Perth gets set to turn Greek
Russell Square will turn Greek for one day when traditional food, drinks, music, dancing and plate smashing hit Northbridge this weekend after an eight-year "hiatus".
The Hellenic Community of WA will present the Perth Glendi Greek Festival from 11am to 8pm on Sunday, which will include an attempt to create the world's biggest Zorba dance.
About 10,000 people are expected to attend the free event.
"Funds raised from the Zorba dance will be donated to the Fiona Wood Foundation and all other proceeds from the festival will be sent to various not-for-profit organisations," event spokeswoman Despene Kalaf said.
Perth chefs Pete Manifis and Theo Kalogeracos will be among those showing off their cooking skills on the day along with former West Coast Eagle Andrew Embley.
Greece's world-renowned traditional foods will be on offer on the day.
A team of women from the Castellorizian Cooking Group have spent the past week baking at a local hall "to ensure there are enough traditional Greek sweet treats on offer".
"These ladies are also holding cooking demonstrations throughout the festival," Miss Kalaf said.
There will be live bands and a performance by Anastasi Karamintzas, a young local bouzouki (Greek instrument) virtuoso.
"Anastasi is 13 years old and moved to WA with his family from Greece," Miss Kalaf said.
"He wowed Perth audiences recently when he performed alongside a national comedy legend at two sold-out theatre shows."
Miss Kalaf was full of praise for festival chairman Peter Economis, who had played a big role in bringing the festival back to life after an eight-year break with West Australian groups Cypriot Community the Castellorizian Association, Mytilenian Brotherhood, Greek Orthodox community, Pan-Macedonian Association, St Andrews Grammar School and Castellorizian Cooking Group.
For details visit perthglendi.com.au.
