estate Community Chalk Art Mural.

“Sign up for the choir and sing two songs on the main stage, or enter a sketch or design you think represents the Moonee Valley community for a chance to see it come to life as a pavement chalk mural at the festival,” said Cr Sharpe

mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888 9 Kellaway Ave - PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 To find out how to join the community choir or submit your chalk art design, call the Festival Office on 8325 1862. Entries for the chalk art competition close on 13 February.

Other performances and activities on offer are:  The Metro Opel Moonee Ponds Community Expo will showcase local groups and the Community Stage will feature talented local community performers.  At the City West Water Sustainability Area you can sign up to Council’s My Smart Garden program for a free bag of gardening goodies, or pop by to hear about low- cost vegie gardening from an expert.  Cheer on local mascots as they battle it out in a race at the Bendigo Bank Health and Wellbeing Area, which will showcase local community groups and businesses through activities and workshops for all ages.  The Puckle Street Precinct and Mirvac Moonee Ponds Shopping Centre Youth Area will feature the popular Youth Stage with performances from young local talent.  Free barefoot bowling at Moonee Ponds Bowling Club between 12 noon and 4pm, with Devonshire tea for sale.  Free entry into Queens Park Swimming Pool.

Plus, residents can go in the running to share in $1,000 in prizes, donated by Fisher and Paykel, the Moonee Valley Weekly and Brooks, by entering Council’s Twitter photo competition.

“All you need to do is take a photo at the festival that you believe captures the spirit of the day, tweet your picture with hashtag #mvfestival, and you could win great prizes,” said Cr Sharpe.

For full competition details and rules, plus further information about the festival, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/mvfestival or contact 9243 8888. The full festival program will be available on Council’s website from Monday, 4 February.

‘Like’ Council on Facebook and follow on Twitter (@mooneevalleycc) for festival updates and news throughout the day.

The Moonee Valley Festival is sponsored by CityLink, Moonee Valley Weekly, Bendigo Bank, Halls Taekwondo, Opel Metro Moonee Ponds, Rendina Real Estate, City West Water, LaManna Direct, Moonee Ponds Central and Puckle Street Precinct.

Festival details: Sunday, 24 February 10am to 5pm Queens Park, corner Mt Alexander Road and Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds Mel Way ref: 28J6

Travel to the Moonee Valley Festival by public transport or use the free bike parking.

Ends

Media enquiries: Letitia Duncan, Moonee Valley City Council Mobile: 0408 570 106; Email: [email protected] mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888 9 Kellaway Ave - PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039