THE Butterworth Fringe Festival (BFF), one of the most vibrant and entertaining events, celebrated its eighth anniversary this year with a successful two-day event at Padang Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth last weekend.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted the role of BFF in fostering unity among the diverse races in Malaysia, which is crucial for the development of Penang and the nation.
“Unity is a very important element in ensuring the stability of a country, especially in Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.
“The BFF 2024 not only promotes unity but also acts as a catalyst for advancing Penang’s tourism industry and creative economy.
“The festival supports Penang’s vision of becoming an international and smart city, extending its influence beyond the island to Seberang Perai, in alignment with the Penang 2030 initiative.
“Art is a prerequisite for a city to be called an international city, and BFF is a platform helping to make this initiative a success,” Wong said during his speech at the event.
This year’s festival also coincided with the launch of the Seberang Perai City Council’s (MBSP) City Council Month celebrations, an annual event running from Sept 14 to Oct 14, to commemorate MBSP’s City Council Day, first declared on Sept 16, 2020.
BFF 2024 gathered over 70 local and international artists, including participants from Indonesia and Taiwan.
The highlights of the festival included a range of cultural and traditional performances such as traditional Indian dance, a circus show, a fireworks display, ‘wayang kulit’, ‘wayang gelek,’ Teochew Iron-Rod puppetry, and Pahang Dhol Beats, along with traditional games like Congkak, Carom, and Batu Seremban.
In addition, 30 vendors participated in the festival, showcasing a variety of local products and crafts.
MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid took the opportunity to share updates on several physical development efforts and community projects undertaken by the council in the Bagan parliamentary constituency, particularly in Butterworth.
They include the construction of the Multipurpose Court (Hardcourt) in Lebuh Kampung Bengali, the upgrading of Taman Pantai, and enhancements to the Butterworth Art Walk in Bagan Luar 2.
Random clicks of BFF 2024 :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi & Courtesy of MBSP