AS Christmas approaches, the Penang State Christmas Celebration 2024 is all set to bring tidings of joy to the people of Penang and visitors alike. Scheduled for tomorrow at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka, this festive event promises to showcase Christmas’s true spirit through various engaging activities and performances.
The celebration is a collaborative effort by the Penang government, Harmonico, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (Penang Chapter), local churches, and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
Bishop Rev Dr Stephen Soe, the organising chairman, shared some highlights of the celebration, including a performance by the Boys Brigade from Chung Ling High School and SMK St Mark.
“These boys will be performing what could be Malaysia’s first-ever rendition of Jingle Bells using 24 Chinese drums.
“I am not sure how they are going to execute it but I am really looking forward to this performance”, Bishop Soe said, adding that all the performances will be Christmas-related.
A combined choir featuring singers from various denominations from both the island and mainland will also perform, showcasing the unity and ecumenical spirit and unity of the Christian community.
“We are still recruiting singers for the choir performance. So far, we have a total of 50 people, and our target is 100. This collaboration reflects the collective effort of churches coming together to spread the good news of Christmas,” Bishop Soe said.
The event will also feature a dramatic sketch presented by one of Penang’s churches.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is a Christmas Market with 40 stalls offering a variety of items.
“A total of 20 stalls are run by the Christian community while the remaining 20 are open to the public. Additionally, 10 food trucks, including some popular ones, will be part of the celebration, Bishop See noted.
“We are encouraging the public to sign up for the food truck slots, and some well-known food trucks have confirmed their participation.
“We will also be providing free food for about 3,000 people, with smaller portions to allow visitors to enjoy a variety of food from the stalls and food trucks available at the event,” Bishop Soe said.
Bishop Soe expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state government for fully sponsoring the event.
“The private corporate companies have also sponsored the LED screens to promote the event at various locations in Penang.
“We urge the Penangites to join the event and help spread the word by sharing it on social media,” Bishop Soe added.
Themed ‘Tidings of Great Joy’, this year’s celebration will begin at 5pm and will be held at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka, a public space chosen for its strategic location and accessibility.
Soe said that the event alternates between Penang Island and the mainland. Previously, it was held at the Fort Cornwallis, St Anne’s Church and The Top Komtar, with last year’s theme being ‘Season of Hope’.
“Let’s pray for good weather and come together to make this celebration a memorable one,” said Bishop Soe.
Story& Pix by Tanushalini Moroter
Cover image courtesy of Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico)