The 11th Oakleigh Glendi attracted an estimated 50,000 visitors over the weekend, despite severe weather that brought the festival close to cancellation on Saturday afternoon.
At 3.26pm, heavy rain and lightning strikes around Warrawee Park forced organisers to seriously consider calling off the event over safety concerns.
“It was raining and there was lightning in the area. It would have been dangerous to continue,” Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District president Chris Damatopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
Fortunately, conditions improved just in time.
“Saints Anargiri, whose feast day was also being celebrated, worked their miracle. The rain stopped and we enjoyed a wonderful two-day glendi, with record attendance,” he said.
According to Damatopoulos, nearly 50,000 people visited Warrawee Park across Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, a figure which, if confirmed, would mark a major milestone for the festival.
The event brought Greek music, traditional dance, food and cultural celebrations to Melbourne’s south-east, attracting Greek Australians and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Popular Greek singer Kelly Kelekidou headlined Saturday evening’s entertainment, helping turn the festival into one of the community’s biggest celebrations of the year.
“Everyone had a wonderful time. I want to thank the artists, the volunteers and, above all, the people who honoured us with their presence,” Damatopoulos said.
However, he also raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the event, noting that its substantial operating costs are not adequately covered by existing grants from the City of Monash and the Victorian Government.
According to Damatopoulos, the combined funding does not cover even half of the festival’s expenses.
“The authorities need to support us,” he stressed.
His comments highlight the financial challenges facing one of Melbourne’s major Greek cultural festivals, which continues to attract large crowds while promoting Hellenic heritage to the wider Australian community.
Rain fails to dampen festival spirit
The opening day was marked by unsettled weather, with rain falling during both the morning and afternoon.
However, the showers did little to discourage festivalgoers, who continued arriving throughout the day, with crowds growing as conditions improved.
Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh president Christos Damatopoulos expressed satisfaction with the turnout and thanked visitors for their continued support.
He also highlighted the importance of ongoing financial assistance from government and relevant authorities to ensure the festival can continue to grow and contribute to the local community.
According to organisers’ estimates, this year’s attendance may have surpassed the 20,000 visitors recorded in 2025, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity.
Kelly Kelekidou brings the crowd to its feet
The highlight of Saturday’s entertainment was the performance by popular Greek singer Kelly Kelekidou, who took to the main stage at 7.30pm.
Performing until 9.50pm, Kelekidou delivered a lively concert that had audiences singing, dancing and celebrating throughout the evening.
The area in front of the stage became a large open-air Greek glendi as festivalgoers joined in the festivities.
Kelekidou expressed her delight at the warm reception she received from Melbourne’s Greek community, thanking organisers and attendees for their invitation and hospitality.
In one of the evening’s memorable moments, Community president Christos Damatopoulos joined the singer on stage for a dance, drawing applause from the crowd.
The first day concluded with a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display.
A multicultural celebration with a Greek heart
While Greek culture remained central to the festival, Saturday’s entertainment reflected the diversity of Melbourne’s multicultural community.
Proceedings began with a Welcome to Country ceremony acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land.
The entertainment program featured performances by the Maya Dance Group and School of Dance, Hansarang Korean Cultural Centre, Serbian Folklorna Grupa Sumadija, Lider Russian School and Rusichi Russian Dance Ensemble.
The Cretan Brotherhood also performed traditional Cretan dances, while the Demotika music group entertained audiences ahead of the evening’s headline concert.
The multicultural performances reinforced the festival’s role in bringing different communities together through music, dance and shared cultural experiences.
Sunday shines a spotlight on Greek heritage
Sunday’s program placed a stronger emphasis on Greek culture, with community schools, cultural associations and local performers taking centre stage.
Oakleigh Grammar and Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre were among the participating educational institutions, showcasing the contribution of Greek-language education to preserving cultural identity among younger generations.
Their involvement highlighted the importance of maintaining connections to Greek language and heritage within Melbourne’s evolving Greek Australian community.
The day’s cultural performances included the Lemnian Community of Victoria, K Studios School of Greek Singing and Performance, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne and Pontiaki Estia.
Through traditional dances, music and regional customs, the participating organisations showcased the diversity of Greece’s cultural traditions.
The musical program continued with Dio Patrides before Maria Maroulis brought the festival to a close with a performance on the main stage from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Greek food, market stalls and family entertainment
Beyond the stage performances, food and family activities were major attractions throughout the weekend.
Visitors enjoyed a wide selection of Greek favourites, including souvlaki, traditional dishes, sweets and loukoumades, alongside food from other cultural cuisines.
The Cooking Stage offered demonstrations by cooks and chefs, introducing audiences to recipes and culinary traditions from different backgrounds.
The popular loukoumades-eating competition returned on both days, adding a playful element to the celebrations.
For younger visitors, Kids Kingdom provided games and creative activities, while carnival rides and other attractions contributed to the family-friendly atmosphere.
The Artisan Market also attracted considerable interest, with makers and small businesses showcasing handmade products, jewellery and other goods.
Together, the food stalls, market and entertainment areas ensured there was something for visitors of all ages.
More than an annual Greek festival
Over its 11-year history, Oakleigh Glendi has developed into more than an annual celebration of Greek music and food.
It has become an important gathering point for different generations of Greek Australians, bringing together cultural organisations, supporting local businesses and introducing Greek traditions to the wider Australian community.
The participation of children and young people in dance groups, school presentations and cultural activities remains particularly significant, demonstrating how Greek heritage continues to be passed from one generation to the next.
Equally important is the festival’s multicultural appeal, with performers and visitors from different backgrounds sharing in the celebrations.
The event was supported by the City of Monash and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Looking to the future
With another successful weekend behind them, organisers now face the challenge of maintaining the festival’s momentum and securing the resources needed for its continued development.
The strong public turnout, performances by visiting Greek artists, involvement of community schools and cultural associations, and participation of other ethnic communities all point to the festival’s enduring appeal.
Ensuring the next generation remains actively involved will be central to its future, alongside continued government and community support.
For Melbourne’s Greek community, Oakleigh Glendi represents much more than two days of entertainment.
It is a celebration of identity, belonging and cultural continuity, demonstrating that Greek traditions remain a vibrant part of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape.
And judging by the crowds at Warrawee Park, that connection remains as strong as ever.
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