Townsville might seem a world away from Greece, but this coming weekend will see the city hosting its 15th Annual Greek Festival at Riverway Park.

The schedule that embraces all things Greek is brimming with entertainment for all ages including traditional folk dance performances, music by Adelaide band Oneiro, along with the festival’s popular grape stomping competition, fireworks and an array of other activities.

Those attending on Saturday night will be treated to a performance of “The Legend of Medusa”, an interpretation of mythology into dance.

And it wouldn’t be a true Greek gathering without an abundance of food and drink available, as well as cooking demonstrations by Brisbane chef Litsa Stilianos.

“It has evolved in 15 years,” Bill Malandris, the festival co-ordinator tells Neos Kosmos.

“We started off as a humble street festival similar to Londsdale Street, then we outgrew the street,” he says.

“Then we shifted to the Strand Park, which was near the water front and we outgrew that and then in 2006 we shifted out here where we are at Riverway. Lagoons, rain trees and plenty of shade – all that for free.”

Festival’s crowd controllers estimate approximately 25,000 people attended last year’s festival – an impressive figure considering Townsville has a Greek migrant population of only 3,000.

“The majority of our clientele comes from our non-Greek speaking friends,” says Mr Malandris.

“They embrace the festival purely for the cultural aspect, the cultural experience, the food. They’re made to feel welcome and they’re the ones that have really made it a success.”

And if the festival is to follow the trend of previous years, an even bigger crowd is expected this weekend.

A free event run by generous volunteers, Greeks and non-Greeks alike are welcomed to go along this weekend to peruse the agora, buy some food, sit under the rain trees and enjoy the festivities on offer.

Glencore Greek Festival will be hosted on Saturday 11 October, 10 am – 10 pm & Sunday 12 October, 9 am – 6 pm, at Riverway Park, Kirwan, Townsville (carpark through Weir School). The entry is free. For more information visit www.greekfest.com.au