Illuminate FAQs
Illuminate the River is an all-ages, family-friendly and FREE event being presented by Moonee Valley City Council and the Victorian Government’s live recovery program, On The Road Again.
Illuminate the River is taking place on The Boulevard and Holmes Road, Aberfeldie (Maribyrnong River) on Saturday 19 November 2022 from 12pm to 9pm.
Yes, this event is free.
Yes, we strongly encourage all guests to bring cashless payment options such as debit and credit cards.
No. Due to the large volume of crowds, loud music and visual displays, dogs – or any other pets – are not permitted. It will not be safe nor enjoyable for them.
Maps and programs will be made available online to download. There will also be a limited number of printed programs and maps available from Council’s information tent.
First aid is available on site throughout the course of the event. A first aid station can be found inside Essendon Anglers Club.
Lost Children wristbands will be available at the Information Tent, where parents can write their name and phone number and attach the band to their child’s wrist.
A Lost Children Point will be set up next to the Information tent. If you lose your child, please contact Event staff at the Information Tent, or find one moving around the site.
They will be identifiable in high-vis vests.
A ‘lost property’ depot will be located at Council’s information tent (see map for location).
No, there is no cloakroom at the event
Toilets will be located throughout the festival site as indicated on the map.
Accessible toilets and change facilities will be located at the locations identified above, as well as the Incinerator Gallery located on Holmes Rd.
ACCESSIBILITY
We aim to make all festival events fun and accessible for everyone. Accessible bathrooms and wheelchair access provisions will be available at all festival events. To discuss your access requirements with a member of staff, please contact 9243 8888 or email illuminate@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Accessible parking bays are located along the Boulevard adjacent to Aberfeldie Oval. Entry to the accessible parking bays will be via Vida Street, Aberfeldie. Please display your accessible parking permit to traffic controllers on arrival and you will be escorted to a parking bay in close proximity to the event site.
A quiet room will be available for guests to use within the Incinerator Gallery. This space is a retreat for those who may be feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated and will include simple sensory activities like colouring and craft. Please check in with the Incinerator Gallery staff onsite to access this space. The Incinerator Gallery is located at 180 Holmes Rd, Aberfeldie.
Reserved seating for the water, laser and lighting finale will be available for those with accessibility needs as well as their carers and family. The reserved seating will be clearly identifiable and is located on the ground floor (bike path) of the Maribyrnong River tiered seating bank located on The Blvd (opposite the Essendon Anglers Club)
Locate one of our friendly staff and event management team at the information desk (located on the corner of Holmes Rd / The Blvd roundabout) and we can assist with access to premium viewing at the main stage. We will escort accessible patrons and their carers to a location where they can sit, relax and enjoy the amazing lineup.
To discuss your access requirements with a member of staff, please contact 9243 8888 or email illuminate@mvcc.vic.gov.au.
As this is an outdoor event, please check the latest weather forecast and bring appropriate sun protection or wet-weather gear. Water hydration stations will be available on site. We encourage all attendees to be mindful of the environment and bring their own water bottle that can be refilled at the hydration stations.
Sunscreen, a water bottle (not glass), a hat, excitement, positivity and community spirit. We want everyone to enjoy the day.
No. If your child loses or abandons their wheels somewhere, this may make them very sad. Also, someone might trip over an abandoned scooter and hurt themselves. Then there will be more sad people. Nobody wants sad.
Glass, alcohol, fireworks, BBQs, gas bottles, kegs, weapons, pets, commercial or political signage, aggression, bigotry or intolerance.
Yes. Very gorgeous event and artist merchandise will be available for sale.
A cancellation procedure will be in effect in the event of adverse weather conditions. Announcements regarding any event cancellations will be made prior to the event on the Festival website and Council’s after-hours and social media channels.
CARNIVAL RIDES
Rides and amusements will operate through a ride token system. Tokens can be purchased onsite at ticket boxes and redeemed at any ride. Entry passes for each ride will cost between $4-$8 per ride, per person. Carnival games and amusements are $5 per game, per person.
There is some for everyone, from the thrill seekers to the more conservative, from toddlers to adults. The listed rides at this year’s event include:
The Skyflyer
Ferris Wheel
Dodgem Cars
Plus lots of fun games and amusements.
There will be a range of rides suitable for all ages starting at 2yrs – adults. Parents may ride with their children on most of the rides.
Height and weight restrictions are compulsory on some of the rides. Height and weight restriction policies on each ride will be clearly visible at each ride entry point and managed diligently by the ride operators.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
There will be up to 16 food vendors to choose from. There will be a range of vendors and community BBQs at the event and while effort has been made to ensure a range of healthy and allergen-free food, those with specific requirements may wish to bring their own food. This year there has been an emphasis on environmentally sustainable packaging, with each food vendor chosen based on their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food, but please note that picnic facilities are not available at the event site.
No. Alcohol purchase and consumption at the event is restricted to the licensed bar area only.
Yes. You will be able to fill it for free at our on-site hydration stations.
GETTING THERE
By Public Transport
The Boulevard, Maribyrnong River, Aberfeldie is a short walk from the following public transport options. Plan your trip to The Boulevard (Aberfeldie) at www.ptv.vic.gov.au
- Bus - 467 Aberfeldie – Moonee Ponds via Holmes Road
- Tram - 57 West Maribyrnong – Flinders Street Station & City, and 82 Moonee Ponds – Footscray
- Train - Craigieburn line to Moonee Ponds Station
By Bike
Yes. However, as parking is extremely limited, we strongly encourage attendees to instead use public or active modes of transport if possible.
Parking is limited, to avoid frustration please park away from the festival site – it will be busy. Where possible we encourage the use of public and active transport options to get to the event.
When parking in Moonee Valley streets, please ensure you read local parking signs and adhere to restrictions. Do not park on lawns or across driveways. Please be considerate of our local residents.
Please do not attend Illuminate the River if you feel unwell or are showing any COVID-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath).
While at the event, remember to wash and/or sanitise your hands frequently.
Unfortunately, we have already received an influx of volunteers – maybe next year, watch this space.
We are no longer accepting applications to perform at the event. The expression-of-interest window has closed, with programming now confirmed for this year’s Illuminate the River. Other opportunities may be found at www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/category/events
We are no longer accepting applications to have a stall at the event. The expression-of-interest window has closed, with stallholders now confirmed for this year’s Illuminate the River. Other opportunities may be found at www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/category/events
Expressions of interest for sponsorship opportunities have now closed.
We really hope it will! Let’s do everything we can to make that a reality by making the day a huge, happy and safe success.
Illuminate the River is the largest event of the Moonee Valley Festival program for a number of years. This year will be the biggest yet, with a number of headliner music acts secured with the help of the On The Road Again program funding from the State Government. The future of the Moonee Valley Festival will be considered as part of the Arts and Culture plan for the municipality, currently under development.
Contact 9243 8888 or email illuminate@mvcc.vic.gov.au to speak to a Festival staff member.
