George Town Heritage Celebrations 2023 production producer Vick Quah (third from right) with contractors touching up the arch at Armenian Park. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
THE highly anticipated George Town Festival 2023 (GTF 2023) is set to entertain the public with over 50 programmes spanning 16 days.
The festival will feature outstanding Malaysian and international artistic works from July 15 to 30.
Some 70% of the festival programmes are free and will be held in 20 locations across Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Covid-19 challenges over the last three years had resulted in a digital version in 2020, a hybrid version in 2021 and a scaled-back physical version last year.
“However, GTF 2022 was highly successful and drew about 100,000 visitors.
“The ticketed shows were 90% sold out,” he said during a press conference in Komtar.
Chow said the festival’s dedication to the arts had earned it recognition as the “main highlight on the global arts calendar” (Tatler Asia, 2022) and one of the “best music and arts festivals in Southeast Asia” (Lifestyle Asia, 2022).
He said that as part of the state’s commitment to celebrate arts and culture, GTF 2023 was presenting “Sounds of the East” in collaboration with Design Village Outlet Mall.
The pre-programme will mark the first time the festival has extended its presence to Batu Kawan, giving residents on the mainland an opportunity to enjoy the live concert showing off the extraordinary world of Borneo.
The concert brings together three bands from Sabah and Sarawak – Bamboo Woods, Pinanak Sentah and At Adau – all presenting unique indigenous cultural influences.
It will be held at the outdoor carpark of Design Village Outlet Mall on July 8.
“I welcome everyone to attend “Sounds from the East” to get an experience like no other,” said Chow.
During the press conference, Design Village Outlet Mall chief operating officer Andy Song handed a RM50,000 contribution to GTF 2023 festival director Jack Wong.
The ceremony was witnessed by Chow and George Town World Heritage Incorporated representative Muhammad Hijas Sahari.
More details of the festival can be found at georgetownfestival.com/2023
