As a general rule, the success of any organised event is never guaranteed, nor is it simply a matter of luck.

It is the result of careful planning, coordination and the hard work of many people, particularly when organising a festival on the scale of Oakleigh Glendi.

Of course, outdoor festivals in Melbourne are always at the mercy of the weather.

Last Saturday, October 31, began under threatening skies, with rain, thunder and lightning casting doubt over the day’s celebrations. However, shortly after 3 pm, the weather began to improve. The rain stopped, the clouds cleared and the afternoon turned warm and pleasant — typical Melbourne weather!

Female singer on stage with arms raised, holding a microphone, wearing a black sequined dress under stage lights.
Five young adults hold hands and dance in a park, with a large audience seated and standing behind them under tents and trees. Elements: outdoor festival, casual clothing, cheerful expressions, crowd watching a performance.
Five young people in blue polo shirts stand in a row, holding hands at an outdoor event with tents and spectators in the background.

What had begun as a rather subdued morning soon gathered momentum, as crowds poured into Warrawee Park. For the 11th consecutive year, Oakleigh Glendi became a major attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds to enjoy its vibrant festive atmosphere. Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District, in collaboration with Oakleigh Grammar, this year’s festival embraced the theme “Oakleigh Glendi 2026 – Food, Music, Culture”.

Group of performers in beige and white traditional outfits posing for a photo at an outdoor festival stalls and tents on a street.
Four smiling students in maroon blazers and striped ties posing together outside a school building.
Group of four young students in maroon blazers holding flags during a parade. They wear white gloves and plaid uniforms, smiling at the camera.

The extensive programme featured dozens of stalls, traditional dance groups, musical performances, children’s entertainment and a wide range of activities. Visitors enjoyed everything from delicious food and cultural displays to live entertainment and opportunities to learn more about the traditions of different communities.

One of the festival’s most significant achievements was the peaceful and harmonious participation of people from many nationalities, demonstrating the spirit of friendship, unity and multiculturalism at the heart of this great Greek celebration.

Kelly Kelekidou brings Saturday night to life

Female singer on stage with arms raised, performing to cheering audience; drummer and band visible in the background.
Female singer on stage with arm raised, wearing a black sequined dress, performing into a microphone.

The highlight of Saturday’s programme was undoubtedly the appearance of popular Greek singer Kelly Kelekidou, whose energetic performance delighted the crowd.

The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, adding another dimension to the celebrations and creating a memorable atmosphere across Warrawee Park.

OXI Day commemorations bring pride and emotion

Sunday morning’s celebrations were particularly moving, with a student parade led by the Oakleigh Grammar drum corps, followed by the raising of the Australian and Greek flags and the playing of both national anthems.

A particularly emotional moment came when students from the Oakleigh Community’s schools performed the Greek national anthem live.

The ceremony also commemorated the historic OXI Day of 28 October 1940, honouring the courage and sacrifices of those who defended Greece’s freedom and independence.

Group of formally dressed adults and a priest posing in front of a tall stone monument in a park.

A solemn memorial service was conducted by Father Stavros Kakavas of the Greek Orthodox Church of Sts Anargiri, followed by the laying of wreaths at a specially designated memorial area in honour of the fallen.

Official addresses followed, beginning with Father Stavros Kakavas, who conveyed the greetings and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne.

He welcomed the distinguished guests and community members, including Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou.

Father Stavros reflected on the significance of the 28 October anniversary and the feast day of Sts Anargiri, celebrated on 1 November.

He emphasised the enduring importance of two fundamental pillars of Greek identity: “Homeland and Greek Orthodox Christian Faith”.

3XY Radio Hellas broadcasts live from Oakleigh Glendi

The celebrations were broadcast live by 3XY Radio Hellas, bringing the atmosphere, music and community spirit of Oakleigh Glendi to listeners throughout Melbourne.

The broadcasting team included Angelis Kalodoukas, Lambrini Lambou Christopher, Stefan Christopher, George Koliantzas and Niko Loupo, with Vangelis Vidiniotis supporting the coverage from 3XY’s main studio.

Throughout the event, 3XY presenters interviewed representatives of community organisations, cultural groups and educational institutions.

Four people sit at a black table inside a white tent, wearing broadcast headsets with microphones for a live radio interview; a blue Greek Media Group banner is behind them.
Two radio hosts wearing headsets and microphones interview each other inside a tent with Greek media banners behind them

Among those interviewed were Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre Director Kosta Pataridis, and the energetic President of the Oakleigh Greek Community, Chris Damatopoulos.

Speaking with considerable emotion about the festival’s success, Mr Damatopoulos reflected on the purpose and objectives of Oakleigh Glendi, the Community’s long history and its aspirations for the future, particularly its commitment to younger generations.

He expressed his gratitude to the public, sponsors, business owners, the management and staff of 3XY Radio Hellas, and everyone whose efforts contributed to the event’s success.

A celebration of faith, unity and community

As the much-loved Father Stavros of Sts Anargiri explained, the Community is founded upon love and faith — love for our fellow human beings, appreciation for the blessed community in which we live, and unity through our shared Christian beliefs.

His message reflected the deeper meaning of Oakleigh Glendi: a celebration that goes beyond music, food and entertainment to embrace the values of togetherness, cultural identity and community solidarity.

Once again, Oakleigh Glendi demonstrated the strength and vitality of Melbourne’s Greek community, bringing people together across generations and cultural backgrounds.

We extend our warmest congratulations to everyone involved and wish the organisers continued success, unity and good health until we meet again at next year’s celebrations.

Angelis Kalodoukas


Story via the original publisher. Read the original article