In a move that it could be claimed to have been driven by popular demand, the Greek Festival of Sydney is returning to one of its most glorious “home grounds” after 20 years.
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW is set to hold a Greek Fest in Brighton-Le-Sands at Bay St on Saturday 27 May as part of the program of this year’s Greek Festival of Sydney.
The event will be an all-day celebration of Hellenic culture, including live music, traditional Greek dancing groups, a series of food, arts and craft stalls, and more.
Greek Festival Chair Nia Karteris credited the move as one influenced by the overwhelming community interest in seeing the Festival go back to one of its former stomping grounds.
“The Greek Festival was in the forefront over 20 years, taking the step from a festival in a local park to the shores of Brighton back in 1998. Once we outgrew Brighton we stepped up and took the festival to the Darling Harbour, the heart of Sydney,” Ms Karteris told Neos Kosmos.
Previous Brighton Le Sands Festivals in Pictures
Food will be a plenty once again, just like it was here in 2001. Photo: Supplied/Greek Festival of Sydney
Dancers performing on the Bay Street stage in 2001. Photo: Supplied/Greek Festival of Sydney
Bay Street festivities at an earlier festival. Photo: Supplied/Greek Festival of Sydney
Crowds in attendance at the festival in 2003. Photo: Supplied/Greek Festival of Sydney
GOC president Harry Danalis addresses the crowd on Bay Street in 2000. Photo: Supplied/Greek Festival of Sydney
“The wider Greek community voiced their opinion and asked it to be brought back to Brighton. We as the Festival Committee and Board of Directors listened to them.”
Ms Karteris elaborated that the decision was also motivated by the support of the Bayside council, which is introducing initiatives to help support local businesses who underwent strife from COVID-19.
“Bayside Council was trialling road closures on Bay St to encourage more thoroughfare and increase the economic benefit to the shopkeepers in the area, which they have suffered during the COVID period for over two years,” she said to ‘N.K.’
The general interest in the event has been very high, which the Greek Festival Chair believes is very encouraging.
“The initial reaction is positive and we can see from stall applications, and entertainment applications that people will embrace the Brighton Festival with a positive vibe.”
Ms Karteris stated that plans are already set to hold it in Brighton next year, with agreements made to expand it to include the street of Grand Parade.
“The Greek Festival of Sydney has 41 years of history and it has evolved to ensure the culture and traditions are kept alive. Back now to Brighton and the Grand Parade next year, we will give the Greek Community and the wider community a taste of what’s to come in the future,” she said.
“We want everyone to come along and support the festival on the day, and just enjoy the Greek Glenti (γλέντι) and hospitality the Greeks have to offer.”
