Adelaide is getting ready to host its popular Glendi Greek Festival next weekend, the 36th festival since its inception in 1978.
Returning to Bonython Park on 29 and 30 November 2014, the Glendi is already shaping up to be a huge celebration of all things Greek for the third largest Greek community in Australia.
One of the highlights of the program will be cooking demonstrations by Helena and Vikki of My Kitchen Rules fame, who will be entertaining crowds on both nights.
The international act will be Greek singer Nikos Tzoumas, who will be joined by Sydney special guest Tommy Tsonis on the bouzouki.
The Glendi will host a number of local dance troops and musicians to entertain the crowds all day on two stages.
For those looking to brush up on their cultural knowledge, a special Cultural Marquee will be set up to cover a number of Greek topics.
John Ward will give a presentation on the ancient Antikythera Mechanism, which is believe to be the first computer uncovered.
Dr George Couvalis will give a lecture on John Philoponus and the beginning of time, while Professor Andreas Evdokiou will hope to inform people on the therapies to stop the spread of breast cancer to the bone.
Around 20 stalls will be set up showcasing everything from jewellery to community services and Greek language services and as the Glendi concludes, crowds will be treated to a fireworks show on Saturday night.
The Glendi also uses its time to be a major fundraising vehicle for not-for-profit associations and sporting clubs, with many associations and clubs getting involved in the festival.
“Last year, individual stallholders were successful in raising a combined amount exceeding $100,000 for their chosen charter; whether that be education, youth sport, performing arts to name a few. Furthermore, Glendi donated $10,000 to Cancer Council SA, its nominated 2013 Charity Partner,” Glendi Greek Festival director, Mike Diakomichalis says.
For this year, the festival will choose to support the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation as its charity fundraiser.
Last year around 20,000 people visited the Glendi for a taste of the motherland, the first Glendi to return back to the Bonython Park location. The change wasn’t welcomed by everyone, with many visitors telling Neos Kosmos the event lacked atmosphere and felt disjointed with two stages. There were also complaints of a lack of food stalls to cater to crowds, something chairman of Adelaide Glendi Festival Board, John Chefalachis, said will be rectified this year.
The Glendi Greek Festival will be held over the November 29-30 weekend from 12 noon to 12 midnight on Saturday and 12 noon to 11.00 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for children and $30 for families. Children under five are free. For more information and a festival program, visit www.glendigreekfestival.com.au