PRESS RELEASE
Hye Hoki
PO Box 278
Willoughby NSW 2068
Australia
Media Contact: Carineh Grigorian
+61 (0)400 817 759
carineh@bigpond.net.au
Festival Coordinator: Sonia Panikian
+61 (0)415 462 177
festival@hyehoki.com

Thousands turn out to the biggest Armenian event in Australia

An unexpected visit by Prime Minister John Howard surprised thousands at the
fourth Armenian Cultural Festival at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour on
Sunday 16 September 2007.

Whilst the Prime Minister was being photographed with babies and grilled by
journalists on his pre-election battle and retirement plans, thousands of
visitors were enjoying the entertainment, stalls, activities and food at the
biggest Armenian cultural event in Australia, if not the southern
hemisphere.

More than 25,000 people visited the last Festival in 2005, and this year
there were more than 35,000 with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people on the
park at its peak, and thousands more visiting throughout the entire day.

Minister Assisting on Citizenship Barbara Perry said the Festival had become
one of the major cultural events on the State’s calendar.

"The Armenian Cultural Festival has grown from strength to strength," Ms
Perry said.

"It’s an opportunity to showcase the best of Armenian culture – the arts,
cuisine, history, and the central place of family and community. I
congratulate Hye Hoki on organising this remarkable celebration."

Visitors were well prepared, bringing picnic blankets and chairs and
enjoying the glorious weather and the diverse entertainment, which included
Mike Lane from Rivertribe, a fashion parade featuring Alicia Hollen, Nara
Virabyan, Australia’s only female dhol player and two local folkloric dance
groups, Sevan Dance Ensemble and the Armenian Sydney Dance Company.

"We’re thrilled with the turn out this year," said Festival Project
Coordinator, Sonia Panikian.

"It’s great to see Australians of different backgrounds learning about
Armenian culture and enjoying the food, entertainment and activities."

The Festival is organised by Hye Hoki, an Australian-Armenian volunteer
youth network. The Festival is held once every two years with the fifth
Festival scheduled for September 2009.

For more information about the Armenian Cultural Festival visit
<; or email festival@hyehoki.com.