With three weeks to go, planning for Melbourne’s largest celebration of Greek culture – the Lonsdale St Greek Festival (LSGF) - is well and truly underway.

On the weekend of 23 and 24 February, the historical Greek precinct will be filled with 80 stalls, four free entertainment stages, two bars, cooking demonstrations, children’s rides and activities.

ENTERTAINMENT
With so much Greek Australian talent on offer, the LSGF has expanded the number of stages to four.

The Delphi Stage will showcase a range of traditional and modern dance performances, a highlight being the emotional Anatolian Awakenings performance which will celebrate the connection between the Pontian, Armenia and Assyrian communities. It will also be the stage for Eleonora Zouganeli’s first Australian outdoor concert. The crowd will also get the opportunity to take a turn on the dance floor, with popular Melbourne band Anagenissi to play the best in ‘xorifitika’ on Sunday night.

The A&A Holdings Stage and the new #lovelonsdale Stage will play host to some the best bands Melbourne has to offer, with Cats and the Canary, Agapi & Friends, The Phillhellens and The haBiBis just some of the acts set to perform over the weekend.

The Procal Greek Kitchen will host a range of cooking demonstrations, with fan favourites Helena and Vikki Moursellas, chefs and authors of Taking You Home - Simple Greek Food, hosting some of Australia’s best Greek chefs and cooks.

COMPETITONS
It’s time to prep the rolling pin, because we are on the hunt for Melbourne's best Baklava and Pita. Contestants will be required to bring along a tray of their famous flaky creation to be judged by a panel of expert foodies. Judging will take place a week before theLonsdale Street Greek Festival, with the winner of each category will be not only be walking away with the title but will have the opportunity to share their winning recipe at the Procal Greek Kitchen during the weekend.

Festival favourite, Zorba ‘til you Drop, is back and once again rewarding the winner with a return flight to Greece.

Magic Mic will see amateur singers of all ages take on songs by Greek performers or composers to see who the voice of the 2019 Lonsdale Street Festival will be.

Applications for all the competitions are still open at www.lonsdalestfestival.com.au

LONSDALE STREET SING A LONG
Everyone loves to sing and we are ready to prove it. At 5pm on Sunday, the entire festival will stop and thousands of voices will belt out the the classic Greek song 'Ta Paidia You Pirea' (Never on a Sunday).

FOOD AND DRINK
There will be plenty to eat and drink over the two days. In addition to Lonsdale St icons Stalactites and Tsindos, there will be over 20 food stalls and trucks offering the best in Greek cuisine. You can even grab a drink at one of the bars across the street, with festival bar ‘Mythology’ offering a great view of the Delphi Stage.

WHAT: 32ND LONSDALE ST GREEK FESTIVAL (free event)
WHEN: 23 and 24 FEBRUARY 2019; 11am - late
WHERE: LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE (between Swanston St and Exhibition St)

HOW TO GET THERE:
Leave the car at home, take any city bound train, tram or bus to the CBD and head toward the historic Greek Precinct (between Swanston and Exhibition Streets, Melbourne)