Heritage fest to get bigger

Heritage fest to get bigger

PENANG plans to make the George Town Festival bigger next year as the state government is encouraged by the overwhelming response from the public, media and participants, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said there had been suggestions to invite more international-class artistes for the festival held to mark George Town’s historic listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

He said the festival was unique as it involved all communities in the state coming together to celebrate the city’s Unesco status, arts and food.

“It also allows Penangites to showcase their talent and creativity,” Lim told a press conference yesterday.

Since the festival’s launch on July 7, there have been more than 50 events and programmes covering arts, heritage, culture, food, fashion, film, music, sports and theatre.

About 50 more events and programmes are lined up before the festival ends on July 31.

Earlier, Lim greeted some participants of the festival.

They included Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano who is scheduled to perform at a street opera on Stewart Lane on July 29 and 30 and Australian researcher Marcus Langdon who will speak on Fort Cornwallis at 2pm today at the town hall at the Esplanade.

Festival director Joe Sidek praised local media organisations for their comprehensive coverage of the festival.

He said the festival even attracted international media giants CNN and BBC.

“The response has been good overall. We are encouraged by it,” Sidek said.

“All 19 ethnic groups in Penang supported the festival. They brought good energy to the streets here.”

-News courtesy of The Star-