Adelaide’s Greek community is abuzz ahead of this weekend’s Glendi Greek Festival. And to celebrate their 35 year anniversary, the organisers are taking the festival back to its original paniyiri style set up in the open round of Bonython Park.
“We have been pleased with the community’s positive response to the change in venue to Bonython Park. The community is excited about a return to an open park setting,” Mike Diakomichalis said on behalf of Glendi Inc.
He said months of organising will ensure the delivery of a “successful festival that will honour the 35 year celebration.
This year, the festival will be celebrating all things Hellenic in the form of music with international artist Nikos Hatzopoulos performing and plenty of local acts. Traditional Greek dancers will entertain the crowds, and there will also be plenty of activities for the children.
“The general buzz community is very positive so we are confident of delivering a successful festival,” says Mr Diakomichalis who says this year the festival is expecting in excess of 20,000 people/
However, this year the Glendi was expected to be held this year at Thebarton Oval to pay homage to the venue where this festival first began. According to a press release sent by Glendi Inc, they said: “Thebarton Oval is owned by the City of West Torrens and leased to the South Australian Amateur Football League. Glendi made the communication following the passing of a formal resolution by the City of West Torrens at its council meeting on 16 July 2013. Prior to that resolution, Glendi was told by the City of West Torrens that Thebarton was available on 30 November and 1 December and that a tentative booking had been made. Contrary to this decision and advice, Glendi was subsequently advised that Thebarton Oval was no longer available due to a pre-existing booking.”
“We were disappointed because we were told that Thebarton Oval was available on 30 November and 1 December and we followed what we believed were the appropriate channels to secure it. We were particularly disappointed because we know how much the community were looking forward to a return to Thebarton Oval,” 2013 Glendi Festival Director, Mr Diakomichalis said.
The Adelaide Glendi will be held on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December at Bonython Park.
