Melbourne tunes in to the Greek festive spirit today!

The Antipodes-Lonsdale St Greek Festival kickstarts today in Melbourne. SBS Greek will be there, covering the day’s happenings and broadcasting live part of our show. Before you head down to the action-packed event, sit back with a cup of Greek coffee and have a read of what waits for you there.

Source: SBS Greek

This year, Melbourne’s 33^rd Antipodes | Lonsdale St Greek Festival Greek Festival is back with a new name, paying tribute to its unique past, while bearing the multicultural stamp it has earned throughout the years.]

According to organisers, the major cultural event is expected once again to attract more than 100,000 people, Greeks and non-Greeks alike. And it’s not hard to understand why considering the action-packed weekend with offerings for every age and taste.

In a nutshell…

There will be over 90 stalls and three stages, with offering including children’s rides and activities too.

Among the most popular happenings, as every year, will probably be the competitions.

Crowd gathered on Lonsdale street for the Greek Festival last year Source: SBS Greek

Perhaps you’re ready for the Zorba Til You Drop challenge, with the winner – aka the last one standing! – awarded a return flight to Greece or Magic Mic if you are bold enough to test your singing skills outside the shower!

Food-wise you don’t need to worry about anything. Being surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best eateries, as well as having around 20 food stalls and trucks to choose from, the organisers have got this covered.

If you want to see serious cooking in action, don’t miss out the Pass the Pastitsio competition, with judges awarding the best dish.

Last but not least, the Festival showcases free entertainment at its best, with over 500 dancers, musicians and other performers participating.

It's hard for anyone to miss out on the fun at the Greek Festival! Source: Facebook/GOCMV

Standing out is understandably the Saturday night concert on the main stage, with headliner artist Yiota Negka.

Marking her first visit Down Under, as Negka herself stated in an interview with SBS Greek, performing for the Greek Australian community is like a dream coming true.

The singer – known for having a majestic voice and strong presence on stage – will take the audience on a musical journey revisiting some of Greece’s best artists of the laiko genre, as well as showcasing her own hits.

Continuing a years-long tradition, the SBS Greek team will be there today covering the day’s events and broadcasting live the second half of its show.

Don’t miss out on taking your picture in our photobooth, meeting in person our special guests or just come and say hi!

Spoiler: Stay tuned for details on the competition SBS Greek is running this year. More to come soon!