The stage setup for a free concert by popular Greek singer Antonis Remos in Thessaloniki will be redesigned after criticism over scaffolding surrounding the city’s iconic statue of Alexander the Great.
Remos is scheduled to perform on Saturday at Nea Paralia, Thessaloniki’s waterfront promenade, as part of a major concert celebrating 30 years of his career. The event will be free and open to the public.
The original stage design incorporated the prominent Alexander the Great statue into the concert area. Images of the setup sparked criticism, with concerns raised over the way the historic monument was being incorporated into the stage.
Thessaloniki Deputy Mayor for Public Space and Municipal Police, George Dimarelos, said the municipality asked the organisers to immediately reconsider the arrangement after seeing how the initial design affected the monument.
“The monument should remain unobstructed and clearly visible and be showcased in the way it deserves,” Dimarelos said.
He confirmed that the concert will proceed with a revised stage design and said the event could provide an opportunity to promote Thessaloniki as a modern, outward looking city while also highlighting its history and landmarks.
Organisers say statue will be protected
Galaxias Live Productions, which is producing the concert, said all necessary measures had been taken to protect the Alexander the Great statue.
The production company said the monument would also feature prominently during the concert through special lighting, modern technology and visual systems designed to meet international standards.
The aim, according to the organisers, is to showcase Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki’s waterfront and the city itself to audiences both in Greece and internationally.
Remos celebrates 30 years in Greek music
The concert marks three decades since Antonis Remos began his career and is being promoted as a major public celebration in his hometown.
The free event is expected to attract large crowds to Nea Paralia, combining live Greek music with one of Thessaloniki’s most recognisable landmarks.
The revised stage arrangement is intended to ensure that the Alexander the Great statue remains clearly visible while allowing the concert to proceed as planned.
The decision follows public criticism of the original setup and highlights the sensitivity surrounding prominent historical monuments in Thessaloniki and their use during major public events.
