Moomba - wikipedia Moomba For the town in South Australia, see Moomba, South Australia. Moomba Waterskiing events at Moomba Genre Carnival Begins Labour day long weekend ( second Monday in March ) Frequency annual Location ( s ) Melbourne, Australia Years active 63 Inaugurated 1955 Attendance 1.7 million ( record - 1996 ) Organised by City of Melbourne Moomba ( also known as the Moomba Festival ) is held annually in Melbourne, Australia. Run by the City of Melbourne, it is Australia 's largest free community festival. The Melbournian tradition is celebrated over four days, incorporating the Labour Day long weekend, from Friday to the second Monday in March. Moomba is culturally important to Melbourne, having been celebrated since 1955, and regularly attracts up to a million people, with a record attendance of 1.7 million set in 1996. In 2003, the event was renamed Melbourne Moomba Waterfest and is centred on the Yarra River. Traditional events include the Moomba parade, crowning of Moomba monarchs, fireworks displays, carnivals in the gardens along the river, river activities including watersports, water floats and the birdman rally, as well as live music and bands. Contents 1 Origins 2 Etymology 3 Event history 4 Events 4.1 Parade and floats 4.2 Moomba monarchs 4.3 Fireworks 4.4 Carnival 4.5 River activities 4.5. 1 Waterskiing 4.5. 2 River floats 4.5. 3 Birdman rally 4.6 Music and live bands 5 In popular culture 5.1 Citations 6 References 7 Other reading 8 External links Origins In 1951, Australia celebrated fifty years of Federation with a parade and the staging of the theatre production `` An Aboriginal Moomba : Out of the Dark ''. In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited the city for the first time as reigning monarch, and the City Development Association and the Melbourne City Council proposed an autumn carnival to be known as `` Moomba ''. A committee was formed in July, 1954 to organise and fund the event, successfully allocating £ 10,000 to its inaugural running. Before the event 's first year, controversy was created when Labor Councillor Frank Williams resigned from the committee, branding the planned carnival as a `` Bourke street joke for the benefit of shopkeepers ''. A promotional theme song `` Come to Melbourne for the Moomba '' was written by Jack O'Hagan. Etymology The festival was originally named Moomba by organizers in the belief it was a native word meaning ' let 's get together and have fun. ' Credit is usually given to Bill Onus, a unionist and member of the Australian Aborigines ' League for proposing the term, which he used in a play, Aboriginal Moomba in 1951. In 1969 Luise Hercus glossed the word mum ( rhyming with ' vroom ' ) as meaning ' bottom, rump ', and suggested mum - ba meant something like ' bottom and... ', and had been introduced from Healesville usage as a joke. In 1981 Barry Blake analysed the word as combining as mum ( anus ) and -- ba, a locative suffix meaning ' at, in, on '. This would give the sense of ' up your bum / arse '. Onus himself, according to his daughter - in - law, who said she had heard the story from Onus 's wife Mary, had picked up the word from a word list of indigenous terms. Some say he did it to get back at the city council for having deliberately upstaged the traditional Labour Day march with a popular carnival. Lin Onus, his son, stated that indeed his father had intended to play a prank in passing on the word with this sense. Event history The first Moomba was a 15 - day festival officially opened on 12 March 1955 by the State Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks. The inaugural programme included a fireworks display, parade, vintage car display, Henley rowing regatta, river floats including a `` Lord Mayor 's houseboat '', cycling race, tennis at Kooyong, concerts including performances by the Victorian Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic choir, crowning of the Queen of Moomba and riverside carnival. 25,000 turned out to watch the inaugural Moomba parade down Swanston Street. The first Moomba was heavily criticised by Melbourne 's conservative establishment, including the Anglican Church, which at the time claimed it was hedonistic and embodying social decay. Council responded to the criticism citing that Moomba was intended to be a festival for families and as such is reinforcing family values in society. After the 2016 Moomba festival fireworks there was a large - scale brawl in and around Federation Square in Melbourne 's Central Business District, largely between members of two gangs, Apex and Islander 23. Events Parade and floats A parade ( or `` procession '' ) and floats through the streets of Melbourne have been a key part of the Moomba festival since its beginning. Each year it attracts over 100,000 people to Melbourne 's city centre as well as being shown on free - to - air television in Melbourne. The first Moomba procession was held in 1955. It was first televised in 1957, the year after the Melbourne 1956 Olympics. Snuff Puppets float Moomba Parade 2001 The floats have an annual theme, usually an elaboration on `` Let 's get together and have fun '', the avowed mission and vision statement of Moomba and are usually from sister cities ( of which Melbourne has six ), schools and community groups. They also promote some aspect of the arts, like singing, dancing, or design. Swanston Street is the traditional home of the floats and spine of the city and horse - or tractor - drawn floats use the tram tracks. Decorated trams are sometimes also featured. In 2001, the parade came under media controversy when a French Troupe and Melbourne 's Snuff Puppets had floats with naked people covered in body paint. Moomba monarchs 2014 Moomba monarchs -- Lucy Durack and Bert Newton The Moomba monarchy has been one of the most celebrated and controversial components of the festival over the years. Queen of Moomba ( 1955 to 1987 ) from Beverley Stewart to Marita Jones. Won by a beauty pageant competition. 