Politicians roll in for Melbourne’s Greek festival

Prime Minister Tony Abbott with greek dancers at the Antipodes Festival on Lonsdale Street. Photo: Wayne Hawkins

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, and Premier Denis Napthine joined thousands of Greek Australians at the Lonsdale Street Festival on Saturday night.

The three, with State Opposition leader Daniel Andrews and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, addressed the crowds enjoying the festivities on a very hot summer’s evening.

The Festival, Melbourne’s largest Greek-themed street party, is being held in Lonsdale Street on both Saturday and Sunday. The main attraction is Greek singer Kostas Makedonas – a star in his native country – who will perform some of his biggest hits alongside the Orchestra Emmetron and fellow Greek singer Eirini Toumpaki.

The Festival continues on Sunday between 1pm and 11pm between Russell and Swanston Street.