Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria

This weekend, Lonsdale Street explodes with music, dance, food, traditions and a few modern takes on all thing Greek. The Premier of Victoria Ted Bailleu and the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne Robert Doyle will open the festival at 7:00pm on Saturday night in the presence of representatives of the Federal, State and Local Governments, His Grace Ezekiel of Dervis, the Board of Management of the GOCMV, major sponsors, Greek Community representatives and of tens of thousands of patrons.

Join Helen Kapalos and George Donikian this Satruday evening as they invoke the spirit of Apokries (Carnival), on Losndale Street. Be part of the biggest Greek parties in the Southern Hemisphere that caters for all ages, offering great food, culture and music and boasts three distinct precincts as well as a variety of events to suit all tastes.

Everyone’s favourite Glendi competition, Zorba Till you Drop is back for 2011 and for the first time you can show off your Greek coffee making skills in Best Greek Coffee in Melbourne competition. The Zorba Till You Drop will be at 2.15 on Sunday and the last person standing will win a flight to Greece. The Best Greek Coffee in Melbourne competition will be held on both Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. To register for either competition or for more information visit www.antipodesfestival.com.au or the GOCMV Hub on Lonsdale Street on the day.

The highlight of both evenings will be the performances of Ta Paidia Apo Tin Patra & Zig Zag direct from Greece at 8:15pm . After the Glendi on Saturday night the party will continue at Baraki with the brass band group Ta Halkina.

With so much on offer be sure to come and be part of Melbourne’s largest celebration of all things Greek!