Sydney: All Saints Grammar Taverna Night – a celebration of culture, community, and fun
On Saturday 9 November 2024, All Saints Grammar (ASG) in Belmore was buzzing with excitement as the school hosted its highly anticipated ‘Taverna Night’, an annual event that brings the vibrant traditions of Hellenic culture to life.
Around 1,000 students, parents, grandparents, and friends gathered for a night of food, music, and celebration under the stars. The event was set against a backdrop of twinkling party lights and colourful bunting, with the warm Sydney evening providing the perfect atmosphere for the festivities.
A highlight of the night was the lively performances by ASG students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, who wowed the crowd in their dazzling traditional costumes. The students were met with cheers, applause, and plenty of camera flashes from the enthusiastic audience. From folk dances to musical performances, the talent on display showcased the strong cultural ties that bind the All Saints Grammar community.
Between the performances, guests indulged in an array of delicious Greek delicacies, from sizzling souvlakia and crispy spanakopita to sweet treats like loukoumades, galaktoboureko, and Russian honey cake. For those needing a cool down, gelato, frappes, and coffee provided the perfect refreshment.
The success of the evening was made possible thanks to the hard work of the All Saints Parent Association (ASPA), whose tireless efforts in organising the event helped raise vital funds for the school. ASPA expresses gratitude to the event’s sponsors, whose generous support made the celebration possible.
This year’s sponsors included: Budget Petrol, Golden Top Bakery, Stix & Pita, Souvlaki Boys, Wholesale Pak, Tas Vardakis, Leon Apostol, Prue Dimitrios, Steven Glinellis, Karavitis and Giokaris Families, VJB. ASPA also wished to acknowledge the support of the All Saints parish, in particular for the assistance of the Board of Directors and the Ladies Auxiliary. In addition, All Saints Grammar wishes to thank those in the community who donated funds, and express their gratitude to those who gave up their time on the night to assist with set-up, cooking and serving to ensure the event was a success.
Reflecting on the evening, Head of School Mrs. Elfa Lillis shared, “The Taverna Night was a truly special occasion. The energy was contagious, and the sense of community was palpable. It was a celebration not just of our Greek heritage, but also of the unity and spirit that define our school. This event really underscores our commitment to Hellenic culture and Orthodox Christianity, which continue to be cornerstones of our All Saints Grammar identity.”
With its infectious energy, delicious food, and sense of community, the Taverna Night was a hit – and it’s an event you won’t want to miss next year. Stay tuned for next year’s date, and make sure to join in the fun!