A quirky comedian and children's entertainer have been crowned king and queen for one of Australia's enduring festivals.
Melbourne's Moomba Festival has revealed comedian and broadcaster Sammy J and Red Wiggle Caterina Mete as monarchs for its 72nd edition from March 5 to March 9.
The annual free long weekend family event features a signature parade with floats, large-scale puppets and 1800 performers on the Labour Day public holiday.
Other drawcards include participants jumping from a 10-metre platform into the Yarra River using handmade contraptions or costumes and a showcase of the world's best water skiers and wakeboarders.
It was an honour to be part of a festival that brings so much joy to Melbourne, Ms Mete said.
"Moomba is all about community and creating special memories, and I can't wait to see families lining the banks of the Yarra and soaking up the fun," the Red Wiggle said.
In typical Sammy J fashion, the former ABC Radio Melbourne breakfast show host recalled being laughed at by his careers counsellor when he said he wanted to be Moomba Monarch one day.
"Who's laughing now," he quipped.
"I'm proud to wear this crown on behalf of all Melbourne nerds who love this city, love this festival, and love spending a long weekend watching people jump into a river in ridiculous costumes."
This year's five-day festival coincides with the Australian F1 Grand Prix and start of the AFL season.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the city was bound to be "buzzing".
"After record-breaking last year, we're expecting more than 1.5 million visitors across the long weekend - delivering a major boost for our local economy," he said.
Moomba has a history of violence over the past decade.
Youths traded punches and kicks in 2025 near Alexandra Gardens as families watched on and an 18-year-old man was critically injured at the 2022 event when stabbed in a wild brawl at Federation Square.
The 2016 festival was also marred when up to 200 people wielded chairs as weapons and brawled in the street, and 53 people were arrested the following year.
