THE 16-day George Town Festival (GTF) 2019 celebration is set to come to an end with an enormous art bash – ‘The Extravaganza’ – at Beach Street this Sunday.
The festival’s grand finale will feature 120 artists from 10 countries, hence providing a universal celebration of sort.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this free-to-attend event would brim with diverse selections of performing and installation arts.
“We are expecting some 80,000 visitors to flock to the town and festival-goers are advised to use public transport or carpool to ease traffic congestion.
“This Sunday, the street will come alive with lights, dance and music, bringing the curtain down on the festival.
“Additionally, visitors can take a short trip back in time through a specially curated photo exhibition. It features all types of images taken throughout the festival by professional photographers.
“The main stage will also gather some of world’s finest dancers, drummers and performing artists.
“I hope GTF 2019 finale night will be a happening event,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Yeoh added that the festival so far has been an eye-opener to Penangites and also foreign tourists.
Yeoh and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, meanwhile, are also expected to be present at the closing ceremony at 8.30pm.
Festival director Jack Wong, who was present during the press conference, told reporters that the festival has received an overwhelming response.
He said the turnout was great with some 130,000 visitors recorded during the opening weekend.
“I hope the GTF 2019 finale night will continue to receive a good turnout,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Nur Amirah Husna Roslan