SYDNEY: Over 30,000 walked through the 2012 Armenian Festival between Noon and 9pm, as the event in Sydney's picturesque Darling Harbour officially became the biggest-ever in Armenian-Australian community history.

There were guests. The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader of Australia were represented, as were the Premier and Opposition Leader of NSW.

There were entertainers. Superstar singer Harout Pamboukjian led an all-star line-up including Karnig & Hovik, The Pomegranates, Raffy Adourian and Ohan.



There was culture. The Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company, Nairi Dance Group, Nairi Choir, Hamazkaine Galstaun College and three of the community's Saturday schools all performed traditional song and dance from the motherland. The Homenetmen Scouts marched and beat their drums.

There was faith. The event ended with a Carols by Candlelight singalong by thousands braving the wind and still in attendance well after sunset.

There was community. Most of the community's organisations had stands or were represented at the event, and many of those organisations worked closely to make the event a possibility.

There was fun. Children had their faces painted, participated in free-throw basketball shooting competitions, jumped on the jumping castle, and played various games.

There was food. Darling Harbour had never smelt so good. Sujukh, Kebab, Falafel, and many other dishes filled the stomachs of the thousands in attendance.

There were prizes. A Mazda 2 car was raffled away, as were several iPad Minis and other gadgets.

There were fireworks. Literally. A red-blue-orange tribute to the colours of the Armenian flag ended a memorable day like none other the community in Australia had witnessed before.

Armenia Online was there. We would like to extend our gratitude to the organising committee, participant organisations, guests, entertainers and community members. Thank you also to the Masters of Ceremonies, Steven Daghlian and Vache Kahramanian. We expect this event will now become a fixture in the community's calendar.