THE long-awaited George Town Heritage Celebrations 2022 is set to make a comeback next month after a two-year-long hiatus!
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the celebrations mark the 14th anniversary of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site and will see a line-up of events dedicated to local culture and festivities.
“The George Town Heritage Celebrations 2022 is back with exciting programmes lined up on July 2, 3 and 7.
“It will feature Penang’s rich and diverse cultural elements, including the much loved multicultural performances and interactive cultural workshops.
“There are also more than 20 cultural performances, nine cultural workshops, and eight video documentations.
“Emphasis is given to performance arts and traditional craft with an emphasis on the importance of peaceful coexistence of people, nature, and culture,” she said in a statement sent to Buletin Mutiara today.
According to Dr Ang, the celebrations will kick start on July 2 and 3 with cultural performances by talented and passionate cultural practitioners and artisans from Penang.
“They include boria show, dikir barat, lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese orchestra medley and many more.
“All programmes also are complimentary with no registration needed, and the venue will be at Lebuh Acheh basketball court.
“Meanwhile on July 7, we will start the event with the George Town Discovery Walk at 7am. Those who are keen to join the 5km fun walk in the Unesco World Heritage Site enclave may register at https://howei.com/event_details/georgetowndiscoverywalk2022.
“After that on the same date, there will be cultural workshops and various programmes and activities at the heritage site enclave. No registration is required.
“Thus, we look forward to celebrating the 14th anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site with everyone, with many warm greetings, laughter, applause, encouragement and cheers,” said Dr Ang.
Shop owners at the heritage site enclave also are looking forward to the celebration.
As for Jet Lee, who is the owner of the Chinese traditional costume shop that is located in Weld Quay, he said George Town Heritage Celebrations is regarded as a significant celebration for his business.
“This is because through such celebration, it will attract local and foreign tourists, thus boosting the local businesses in the area.
“At the same time, the annual event also highlights the importance of celebrating cultures, respecting diversity and experiencing interactive activities.
“These multicultural traditions reflect the harmonious coexistence of the different ethnic and social groups, cultures and religions contributing to the vibrancy of George Town today.
“Thus, I am looking forward to the celebration after the two years’ hiatus,” he said when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara today.
As for Lee Xi Wen, who runs the Cheng Woh Medical Hall in Campbell Street, he said his shop would have a one-day promotion on July 7 to mark the special occasion.
“It is an online promotion only through Lazada and Shopee platforms.
“So, they can search our shop through these two platforms and can have a maximum of 70% discounts on our various products such as traditional Chinese medicine and health food,” he said.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal