Machetes, meat cleaver, carving knife among other weapons recovered as cops claim to avert ‘serious violence’ during Melbourne’s Moomba Festival; 8 teens arrested

Drama unfolded on Thursday (March 5, 2026) in Melbourne during the first night of the Moomba Festival, where police claimed that they likely prevented "serious violence" at the busy festival after a group of armed teens were arrested with machetes and other sharp weapons, 9news reported.

Police were alerted by security officers at the festival of a young man armed with a knife walking around the festival at 9.15pm. 10 minutes following the alert, officials found a group of eight teens in the Southbank area. Soon they were arrested near St Kilda Road.

Police found assortment of sharp weapons

While searching the arrested men, police allegedly found an assortment of sharp weapons, including two machetes, a meat cleaver, a carving knife, and flick-knives, according to 9News. Knuckle dusters, balaclavas, gloves, and drugs were also discovered during the search.

Two teenagers taken into custody

Following the discovery of weapons, two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were taken into police custody and interviewed. They are reportedly set to be charged at a later date.

According to 9News, a 16-year-old boy was charged with possessing a prohibited and controlled weapon. He was taken into custody and will appear in court at a later date.

Melbourne's Moomba Festival

"The iconic Moomba Festival welcomes people into the city annually on the Labour Day long weekend in March, to experience the traditions and fun of Melbourne’s longest-running and largest community festival," as quoted on City of Melbourne website.

The Melbourne City Tour website states that the Moomba Festival is Australia’s biggest free event. The festival held over four days, located down on the Yarra River in the center of town, is set out to celebrate the vibrant city itself.