VISITORS to George Town Festival (GTF) 2026 can look forward to an international projection mapping competition and a giant illuminated puppet show, two of the main attractions taking place from Aug 1 to Aug 9.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the programmes combine heritage, technology and the arts, offering visitors a unique experience in the heart of George Town.
“TERANG is not just about projecting images onto a building. It is about using technology and creativity to tell stories through our heritage landmarks and allowing people to see these familiar places in a new way,” he said during a press conference at Padang Kota yesterday (July 30).
A key highlight of the festival is the TERANG Projection Mapping Competition 2026, which carries the theme ‘Pasar’.
Wong said the theme was chosen because a pasar, or market, is more than a place to buy and sell goods.
“It is a place where people meet, share stories, exchange ideas and experience different cultures. This reflects the diversity that can be found across Malaysia and Southeast Asia,” he said.
The competition received 125 entries from around the world, with the top 20 finalists selected to showcase their works at Town Hall from Aug 1 to Aug 9.
The finalists come from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Russia.
According to Wong, the high number and quality of entries made this year’s competition one of the strongest in TERANG’s history.
“The finalists have brought different ideas and creative styles to the theme of ‘Pasar’. Their works will show how digital art can transform a heritage building into a platform for storytelling,” he said.
The projection mapping displays will be shown nightly from 8pm to 11pm on the façade of the historic Town Hall building.
Wong added Town Hall was selected because it is one of George Town’s important heritage landmarks and provides an ideal backdrop for the visual showcase.
Apart from the projection mapping competition, visitors can also enjoy DUNDU: Sharing the Light, an illuminated puppet performance presented by artists from Germany and Thailand.
The performance features a giant glowing puppet operated by five performers and accompanied by live music, including the sounds of the kora, a traditional West African harp.
“DUNDU is a family-friendly performance that combines light, music and movement. It creates a special experience for audiences and encourages interaction between performers and visitors,” Wong said.
The performance will be staged at Padang Kota on Aug 1 at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9.30pm, and Aug 2 at 6.30pm, 7.45pm and 9.30pm.
The official opening ceremony of George Town Festival 2026 will be held tomorrow, with activities taking place from 6pm to 11pm.
Wong invited both locals and tourists to visit the festival and enjoy the wide range of arts and cultural programmes on offer.
“George Town Festival continues to bring together creativity, culture and community. We welcome everyone to come and experience what the festival has to offer,” he said.
Also present during the press conference were George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and festival director Jack Wong.
Story by Edmund Lee