1966 Moomba Queen Erica McMillan was killed in a car accident seven weeks after the festival, in the car which she had received as a prize for being voted Queen. Queen of the Pacific ( 1967 -- 1977 ) from Betty Lim Saw Yim ( as Princess of Malaysia ) to Lei Maa ( Princess of Hawaii ). King of Moomba ( 1967 to 1987 ) : British actor Robert Morley ( 1967 ), British actor Alfred Marks ( 1968 ), Italian opera singer Tito Gobbi ( 1969 ), featherweight boxing champion Johnny Famechon ( 1970 ), Russian clown Oleg Popov ( 1971 ), pop singer Johnny Farnham ( 1972 ) with Collingwood footballer Lou Richards as his Jester, indigenous Pastor Sir Douglas Nicholls ( 1973 ), ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann ( 1974 ), entertainer Rolf Harris ( 1975 ), entertainer Barry Crocker ( 1976 ), Disney character Mickey Mouse as King of Moomba and TV Personality Ugly Dave Gray as a Jester ( 1977 ), first Melbourne born king, entertainer Bert Newton ( 1978 ), entertainer Graham Kennedy ( 1979 ), TV actor Paul Cronin ( 1980 ), Lou Richards again but this time as King ( 1981 ), film, TV and stage actor Frank Thring ( 1982 ), TV Personality Daryl Somers ( 1983 ), footballer Kevin Bartlett ( 1984 ), TV Personality Ian `` Molly '' Meldrum ( 1985 ), motor racing driver Peter Brock ( 1986 ) and champion doubles tennis player Paul McNamee ( 1987 ). Another source lists Gobbi ( 1968 ), Marks ( 1969 ) and Richards as Jester ( 1971 ). Moomba Monarch ( 1988 -- 1999 ) ( 2010 -- present ) : Jo Pearson, Con the Fruiterer, David Hanison, Tony Shaw, Keith Dunstan, The Oarsome Foursome, Andrew Gaze, Cathy Freeman, Marina Prior, Kevin Sheedy, Trevor Marmalade, Lano and Woodley, and Denise Drysdale. Female Monarchs were also called Queen of Moomba and male Monarchs were called King of Moomba. In 1999 the tradition ended when clowns Zig and Zag were appointed. After it was revealed that, years before, Zig ( Jack Perry ) had pleaded guilty to child molestation they were dethroned. In 2010 the tradition was finally restored after 11 years with Molly Meldrum and Kate Ceberano being named King and Queen of Moomba ( 2011 ) : Mick Malthouse and Ruby Rose. ( 2012 ) : Harry Kewell and Natalie Bassingthwaighte. ( 2013 ) : Ambulance Victoria and St John 's Ambulance ( one combined representative ), MFB, CFA, Salvation Army, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, SES and Victoria Police, made up the Seven Kings and Queens Young Ambassador ( 2003 -- 2009 ) : Carrie Stoney, Sam Quinn, Alan Wu, Natalie Bassingthwaighte. 2007 : Trisha Broadbridge. The Moomba Monarch crowns for 2010 and 2011 were handcrafted by Paris Kyne Master Milliner. 1989 also had a time where Moomba also included a Prince and Princess of Moomba which were two children who applied through a radio competition on radio station 3KZ with resumes and auditions to perform paid work with the Life. Be in it. dancers in the Alexander Gardens every day. These two winners were Mark Monroe & Katherine. Fireworks Fireworks are a big part of the Moomba festival and large displays occur on every night of the festival. The fireworks are above the Yarra river. Carnival A traditional carnival including a ferris wheel are held in the Alexandra Gardens along the river bank. In recent years, the carnival has extended to Birrarung Marr across the river. It is popular with children, and dagwood dogs and doughnut stands line the paths. River activities Moomba particularly celebrates the Yarra River, which has been much maligned during the history of the city until the last few decades. Waterskiing Water stunts Water skiing in the Yarra was introduced to Moomba in 1959. River floats This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( October 2018 ) The festival has featured Chinese dragon boats and the Moomba Showboat. Birdman rally Among the more popular events is the Birdman Rally, begun in 1976, which adds colour to the festival, and is traditionally held at the Swan Street bridge over the Yarra River. However it has been held only intermittently during Moomba 's history. It was stopped for a number of years due to high levels of E. coli contamination of the Yarra. Subsequent clean - ups reduced pollution to acceptable levels and 2004 saw its return. In 2005 the rally was held in the new inner city park, Birrarung Marr, close to its traditional location. Music and live bands Kimbra performing at Moomba in 2011 Moomba 's performers have included international musical acts such as ABBA, Neil Diamond and AC / DC as well as a number of smaller local acts. In 2012, performers included Tex Perkins and Daryl Braithwaite. In popular culture Do - Re-Mi released a single `` King of Moomba '' in 1987 in reference to the crowning element of the festival. Citations Jump up ^ Powley 2017. Jump up ^ `` ' Moomba ' gala next year ''. The Argus. 