Lonsdale Street Glendi

Lonsdale Street will once again come alive as part of this very special day long event during the 20th Antipodes Festival Glendi. In 2006, the event will take place in Lonsdale St on Saturday 20th May. This is a one day event only and is designed as part of the welcome for the European Champion Greek National Football team who will be making their only public appearance at the event. This year’s event will be hosted by George Kapiniaris.

The Lonsdale Street Glendi will transform our city’s vibrant Greek precinct into a world of Greek culture for all Melbournians to enjoy. From traditional Greek dancing to delicious culinary delights on the streets... there will be something to entice the entire family.

Melbourne’s leading Greek musicians and bands will be performing on the main stage outside the Greek Orthodox Community Building. A second stage in front of the BHB building will feature a full children’s program including Mary, Mary the Canary as well as local musical and dance groups. Come along with the kids to enjoy a variety of entertainment including rides and amusements, face painting as well as a “My Village” tent to allow for Greek story telling.

For the competitive gastronome, ‘Baklavomania’ on Saturday afternoon will see participants race to see who can eat the most nut-filled, syrup soaked delicacies in one mad, sickly-sweet rush. The ‘QV Zorba Till You Drop’ competition in it’s sixth year, also on Saturday afternoon is a test of stamina and strength. Relive all of the Greek weddings you have attended by dancing the Zorba till you can’t Zorba no more. This year for the first time the ‘QV Zorba Til You Drop’ leaves the stage and takes to the streets, kicking it’s way through QV and down Swanston and Lonsdale Street. Participants will attempt to break the World record for the longest Zorba dance (in duration) A trip to Greece is up for grabs for the last dancer left standing. To take part please email events@antipodesfestival.com.au or call 9662 2722 New to this year will be a 4 a side street soccer tournament commencing at noon. This is being done in partnership with the Big Issue who is promoting the 2008 Homeless World Cup.

For music lovers it has been confirmed that international act Stelios Dionysiou will perform to conclude the evening’s festivities.