The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival will take over the historic Lonsdale St Greek Precinct on Saturday 29 February and Sunday 1 March.

Formerly known as Lonsdale St Greek Festival, Melbourne's largest Greek cultural celebration is back with a new name, new look and some new offerings. With over 90 stalls, three free entertainment stages and roving performers, children’s rides and activities, as well as multiple bars and an array of mouthwatering Greek culinary delights, there will be something for the entire family to enjoy!

Festival co-chairs Jim Bossinakis and Leonidas Vlahakis are confident that this year’s Festival will be the biggest and the best.

“The 33rd Antipodes Festival will feature more stalls, vendors and performers than ever before which is a testament to the popularity and reputation of this internationally renowned event” said Jim Bossinakis.

Leonidas Vlahakis added “We encourage all Melburnians to attend. Attracting a crowd of over 100,000 Antipodes really is a celebration of cultural diversity. Our aim is to share the Greek culture with everyone in an inclusive multicultural celebration.”

Festival highlights include:

Free Entertainment
The festival will feature some of Melbourne’s most talented performers, musicians, dancers, chefs, cooks and competitors for a weekend of Greek-flavoured fun.

Over 50 groups of local and interstate dancers and musicians will perform a range of traditional and modern pieces. Headlining the free Saturday night concert on the Delphi Bank main stage this year will be Yiota Nega a prominent talent in Greece, whose majestic voice and passionate performances have been delighting audiences for decades. The Closing night act will be one of Melbourne’s most gifted Greek exports- Sifis Tsourdalakis.

Competitions – equally entertaining for participants and spectators alike

Back again this year is the infamous Zorba Til You Drop, a test of endurance where the last one standing win a return flight to Greece and the popular Magic Mic singing contest which invites amateur performers to sing a song in Greek or by a Greek composer.

New to 2020 are PASS THE PASTITSIO cooking competition where judges will award the best Greek baked pasta dish and The Antipodes Amazing Race, where six teams of two will take on a series of Festival friendly challenges.

Wine and Dine

Food lovers are in for a treat as there will be plenty to indulge in. In addition to Lonsdale St Greek icons Stalactites, Tsindos and International Cakes who will extend their trade, there will also be over 20 food stalls and trucks cooking up a storm. Returning in 2020 are Festival favourites The Cypriot Kitchen, St. Gerry’s, Ilias The Greek, Greek Trojan Yiros, Cypriot Street Grill, Salt n Pepa, Honey Dee Loukoumades and Kalloni Little Dessert Island.

For those who would like to experience the Festival in style, limited tickets are available for the Greek Community’s exclusive Cocktail Party (Cocktail Party at the Greek) on Opening Night. Bookings through www.greekcentre.com.au or trybooking.com

And for those keen to cool down with an adult beverage- a variety of options will be on offer including Festival bars Mythology and The Laundry. Lonsdale Street bars Storyville, Touche Hombre and Emerald Peacock will also be getting into the Festival spirit by serving up their own Greek inspired offerings.

Plan your journey to the Festival
Getting to the Festival is easy, leave the car at home, take any city bound train, tram or bus towards the CBD and head towards the historic Greek precinct (between Swanston & Exhibition Street).

If you cycle to the Festival, show us your bike and we'll shout you a coffee. Come past the Information stall (located at the corner of Russell & Lonsdale Streets) and we'll give you a voucher to use at the Festival.
 
WHAT: 33rd ANTIPODES FESTIVAL (free event)
WHEN: 29TH February and 1st MARCH; 10am - 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)

MORE:
Website: www.greekcentre.com.au
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Twitter: @greekcentre