By V. Sivaji
The Paya Terubong Fringe Festival will be held this Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Padang Pasar Malam, Medan Angsana, Bandar Air Itam from 6pm to 11pm.
State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman shared the details of the festival at a press conference at Komtar earlier. Also present at the event was Jack Wong, managing director of TLM Event and his team members.
“The festival is a post programme of the George Town Festival (GTF) 2026 and more about bringing arts and culture to the heartland and the communities nearby. This is the 2nd year we are holding this festival in Paya Terubong and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy an evening of good food and lively entertainment.
“Unlike conventional arts festivals that are often centred around established cultural venues and city spaces, the Paya Terubong Fringe Festival takes the arts directly into the spaces where people live, gather and spend their everyday lives, making arts and culture more accessible while encouraging residents to experience live performances in a familiar setting.
“The Paya Terubong Fringe Festival is free to attend, making it an accessible evening of arts and entertainment for residents, families and visitors. With its open-air setting and community-focused programme, the festival promises to turn an ordinary neighbourhood evening into an unexpected encounter with the arts, where open spaces and familiar surroundings transformed into a stage for creativity and connection.
“The evening features a diverse line-up that celebrates rhythm, movement and collective energy. Opening the programme is Gema Jentayu Tradisi by Wak Long Music, a performance rooted in the rich
tradition of Kelantanese Dikir Barat. Bringing together rhythm, poetry, melody and collective voices, the performance captures the spirited and communal nature of this beloved traditional art form, where stories come alive through song and rhythm,” said Wong.
He also added that the night will take a spectacular turn with a performance by “Fire & Flame by Koispinn Fire”, a mesmerising performance that combines movement, light, rhythm and
fire. As flames illuminate the night, audiences can expect an energetic visual spectacle that brings together physical movement and the elemental beauty of fire.
“For those who want to be part of the performance rather than simply watch from the sidelines, Rhythm in Motion by KANDORA! (Kantan Drum Circle) offers an interactive percussion experience built around the collective energy of a drum circle. Through accessible rhythms, call-and-response, improvisation and collective percussion, KANDORA! invites audiences to become part of the music. Its simple premise—that everyone has a rhythm and everyone can participate—creates an inclusive experience where performers and audiences connect through the universal language of rhythm.
“Adding to the evening’s musical celebration is Rentak Kita by Culture Shot Trio, alongside Festive Drums, further bringing the sounds of rhythm and communal celebration into the neighbourhood.” added Wong.
All are welcome to come and enjoy the good food and entertainment.