SIXTEEN days of exciting performances, exhibitions, and community events!
George Town Festival 2023 (GTF 2023), which will run from July 15 to 30, has over 50 programmes and events across eight categories.
Festival-goers will be happy to note that some 70% of the festival programmes are free to attend.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said many of the productions this year were the outcome of various local and international collaborations and partnerships.
“The visitors will be delighted that about 70% of the festival programmes are free to attend. There are also 14 ticketed shows available for purchase. All programmes will be held across 20 locations, ensuring a more accessible way for people to experience GTF 2023.
“GTF 2023 provides a platform for artists to flourish, encourages innovation, and promotes cultural preservation. Furthermore, it serves as a catalyst for tourism, inviting visitors to witness the rich culture of Penang and beyond.
“The festival also provides opportunities for the people to witness and experience the diversity of arts, culture, and heritage,” Yeoh said.
He added that the festival could also generate jobs and income for the local workforce.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there would be some pre-festival programmes before the GTF 2023 season begins.
“That includes the ‘Sounds of the East’ live music concert which will be held on July 8 at the outdoor car park of Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan.
“The ‘Sounds of the East’ concert marks the first GTF programme to be held in Batu Kawan. The live music concert will showcase the extraordinary talents of Sabah and Sarawak.
“These gifted musicians have dedicated their lives to preserving the cultural treasures that define our Malaysian identity,” Chow told a media conference in Komtar today.
The press conference also saw an RM50,000 mock cheque presentation by Design Village Outlet Mall chief operating officer Andy Song to GTF festival director Jack Wong. It was witnessed by Chow, Yeoh, and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) representative Muhammad Hijas Sahari.
The ‘Sounds of the East’ live music concert will bring together three bands from Sabah and Sarawak. The lineup includes Bamboo Woods, Pinanak Sentah, and At Adau, all presenting unique indigenous cultural influences.
For more information about GTF 2023, visit https://georgetownfestival.com/2023/
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En