Police believe 'serious violence' prevented after teens armed with weapons arrested at busy Melbourne festival

Police say they have likely prevented "serious violence" at a busy Melbourne festival after a group of armed teens were arrested with machetes and other sharp weapons.

On the first night of Moomba Festival, police were alerted by security officers at the festival of a young man armed with a knife walking around the festival at 9.15pm.

Police found a group of eight teens in the Southbank area 10 minutes later.

READ MORE: Vehicle seized in search for missing SA mum

They were arrested near St Kilda Road shortly after.

Police searched the males and allegedly found an assortment of sharp weapons, including two machetes, a meat cleaver, a carving knife and flick knives.

Knuckle dusters, balaclavas, gloves and drugs were also found in the search.

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were taken into police custody and interviewed after the weapons were discovered and are set to be charged at a later date.

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.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here