George Town comes alive with colour and music
GEORGE Town Festival (GTF) 2025 kicked off with a bang, transforming Penang into a kaleidoscope of colour, rhythm and artistic expression.
The city's heritage buildings, historic streets and open spaces pulsed with an infectious energy.
Over the course of the nine-day festival, until Aug 10, audiences will be treated to myriad performances, displays and experiences that celebrate the best of arts and culture.
Reflecting this year's theme of 'Connection', the diverse programme invites the public to rediscover the ties that bind people and places, tradition and innovation as well as past and present.
The festival's opening highlight 'After Dusk' was an open-air extravaganza of lights and music which took place at the Esplanade last weekend.
The event attracted close to 100,000 people.
The first session of 'After Dusk' doubled as the festival's launch.
Neoh walking past her 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive outdoor installation at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park.
It featured the Town Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama being illuminated by a projection mapping showcase called 'Terang'.
Orchestrated by Filamen, a local new media art collective, 'Terang' featured 37 finalist artworks from a student competition aside from 11 pieces from guest artists.
The hall's complex architectural features, including columns, windows and cornices, provided a challenging yet unique canvas for participants to interpret the state's multicultural history.
Most visitors had their phones out to capture images and videos of recognisable Malaysian icons, such as the Jalur Gemilang and hibiscus as well as Penang's iconic shophouses, landmarks and street food, as the visuals danced across the building's facade.
Filamen co-founder and showcase curator Abdul Shakir Abu Samah said this year's competition, themed 'Rojak', drew 78 submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
'The theme, derived from a popular salad, is a rich metaphor for our society,' he said.
'Just like how it brings together various flavours and textures with a unifying gravy, our region as a whole is also a blend of ethnicities, cultures, languages, traditions and expressions, which all enrich each other.
'The competition theme reflects the way we live, work and create together – layered and contrasting yet beautifully cohesive,' he said.
The showcase is ongoing until Aug 10.
The crowd observing the silently powerful 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi' performance which is part of the festival's opening gala at the Esplanade.
Abdul Shakir said their goal was not just to project colours onto the building, but to celebrate community stories, using contemporary digital art as a canvas for local history.
'George Town is essentially a living museum of multicultural heritage, with unique urban and social fabric shaped by centuries of trade, migration and cultural exchange,' said Abdul Shakir.
Complementing the display were several modern dance performances by Euphoria Penang called 'When Walls Become Wings'.
A stage set up in front of the nearby City Hall building featured musical performances such as 'Rhythm and Roots' showcase by Culture Shot and Straw Lim besides acoustic indie folk music by Isaac Ho.
At one corner of the Esplanade field, a large audience gathered for the powerfully silent dance-music presentation titled 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi' by Muhd Sharul Mohd and Namie, as well as a glowing diabolo dance called 'Starry Night' by Diabolution.
Present at the festival launch were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and several assemblymen.
Chow, in his speech, described art's ability as a vital force to connect people in a time when the world often felt divided.
(Seventh from left onwards) Sim, Chow and Hon Wai marking the launch of GTF 2025 alongside other VIPs and festival organisers.
'It reminds us of what we share – our stories, our dreams and our humanity.
'GTF is more than an arts event; it is a space for Penangites and visitors to come together to celebrate creativity and find common ground through culture,' he said.
Hon Wai said the festival had grown from strength to strength since its first staging in 2010 to commemorate the city's Unesco World Heritage listing in 2008.
'What began as a celebration of our city's heritage listing has blossomed into a leading creative platform for South-East Asia.
'It is now a key force in reinforcing Penang's identity as an international city of the arts,' he said.
Exciting lineup
GTF 2025 features 50 programmes spanning music, dance, theatre, photography, visual arts, and workshops.
Among them are 32 Malaysian programmes, 22 of which involve Penang-based artists and groups.
The remaining 18 are international presentations, which include collaborations with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia.
Festival director Jack Wong said 80% of programmes were free as the aim was to allow the public to enjoy the arts together.
'Artistic expression comes in many forms. But at the heart of it all, we want to connect George Town with its people,' he said.
Koh showing the resin-cast crabs, made from moulds of actual crabs, which visitors to the 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' virtual reality experience can buy as souvenirs.
'We hope it deepens one's love for the city, opens their heart to different perspectives and sparks a sense of connection – to others, to the place and to the present moment.'
One example is 'Between Departures', featuring a Rapid Penang city bus turned into a roving concert stage with live sets by Sundal Malam Ensemble and 1Drum.
GTF programme executive Connie Chan said the mobile live music experience was an invitation to the public to pause, sit down and gain a new perspective of the city.
'People can sometimes overlook George Town's beautiful cityscape when they are rushing through daily routines. So we designed the bus route to pass by several iconic landmarks.
'Unlike traditional stages, this ever-changing backdrop infuses performances with a sense of mystery and anticipation,' she said.
The 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert at Majestic Theatre in Jalan Phee Choon, featuring The Stacey Wei Quartet from Taiwan, was another event that took place during the festival's opening weekend.
Wei, a music professor, led on trumpet while 77-year-old jazz legend Rich Huang accompanied on drums, Guras Batu on piano and Liu Yu-Jia on double bass. Malaysians Tay Cher Siang and Eddy Lim joined in on keyboard and saxophone respectively.
Their repertoire included a song paying homage to the beauty of Hualien in Taiwan and another based on a work song by Taiwan's indigenous Atayal community.
Wei said he was delighted to team up with talented musicians from a wide range of ages, as they shared great chemistry once they began to play.
Members of the public enjoying the 'Between Departures' mobile live music experience aboard a Rapid Penang city bus.
'We wanted to take audiences on a journey through Taiwan's rich cultural landscape through jazz.
'It is about taking life's experiences and transforming them into melodies. When musicians co-create, the energy can be contagious,' he said.
Making its Malaysian and South-East Asian debut at Dewan Sri Pinang was '129BPM: Contemporary Hip Hop Dance Theatre.'
The performance, choreographed by Bui Ngoc Quan, merged street dance with Vietnamese folk music and flowing fabric sculptures to explore themes of identity, dissonance and human connection.
Assistant choreographer Lyon Nguyen said the title '129BPM' referred to the average human heart rate under stress or excitement, reflecting the fast-paced changes and questions of self-identity that young people face in today's digital and globalised world.
Visual wonders
Various exhibitions, installations and experiences are also open to visitors daily throughout the festival at various locations.
'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle', a new virtual reality experience, takes visitors on an immersive journey through Penang's ecosystems from a crab's perspective.
The project uses the stories of crabs – from native species to the Sri Lankan mud crab – to teach about biodiversity, disruption and resilience.
Artist Koh Kai Ting and her team conducted extensive research with local fisherfolk and scientists to craft a narrative that allows audiences to engage with environmental realities on a visceral level, highlighting the complex impact of human activity on both landscapes and communities.
Equally captivating is 'Immersiox', where visitors can engage with dreamy digital realms and redefine spatial awareness and perceptual boundaries.
Otherwise, walk through 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive installation by artist Neoh Shin Yen located at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park.
The Stacey Wei Quartet comprising (from left) Guras, Wei, Liu and Huang delighting the audience with their music during the 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert.
It is best to visit around noon, when the sun is high in the sky, as the shadows cast will spell out a poem touching on themes of impermanence, connection and memory.
'The City of Willows' playable art installation by Chong Yan Chuah and Simon Soon is inspired by the hidden histories of 19th century Chinese secret societies.
'Rapid Change' is a photography exhibition by Chong Kok Choon documenting bus-stops in the small town of Junjung on the Penang-Kedah border.
Meanwhile, 'Time, Places, People' features works by artist Joshua Foo spanning over 30 years, exploring how time reshapes identity and place.
More programmes are lined up until the closing weekend, including the 'A Night in Spain' concert on Friday night.
Guests can expect a rich tapestry of fiery flamenco and lyrical folk melodies from Malaysian pianist Foo Mei Yi, Polish-born violinist Bartosz Woroch and Spanish cellist Ivan Torres.
For event and ticketing details, visit www.georgetownfestival.com
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Filamen co-founder and showcase curator Abdul Shakir Abu Samah said this year's competition, themed 'Rojak', drew 78 submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 'The theme, derived from a popular salad, is a rich metaphor for our society,' he said. 'Just like how it brings together various flavours and textures with a unifying gravy, our region as a whole is also a blend of ethnicities, cultures, languages, traditions and expressions, which all enrich each other. 'The competition theme reflects the way we live, work and create together – layered and contrasting yet beautifully cohesive,' he said. The showcase is ongoing until Aug 10. The crowd observing the silently powerful 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi' performance which is part of the festival's opening gala at the Esplanade. Abdul Shakir said their goal was not just to project colours onto the building, but to celebrate community stories, using contemporary digital art as a canvas for local history. 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Present at the festival launch were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and several assemblymen. Chow, in his speech, described art's ability as a vital force to connect people in a time when the world often felt divided. (Seventh from left onwards) Sim, Chow and Hon Wai marking the launch of GTF 2025 alongside other VIPs and festival organisers. 'It reminds us of what we share – our stories, our dreams and our humanity. 'GTF is more than an arts event; it is a space for Penangites and visitors to come together to celebrate creativity and find common ground through culture,' he said. Hon Wai said the festival had grown from strength to strength since its first staging in 2010 to commemorate the city's Unesco World Heritage listing in 2008. 'What began as a celebration of our city's heritage listing has blossomed into a leading creative platform for South-East Asia. 'It is now a key force in reinforcing Penang's identity as an international city of the arts,' he said. Exciting lineup GTF 2025 features 50 programmes spanning music, dance, theatre, photography, visual arts, and workshops. Among them are 32 Malaysian programmes, 22 of which involve Penang-based artists and groups. The remaining 18 are international presentations, which include collaborations with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Festival director Jack Wong said 80% of programmes were free as the aim was to allow the public to enjoy the arts together. 'Artistic expression comes in many forms. But at the heart of it all, we want to connect George Town with its people,' he said. Koh showing the resin-cast crabs, made from moulds of actual crabs, which visitors to the 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' virtual reality experience can buy as souvenirs. 'We hope it deepens one's love for the city, opens their heart to different perspectives and sparks a sense of connection – to others, to the place and to the present moment.' One example is 'Between Departures', featuring a Rapid Penang city bus turned into a roving concert stage with live sets by Sundal Malam Ensemble and 1Drum. GTF programme executive Connie Chan said the mobile live music experience was an invitation to the public to pause, sit down and gain a new perspective of the city. 'People can sometimes overlook George Town's beautiful cityscape when they are rushing through daily routines. So we designed the bus route to pass by several iconic landmarks. 'Unlike traditional stages, this ever-changing backdrop infuses performances with a sense of mystery and anticipation,' she said. The 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert at Majestic Theatre in Jalan Phee Choon, featuring The Stacey Wei Quartet from Taiwan, was another event that took place during the festival's opening weekend. Wei, a music professor, led on trumpet while 77-year-old jazz legend Rich Huang accompanied on drums, Guras Batu on piano and Liu Yu-Jia on double bass. Malaysians Tay Cher Siang and Eddy Lim joined in on keyboard and saxophone respectively. Their repertoire included a song paying homage to the beauty of Hualien in Taiwan and another based on a work song by Taiwan's indigenous Atayal community. Wei said he was delighted to team up with talented musicians from a wide range of ages, as they shared great chemistry once they began to play. Members of the public enjoying the 'Between Departures' mobile live music experience aboard a Rapid Penang city bus. 'We wanted to take audiences on a journey through Taiwan's rich cultural landscape through jazz. 'It is about taking life's experiences and transforming them into melodies. When musicians co-create, the energy can be contagious,' he said. Making its Malaysian and South-East Asian debut at Dewan Sri Pinang was '129BPM: Contemporary Hip Hop Dance Theatre.' The performance, choreographed by Bui Ngoc Quan, merged street dance with Vietnamese folk music and flowing fabric sculptures to explore themes of identity, dissonance and human connection. Assistant choreographer Lyon Nguyen said the title '129BPM' referred to the average human heart rate under stress or excitement, reflecting the fast-paced changes and questions of self-identity that young people face in today's digital and globalised world. Visual wonders Various exhibitions, installations and experiences are also open to visitors daily throughout the festival at various locations. 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle', a new virtual reality experience, takes visitors on an immersive journey through Penang's ecosystems from a crab's perspective. The project uses the stories of crabs – from native species to the Sri Lankan mud crab – to teach about biodiversity, disruption and resilience. Artist Koh Kai Ting and her team conducted extensive research with local fisherfolk and scientists to craft a narrative that allows audiences to engage with environmental realities on a visceral level, highlighting the complex impact of human activity on both landscapes and communities. Equally captivating is 'Immersiox', where visitors can engage with dreamy digital realms and redefine spatial awareness and perceptual boundaries. Otherwise, walk through 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive installation by artist Neoh Shin Yen located at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park. The Stacey Wei Quartet comprising (from left) Guras, Wei, Liu and Huang delighting the audience with their music during the 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert. It is best to visit around noon, when the sun is high in the sky, as the shadows cast will spell out a poem touching on themes of impermanence, connection and memory. 'The City of Willows' playable art installation by Chong Yan Chuah and Simon Soon is inspired by the hidden histories of 19th century Chinese secret societies. 'Rapid Change' is a photography exhibition by Chong Kok Choon documenting bus-stops in the small town of Junjung on the Penang-Kedah border. Meanwhile, 'Time, Places, People' features works by artist Joshua Foo spanning over 30 years, exploring how time reshapes identity and place. More programmes are lined up until the closing weekend, including the 'A Night in Spain' concert on Friday night. Guests can expect a rich tapestry of fiery flamenco and lyrical folk melodies from Malaysian pianist Foo Mei Yi, Polish-born violinist Bartosz Woroch and Spanish cellist Ivan Torres. For event and ticketing details, visit
