THE George Town Heritage Celebrations 2026 Street Festival has expanded its footprint this year following the overwhelming response received during last year’s event, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the growing participation reflects increasing public appreciation for the city’s rich multicultural heritage.
“The organisers had enlarged the celebration area to accommodate more participants and visitors following the surge in attendance recorded last year.
“As a result, 43 community organisations are taking part in this year’s celebration, with activities spread across a wider area within the Unesco World Heritage Site.
“Besides the main festival grounds, programmes are also being held around Armenian Street and the Khoo Kongsi precinct, allowing visitors to enjoy a broader range of cultural experiences,” he told reporters after touring the heritage enclave this evening.
Chow said the annual celebration offers both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the diverse cultures, performances, traditional food and customs that have shaped George Town’s unique identity.
“The event is an important platform for people to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that makes George Town special,” he said.
Chow noted that George Town is marking the 18th anniversary of its inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site this year.
Describing 18 as an age of maturity, he added that the milestone should inspire organisers and communities to continuously improve and introduce fresh programmes while safeguarding their traditions.
He noted that the celebration also plays a key role in raising awareness about heritage preservation and strengthening appreciation for the city’s living cultural heritage.
“Every community possesses rich traditions and stories. While only a portion can be showcased each year, the celebration continues to grow and reach a wider audience, making it an event many people look forward to annually,” he said.
Meanwhile, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said visitor turnout had exceeded expectations.
She said organisers initially targeted about 20,000 visitors for the opening night celebrations.
“Based on our observations, we believe attendance has already reached around 30,000 people,” she said.
With the festivities continuing until July 7, Ang said total visitor numbers are expected to reach between 40,000 and 50,000.
However, she stressed that the success of the celebration should not be measured solely by attendance figures, adding that GTWHI wants visitors to create meaningful memories and enjoy deeper interactions with George Town’s heritage, culture and communities.
“The quality of the experience is just as important as the numbers. If visitors leave with a stronger connection to George Town and choose to return in the future, then we have achieved our objective,” she said.
The four-day celebration, themed “Kongsi Cerita”, continues with a 5km walk at Padang Kota Lama at 7am on July 5 (Sunday) and Historic Building Open House featuring 12 diverse historic buildings within George Town from July 5 to July 7.
Among those who joined Chow at the Street Festival were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, councillors Foo Yu Keong, Visvenathan Tangavello, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, and Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat & Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Alissala Thian