GEORGE TOWN – The annual George Town (heritage) Festival (GTF), which has been dubbed a celebration of everything cultural, entertaining, and artistic about Penang, has room to become one of the top cultural festivals in Asia, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during yesterday's launch event.
Now in its 13th edition, after it was first launched to celebrate the elevation of George Town into a Unesco certified World Heritage Site and with it, the harnessing of the outstanding universal value of diversity, Chow said that it has received much acclaim.
The universal values it represents are the result of a multi cultural trading town in Southeast Asia, that was forged from the mercantile and civilisation exchanges of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences.
In view of this, Chow hopes that locals and tourists alike can come out to celebrate this year's edition of the GTF, which marks the first time in two years that it will be held normally after Covid-19 disrupted it during the last two years.
However, state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin stressed that the events will be on a moderate scale, bearing in mind that the pandemic continues to linger The state therefore discourages events which fuels overwhelming crowds.
About 70% of the 100 events and shows will be free, while the rest are affordable with ticketing prices ranging between RM30 and RM50 for the GTF, which is being held from July 9-24 in various locations in the state.
The content of GTF will vary from the performing arts to ensemble musical performances to drama, art exhibits and street shows.
Chow also highlighted that the organiser would engage communities by entering their spaces – shows would be held at the Maccalum Street Ghaut – a working class enclave.
More details of the various events would be made available on the GTF website.
The safety protocols for Covid-19 such as reducing crowds, continues to apply here. – The Vibes, June 14, 2022
