Christos Dimopoulos, President of the Oakleigh Greek Community, expressed his excitement over the overwhelming success of this year’s Oakleigh Glendi festival.
“Saturday’s turnout was extraordinary, surpassing all previous records,” Dimopoulos remarked.
“This weekend marks a historic moment for the Greek community in Oakleigh. It wasn’t just the size of the crowd,” he added, noting that during Kostas Karafotis’ highly anticipated performance, over 20,000 people gathered in Warrawee Park for the celebration.
“The best part is that everyone truly enjoyed themselves,” he shared with Neos Kosmos, extending his gratitude to attendees, stallholders, sponsors, the team behind the two-day event, and the performers. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved,” Dimopoulos added. Favourable weather further contributed to the festival’s resounding success.
Crowds began streaming in early on Saturday afternoon, with numbers reaching their peak around 6pm, just before Karafotis took the stage.
Visitors of all ages mingled comfortably, exploring the various stalls and activities available.
This year, Oakleigh Glendi also included a Neos Kosmos booth, welcoming members of the Greek community to connect and engage.
The festival’s entertainment lineup, continuing through Sunday, features traditional Greek music and dance, children’s activities, and live cooking demonstrations. Saturday’s highlight was an electrifying concert with Greek singer Kostas Karafotis, Maria Marouli, and the band Kinisi, who captivated the crowd.
Festivalgoers also enjoyed live cooking displays by celebrated Australian chef George Calombaris, alongside Nicolette Stathopoulos and Naomi Crisante.
The outdoor marketplace offered a diverse array of handmade crafts, candles, clothing, and an array of Greek and Mediterranean treats, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the weekend.
More photos below:
