logo
Make a ‘Connection' with George Town Festival

Make a ‘Connection' with George Town Festival

The Star18-07-2025
Stamp rally: Fun showing the six different stamps, each featuring unique designs, which visitors to selected events can collect for a chance to win a prize. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The city will be transformed into a vibrant stage when the George Town Festival (GTF) returns for its 16th edition.
So do plan your holiday to Penang for next month as from Aug 2 to 10, GTF 2025 – with the theme 'Connection' – will feature 50 programmes exploring the powerful relationships between the arts, the city and the human experience.
These range from music to dance, theatre, photography, visual arts and more. About 80% of the programmes will be offered for free in line with the festival's aim of making the arts accessible to all.
GTF director Jack Wong said 32 programmes were homegrown and reflected Malaysia's rich artistic diversity. Of this, 22 are Penang-based.
The other 18 are international presentations and include bold new works.
He said only seven events would be ticketed, priced between RM40 and RM100.
'GTF 2025 will also have a series of workshops and talks which offer deeper insights into the creative process and give visitors opportunities to engage with the artistes and their works.
'Whether you're a newcomer or long-time follower, you will have a week of unforgettable experiences.'
Festivities kick-off with the 'After Dusk' opening weekend on Aug 2 and 3 at the Esplanade, which is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors.
The iconic Town Hall will come alive with colours and patterns in a projection mapping showcase while live performances by various local and international acts will start from 5pm.
Other highlights include a contemporary performance inspired by the state's natural landscapes called 'Waris', and a tribute exhibition to late cartoonist Azmi Hussin titled 'Living the Tanjong Life'.
There will be a 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' which offers a crab's view of Penang's shifting coastlines through augmented reality/virtual reality experiences, as well as 'Between Departures' which turns an actual city bus into an intimate musical stage journeying through George Town.
Further cultural exchange is promoted through the 'A Night in Spain' classical music concert in partnership with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, as well as the 'Totsu-totsu dance – Like Art, Like Care' dance workshop and performance with Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency.
Visitors to six selected events can collect six stamps under the 'Stamp Rally' by local artist Elsie Fun and stand a chance of winning a prize.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said GTF had grown into one of the region's most vibrant platforms for artistic expression since its inception in 2010.
'What began as a local initiative has expanded into a leading space for creativity and ideas in South-East Asia.
'This year's theme reflects our hope to further build bridges between peoples, ideas and stories through diverse artistic experiences.'
For tickets/details, visit www.georgetownfestival.com or follow @georgetownfestival on social media.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MAHB: KLIA, Penang Airport add five new routes, strengthen Malaysia's aviation hub status
MAHB: KLIA, Penang Airport add five new routes, strengthen Malaysia's aviation hub status

Malay Mail

time17 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

MAHB: KLIA, Penang Airport add five new routes, strengthen Malaysia's aviation hub status

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — KL International Airport (KLIA) and Penang International Airport (PEN) strengthened Malaysia's position as a global aviation hub with the addition of five new international air services in June 2025. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said in a statement that two of the new services were introduced by new airline partners, enhancing cross-border connectivity and regional access. Cambodia Airways (KR) launched a twice-weekly service between Phnom Penh and PEN, while Juneyao Air (HO) began operating four weekly flights from Shanghai to KLIA, boosting travel options for passengers from China and the wider East Asia region. In addition, MAHB said three new routes were introduced by existing airline partners, reflecting continued confidence in Malaysia's aviation market. 'Batik Air Malaysia commenced a twice-weekly service between KLIA and Dili, Timor-Leste; AirAsia Cambodia introduced a thrice-weekly route connecting KLIA to Sihanoukville; and AirAsia began operating four weekly flights between KLIA and Darwin, Australia,' MAHB said. In June, MAHB including its asset in Turkiye, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISG) handled a total of 12.7 million passenger movements. 'Of this, local airports in Malaysia contributed 68 per cent or 8.5 million passenger movements, comprising 4.2 million international and 4.3 million domestic travellers. ISG recorded 4.1 million total passenger movements, comprising 2.2 million international and 1.9 million domestic in June,' MAHB said. Meanwhile, on the local front, MAHB said Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) posted notable month-on-month growth in June, with passenger movements rising 9 per cent from 138,000 in May to 151,000. The airport operator noted that international traffic at SZB grew by over 10 per cent to 40,000 passengers, while domestic movements climbed nearly 9 per cent to 111,000. MAHB attributed this upward trend to strong average load factors of over 70 per cent on key regional routes operated by Firefly Airlines to Seletar, Scoot to Changi, and TransNusa Airlines to Jakarta. While the increased domestic travel was also spurred by the harvest festival in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Hari Raya Haji celebrations coinciding with school holidays. — Bernama

Hungary bans Kneecap from Sziget festival over antisemitism claims
Hungary bans Kneecap from Sziget festival over antisemitism claims

The Sun

time18 hours ago

  • The Sun

Hungary bans Kneecap from Sziget festival over antisemitism claims

BUDAPEST: The Hungarian government has banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country and performing at the Sziget music festival, accusing them of promoting 'antisemitic hate speech.' The controversial Belfast-based group, known for its Irish nationalist messaging, has faced backlash for its criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs stated on social media platform X that Kneecap's 'open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah' justified the ban. 'Granting them a stage normalizes hate and terror, and puts democratic values on the line,' Kovacs wrote, emphasizing Hungary's commitment to protecting its Jewish community. The ban, which can be challenged within 30 days, follows Kneecap's removal from other European festivals in Scotland and Germany this year. The group is still set to perform at France's Rock en Seine in August. Kneecap's lead singer, Liam O'Hanna (stage name Mo Chara), faces terrorism-related charges in the UK over alleged support for Hamas and Hezbollah during a 2024 performance. He is scheduled to appear in court next month. Nearly 300 Hungarian artists, including Oscar-winning director Laszlo Nemes, signed a petition opposing Kneecap's scheduled performance at Sziget. Festival organizer Tamas Kadar acknowledged the controversy, stating, 'We do not tolerate hate speech in any form,' while reaffirming a commitment to free expression. Hungary, a strong ally of Israel within the EU, has previously restricted pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the October 2023 Hamas attack. – AFP

Trove for souvenir hunters
Trove for souvenir hunters

The Star

time19 hours ago

  • The Star

Trove for souvenir hunters

Varieties of handicraft, mementoes of Malaysia and colourful paper lanterns (below) are among goods shoppers can find at Petaling street in Kuala lumpur's Chinatown. CHINATOWN is one of the top tourist sites in Kuala Lumpur, with its history and new attractions. Its temples, charming shophouses and old-school shops selling every­thing from household goods to Chinese brushes and baskets, are a major draw for visitors during the day, while the area's nightlife attract a different crowd. Key chains being put on display at a stall inside Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star Tourists can pick up souvenirs as well as some bargains along Petaling Street. Among the many items that can be found there are Malaysia-themed clothing, tote bags, fridge magnets, postcards and seasonal lanterns which will make good trip mementoes. Then there are scores of traditional street-food stores, while cooling drinks like coconut water or herbal tea can bring a day of sunny shopping to a refreshing close.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store