Cultural performances, artistic installations at large-scale Chinese New Year event
Thousands flocked to Ipoh’s Old Town in Perak, on the seventh day of Chinese New Year for the annual “Grand Long Table Feast”.
The event transformed Jalan Bijeh Timah into a vibrant street banquet in conjunction with the celebrations.
The large-scale community event featured a striking horse-themed stage to mark the Year of the Horse.
The event, organised by the Ipoh Tin City Heritage Association, hosted traditional reunion dining with cultural performances and artistic installations, drawing locals and visitors.
Event organiser Chung Kok Heung said the association had been organising the event since 2018.
“It is an ongoing cultural initiative that connects the community through zodiac symbolism, art and collective creativity.”
Chung said rows of long tables draped in red cloth lined the street, creating a festive communal dining setting.
“Guests started arriving early to socialise before taking part in the traditional yee sang toss, which marked the official start of the celebration.
“The programme also featured multicultural song-and-dance performances, while diners enjoyed festive dishes representing various Chinese dialect groups.
“With its combination of food, art and community participation, the event once again turned the historic lane into a lively celebration of unity and cultural renewal for the new year in Ipoh,” Chung added.
Art practitioner Tan Kai Lek, who led the event’s artistic direction, said the concept was inspired by his long-standing fascination with horses.
“I assembled a team of artists and volunteers more than a month ahead of the event to produce multiple horse forms using varied techniques and interpretations,” Tan added.
