WAK Sibu Festival 2025 returns with bigger line-up, eyes 10,000 visitors this June 6-8
SIBU (May 23): The second edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Sibu Festival 2025 is set to take place from June 6 to 8 at the Sibu Heritage Centre, aiming to attract about 10,000 visitors, announced festival manager Brendan Chin.
Reflecting on last year's inaugural edition, he recalled that the community-driven event attracted about 4,000 visitors.
'While most were locals, our survey also revealed that some visitors came from Singapore and even as far as Australia.
'This year, we expect about 10,000 visitors,' he said during the WAK Sibu Festival 2025 Calendar Reveal press conference here yesterday.
Adding on, Chin said this year's edition builds on the energy and success of last year, with over 20 unique events featuring a mix of performing arts, visual exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, lifestyle markets, and hands-on workshops.
He pointed out that among the programme's highlights is the iconic theatre piece 'Emily of Emerald Hill', to be performed by veteran actress Pearlly Chuah – a captivating showcase of Singaporean-Malaysian heritage in Sibu.
He also shared that Time Signature, Kuching's celebrated instrumental band, is set to return with an electrifying set of Top 40 hits from across the decades.
To spruce up the atmosphere, there will also be DJ sets featuring DJ Sotong, DJ Steph, DJ Losan, and DJ APP.
'Other highlights include exhibitions like 'Into the Wild', 'Celebrating Malaysia', and 'All About Arts: Elements of Nature', offering diverse visual storytelling by Sarawakian artists and photographers.
'We are also especially proud to feature a fashion show and exhibition by Edric Ong and Melor by Melinda Omar—both of whom recently presented collections at the London Fashion Week,' added Chin.
He further mentioned that the festival will also host a curated selection of creative vendors from Kuching to join the Rainbow Market, creating opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to reach new audiences in Sibu.
'So, expect a vibrant blend of craft, food and lifestyle offerings every evening at the festival site.
'Every event is designed to be accessible, inclusive and community-driven, true to our WAK philosophy 'by the community, for the community'.
'We want this to be a platform where local talent can shine, while also learning and collaborating with creatives from across Sarawak and beyond,' said Chin.
Additionally, he announced that the launching ceremony will be held on June 6.
Meanwhile, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley expressed delight to see the return of the WAK movement to the riverine town.
'This festival represents more than just performances and exhibitions; it is a powerful expression of creativity, identity, and community spirit.
'I am especially proud that this platform not only highlights the talents of our local creatives, but also fosters cross-regional collaborations with performers and vendors from Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond.
'This kind of exchange strengthens our cultural ecosystem, and puts Sibu on the map as a regional creative hub,' he added.
For the full calendar and updates, visit aboutkuching.com/wakxsibu or follow @wakxsibu on social media.
Also present at the press conference were councillors Michelle Law and Christopher Kelebit Ansa.
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