By V. Sivaji
The 17th edition of the George Town Festival is currently underway till August 9, 2026.. The official launch ceremony was held at the Padang Kota Lama last night.
A sea of people thronged the area to witness the various shows and performances.
Present to launch the festivities was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow along with State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai.
The year’s theme is “Beyond Boundaries”. The festival opens with “Six to Eleven,” a vibrant celebration that transforms Padang Kota Lama into an evening of art, music, light, and community
In his opening address Chow said that the George Town Festival has become one of Penang’s most important cultural events.
“Every year, it brings people together through art, music, theater, dance, and culture. It also creates opportunities for local artists, businesses, and communities.
“We continue to grow by embracing new ideas, new partnerships, and new opportunities. Last year, the George Town Festival welcomed around 100,000 visitors. This year, the target is 200,000 visitors. I hope we achieve it because every visitor supports our hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, tour operators and local businesses.
“Tourism is an important part of Penang’s economy. In conjunction with this year’s Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2026) campaign, our goal is clear. We want high-value tourism,” shared Chow.
He also added that the state government will continue improving connectivity, public transport, public spaces, and tourism infrastructure.
“We will continue working closely with the private sector to improve service standards, encourage innovation and create more authentic Penang experiences. Our objective is simple. We want tourism to create quality jobs, support local businesses, attract investments and deliver long-term economic growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong in his address said that there is always something special about the start of the George Town Festival.
“It is a time when our city comes alive with creativity, curiosity, and a wonderful sense of anticipation. For the next nine days, George Town will once again become a place where stories are shared, ideas are exchanged, and people from different backgrounds come together through the arts.
“When people think of Penang, they often think of our food, our heritage, and the unique character of George Town. These are the things that make our state special and keep visitors coming back year after year. But Penang is much more than that. It is also a place where creativity thrives. Our artists, performers, musicians, and cultural practitioners continue to shape the identity of our city, making it not only a wonderful place to visit, but also a vibrant place to live.
“That is why the George Town Festival is so important. Every year, it brings fresh ideas, new perspectives, and people from different backgrounds together through the arts. At the same time, it creates opportunities for our local creative community, supports cultural tourism, and showcases Penang as a city where heritage and creativity go hand in hand,” he added.
Also present was YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community, YB Joseph Ng, Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A. Rajendran, Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Datin Barathi CMI General Manager,Ooi Chok Yan, Dr Ang Ming Chee, General Manager of George Town W orld Heritage Incorporated and Jack Wong of TLM Event among others.
