There will be souvlaki, ouzo and Greek music and dance in the large Greek street festival on Lonsdale Street where the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival is set to take place on Saturday 29 February and Sunday 1 March.
Formerly known as Lonsdale St Greek Festival, Melbourne’s largest Greek cultural celebration is back with a new name, new look and some new offerings. With over 90 stalls, three free entertainment stages and roving performers, children’s rides and activities, as well as multiple bars and an array of mouthwatering Greek food options, there will be something for the entire family to enjoy.
Festival co-chairs Jim Bossinakis and Leonidas Vlahakis are confident that this year’s Festival will be the biggest and the best.
“The 33rd Antipodes Festival will feature more stalls, vendors and performers than ever before which is a testament to the popularity and reputation of this internationally renowned event” said Jim Bossinakis.
Leonidas Vlahakis added “We encourage all Melburnians to attend. Attracting a crowd of over 100,000 Antipodes really is a celebration of cultural diversity. Our aim is to share the Greek culture with everyone in an inclusive multicultural celebration.”
The area will be shut off to cars to make way for the huge event that will include the participation of traditional and modern performers of more than 50 groups of musicians and dancers, including Greek singer Giota Negka making her Australian debut. Preparation for the festival will start at 10pm on Friday 28 February, however the trading hours are from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and from 10am to 10pm on Sunday. Traffic conditions will be impacted until 5am on Monday 2 March.
Bus routes have been diverted to nearby streets.
More info on the festival at www.lonsdalestfestival.com.au
Neos Kosmos will be there to cover festivities. Check our site for our live blog throughout the festivities. And send us photos and videos from the event to mary@neoskosmos.com.au