KOTA KINABALU: The state-level Christmas celebration in the city will be bigger and more exciting this year, says the mayor.
Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip said City Hall together with the Sabah Churches Council would be working with partners and sponsors to make this year’s event merrier.
"Themed 'Christmas – Prosperity Call', this year’s programme will be from Dec 13 until Dec 16 at the Padang Merdeka here," she said in a statement recently.
"This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and more exciting, and it will be open to the public from 6pm to 10pm on those four days," she added.
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Noorliza said stage performances such as singing, dancing and dramas presented by the church and national artistes like Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito, Vince Chong, Velvet Anduk, Elica Paujin, Rosario Bianis and Marlleynney Fane, with a special duet by Anderson and Hary Nianti.
"Other entertainers like Vijana Rington, Florence Mathew, Hezekiah Ansim (a sape performance), Chinese orchestra and choir, and over 100 dancers will also be present to enliven this celebration," she said.
She said new programmes like the Christmas Walk-through are among the additions to this year’s event.
The organising committee would also hold its first ever Christmas Night Run at 7pm on Saturday (Dec 10), she added.
Noorliza said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to officiate the launch of the celebration on Dec 13, while she herself will flag off the night run together with Reverend Datuk Melter Jiki Tais.
The run will start from Padang Merdeka up to the KK Hakka Hall and back to the starting point.
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Visitors can also expect to be entertained by choir groups and carol singers from different churches at separate locations around Padang Merdeka throughout the four days, while foodies could try out the various F&B offerings on sale, Noorliza added.
"Christmas ornaments, clothes, local products and many more festive items will available as well," she said.
Those wishing to take photographs for the memories may also do so at numerous locations such as a Nativity Hut and two large Christmas trees measuring 15m and 6m (50ft and 20ft),
"In keeping with the Christmas spirit of sharing and giving, there will be a campaign to raise funds for selected charities," Noorliza said.
She said souvenirs in goodie bags would also be distributed to children aged 12 and below throughout the four nights.
Live broadcasts of the event can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube under "KK Christmas Celebration – KKCC".
Those who need more information on the event may contact the persons in charge, Lifred Wong (013-8700264) and Dean Musa Ambai (019-720 0497).