1954 - 05 - 13. Retrieved 2016 - 10 - 16. Jump up ^ pg4. The Argus Wednesday 1 December 1954 ^ Jump up to : Dubecki 2008. ^ Jump up to : Kelly 2011. Jump up ^ Hercus 1969, p. 371. Jump up ^ Moore 2001, p. 131. Jump up ^ Blake 1981, p. 84. Jump up ^ `` It 's a gay day today ''. The Argus. 1955 - 03 - 12. Retrieved 2016 - 10 - 16. Jump up ^ `` With the Churchmen : ' Moomba spirit leading us to decay ''. The Argus. 1955 - 03 - 14. Retrieved 2016 - 10 - 16. Jump up ^ `` Councillor defends Moomba ''. The Argus. 1955 - 03 - 15. Retrieved 2016 - 10 - 16. Jump up ^ Melbourne street brawl blamed on Apex gang after Moomba festival Sunday March 13, 2016. The Guardian Retrieved May 18, 2016 ^ Jump up to : Craig Bellamy, Gordon Chisholm, Hilary Eriksen ( 17 Feb 2006 ) Moomba : A festival for the people. : http://www.craigbellamy.net/images/moomba.pdf PDF pp 17 - 22 ^ Jump up to : Moomba Monarchs : `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 14 July 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2012. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K6BWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IOcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3799%2C4757067 Jump up ^ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/molly-meldrum-and-kate-ceberano-the-new-king-and-queen-of-moomba/story-e6frf7jo-1225830688779 Jump up ^ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/royal-coach-delivers-king-mick-of-moomba/story-fn6bfkm6-1226010325960 Jump up ^ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/moomba-honours-for-natalie-and-harry-stars-who-love-our-lifestyle/story-e6frf96f-1226271262575 Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ Mary Bolling & Matthew Schulz, ( 12 Mar 2007 ) Moomba thrills young and old : http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21366832-421,00.html article from Herald Sun References Dubecki, Larissa ( 8 March 2008 ). `` Let 's have fun, said some, and name a festival ' Up Your Bum ' ''. The Age. Kelly, Piers ( 14 March 2011 ). `` Does ' Moomba ' really mean ' up your bum ' ? ''. Crikey. Moore, Bruce ( 2001 ). `` Australian English and Indigenous Voices ''. In Blair, David ; Collins, Peter. English in Australia. John Benjamins Publishing. pp. 133 -- 150. ISBN 978 - 9 - 027 - 29799 - 0. Hercus, Luise A. ( 1969 ). The Languages of Victoria : A Late Survey, Issue 6, Part 2. Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. Powley, Kathryn ( 10 March 2017 ). `` Moomba 2017 guide : Melbourne 's ' free community festival ' has arrived ''. Herald Sun. Other reading Eckersley, M. 2012. ' Australian Indigenous Drama '. Tasman Press. Altona. External links Melbourne City Council 's Moomba page Social history of Moomba, on Culture Victoria Snopes.com entry on the word `` Moomba '' Also see the official Moomba history book written by Dr Craig Bellamy et al. ( 2006 ) Events in the Melbourne City Centre Note : this includes events held in the Melbourne City Centre and its immediate surrounds, not the Greater Melbourne metropolitan area Summer All : Summer Fun in the City of Melbourne December : Australian Dancesport Championships Boxing Day Test Carols by Candlelight Myer Christmas Parade January : Australian Open Midsumma Festival Melbourne International Boat Show One Day International Cricket February : St Kilda Festival Herald Sun Tour White Night festivals Autumn March : Australian Grand Prix Melbourne 400 Melbourne Fashion Festival Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Moomba Waterfest Melbourne Queer Film Festival April : Anzac Day parade AFL Anzac Day match Melbourne International Comedy Festival Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show May : Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival Winter All : Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series June : AFL Queen 's Birthday match Melbourne International Animation Festival Australian International Motor Show Melbourne International Jazz Festival July : State of Design Festival Melbourne International Film Festival Open House Melbourne Run Melbourne August : Melbourne Day Melbourne Underground Film Festival Melbourne Writers Festival Craft Cubed Spring September : AFL Grand Final Melbourne Fringe Festival Melbourne International Festival of Brass Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Royal Melbourne Show Sandown 500 Kerryn Wildes Birthday October : Around the Bay in a Day Melbourne International Arts Festival Melbourne Marathon Festival Spring Racing Carnival November : Head of the Yarra Melbourne Cup Carnival City2Sea Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moomba&oldid=865400633 '' Categories : Recurring events established in 1955 Festivals in Melbourne 1955 establishments in Australia Music festivals established in 1955 Hidden categories : CS1 maint : Archived copy as title Use dmy dates from March 2013 Articles needing additional references from October 2018 All articles needing additional references All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Simple English Edit links This page was last edited on 23 October 2018, at 18 : 40 ( UTC ). 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Question: which english comedian became the first moomba king in 1967
Answer: Robert Morley