Grand Star Receptions came alive with the sounds of Thrace on Saturday night with the Pan-Thracian dance.

Held to commemorate Thrace successfully gaining independence from Ottoman rule in 1920, over five hundred people of all ages turned out to help celebrate.

With many of Australia’s Greek community associations struggling to maintain their relevance among the younger generations, organisers were pleased with the turnout and promise it showed for the future of Thracian culture Down Under.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the music; making a special appearance from Greece for the night was band Olympiada, who played for six hours straight.

On violin was Niko Zaparta, Lazaro Tziaba on guitar, Ilias Gulos on accordion, Zois Tsigas on toumbeleki, and Vangelis Papanastasiou on clarinet, who expressed that he was overwhelmed by the turnout on the night.

Attendees were also entertained by dance group O Periklis, who adorned in traditional dress from head to toe, performed folk dances from various regions of Thrace.