Wow, what a celebration Melbourne put on to celebrate it's 180th Birthday - Melbourne Day 30th August 2015. It was the biggest celebration in the 20 year history of the event.
The day started early with the Flag Raising Ceremony at Enterprize Park, the spot where the first Europeans landed on 30th August 1835. MC Dr Sally Cockburn, Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley, Junior Lord Mayor Claire McDaniel, Town Cryer Brad Croft, Melbourne Day Chairman Campbell Walker and the Enterprize "first settlers" addressed the significance of the day proir to hoisting the city's flag. The Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne played as the flag was raised and the Enterprize Shanty band entertained the crowd with their stories and songs.
From there I was lucky to have the opportunitty to board the Enterprize and sail into Victoria Harbour for the re-enactment of the first settlers arrival. The Melbourne Regatta then featured a flotilla on Victoria Harbour's southern basin and a blessing of the fleet by Father Bob Macguire.
Melbourne born music legends Daryl Braithwaite and Russell Morris headlined a free all ages concert performing their Aussie anthems, Howzat, One Summer, As the days go by, Horses, The Real Thing, and Sweet Sweet Love.
Here are just some of the images I captured of the celebrations . . .
