The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival crowd get up close to watch a 'Tuai' dance performance, inspired by the harvest festival in Borneo, at KLPac yesterday. The free admission festival continues today with a packed programme. Photo: Robin Wong
It was a certainly a morning to remember as the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival 2023 (YSDAF) celebrated its comeback yesterday at KLPac (after five years) to the sounds of the traditional drum outfit Sri Maha Kaliamman Urumi Melam Sungai Buloh and the folk songs of the Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) Handbell Ensemble.
Throughout a full day (11am to late), arts lovers and festivalgoers enjoyed a long list of programmes and activities at the free admission YSDAF.
The good news is the YSDAF weekend isn't over. Today promises another busy festival outing at KLPac.
Outdoor family fun is a big part of the arts festival's programme at KLPac. Photo: Robin Wong
What can the masses expect at the KLPac building and outdoor area?
Families with young ones can come early to enjoy the many workshops such as gamelan, "bird-making", traditional dance, Teochew opera make-up and more.
The highlight, without a doubt, will be the sight of 20 bird puppets converging on the main lawn of KLPac.
An evening showcase by diabolo team DiAbolution seen at the KLPac deck area during the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival yesterday. Photo: Robin Wong
Whether it is operatic acts, stilt walkers, handpan performances, wushu performance, drum circle, traditional and modern dance, there is no shortage of arts activities to check out.
There is a festive mood in the air and the regular free shuttles from the MRT and KTM stations nearby to KLPac have definitely eased the traffic flow.
With the festival’s BYOC policy, you can also bring your own bottles to refill at the water stations and containers to buy food.
Saturday night ended with a blast at the KLPac main lawn with retro pop outfit Masdo. Tonight promises another bumper selections of local bands, curated by Soundscape Records. Photo: Robin Wong
KLPac has not only been transformed by the sea of people, but by the many art installations around the grounds - from a time tunnel to a bamboo pavilion.
The best part of all?
The festival fun - with sunset healing sessions, dreamy evening installations and late night concert - will all be repeated today.
More info here.
