Adelaide’s Greek Glendi Festival has had yet another change of venue. As it stands, the Glendi is expected to be held at Bonython Park. This is the first time the event will be held at this site.
“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.
Glendi was expected to be held this year at Thebarton Oval, 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.
Bonython Park provides an open park setting for the Glendi, which is something the community have advocated for strongly in recent years. The location of Bonython Park is ideal; it is central, accessible by all forms of transport and has successfully hosted a number of South Australian festivals in the past.
“[The Adelaide Greek Australian community] want a festival that feels like a ‘paniyiri’,” says Mr Diakomichalis on why the Glendi was returning to an open park setting.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Adelaide City Council and its offer of Bonython Park which provides an ideal setting for our festival. We’re excited about the prospect of taking Glendi back to an open park setting. We remain committed to and confident of delivering a celebration worthy of our 35 year anniversary,” he says.
The Adelaide Glendi will be held on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December at Bonython Park.