Djerriwarrh Festival streets ahead for Melton celebrations

More than 25,000 people braved the cold weather to enjoy Saturday’s Djerriwarrh Festival.

A street parade, the Melton Lions Club carnival and a fireworks display were among the highlights of the 34th annual event.

PICTURE GALLERY: Djerriwarrh Festival 2013

Melton council’s customer engagement manager, Dan Hogan, said while attendance was down on previous years, the event was still a success.

“We were really lucky with the weather as it could have been a lot worse,” he said. “There were imminent showers and it was a bit cold, which kept some people away, but there were still over 25,000 people there.

“It didn’t stop thousands of people lining the oval to see the fireworks.’’

Mr Hogan said relocation of the community ring show, previously staged under a tent, into an open area was well received.

“It had a real circus atmosphere and there were great performances from schools and community groups.”

Mr Hogan said live shows from major acts Stonefield and Pseudo Echo, as well as performances by local talent, ensured all music tastes were catered for.

He said organisers had been keen to retain the festival’s traditional street parade, which this year had about 50 floats. The parade winners included Melton South Primary School, Mambourin Enterprises and Melton Combined Christian Churches.

“The parade is really special … many street parades no longer happen.”