Marking its 17th edition in 2025, The George Town Heritage Celebrations 2025 (GTHC 2025) is set to be happening from July 5th July to 7th July with 23 cultural workshops, six interactive performances, one family- friendly George Town Heritage Walk and one Historic Building Open House programme to look forward to.
GTHC 2025 is organized by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) with collaboration from 39 partners that aims to invite visitors to journey through the many cultural, historical, and personal thresholds that make George Town a vibrant and diverse heritage city.
This year’s festival theme “Doors and Doorways”, invites communities to explore the deeper narratives and collective histories that define George Town. More than just entrances, doors will serve as a passage to articulate the personal stories, aspirations, and values that make our city a World Heritage Site. GTHC 2025 aims to deepen our community’s storytelling capacities, embracing both tradition and innovation with renewed energy.
During the press conference, YB Wong Hon Wai, the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy reviewed the symbolic coming-of-age milestone represented by GTHC’s 17th year. “Seventeen is an age of transformation, a time to ask bold questions and seek new ways to connect with who we are. He also emphasized on the festival’s shift toward storytelling as a key focus this year, with a deeper commitment to nurturing community narratives and enhancing how Penang’s heritage is communicated to both locals and global visitors. “It’s not just about preserving walls; it’s about letting those walls speak,” he said.
YB Wong also reiterated the State Government’s commitment to supporting cultural tourism as a pillar of Penang’s creative economy. He acknowledged the George Town Heritage Celebrations as a platform not only for preserving heritage, but for empowering communities, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing Penang’s visibility on the international stage. “This festival exemplifies how heritage can evolve and remain relevant — as long as we allow our communities to lead, express, and innovate,” he added.
Dr. Ang Ming Chee, the General Manager of George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) highlighted the programme’s curated experiences from July 5th to 7th, encompassing workshops, heritage walks, and historic building open houses during the press conference.
Highlights of the 2025 programme include: July 5th (Saturday): Cultural Workshops Day – Twenty-nine cultural workshops and performances will offer immersive, hands-on experiences in traditional crafts, foodways, and languages. An estimated 18,000 participants are expected to take part in these vibrant cultural exchanges, celebrating the living soul of George Town.
July 6th (Sunday): George Town Heritage Walk – A family-friendly 5km walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site invites 2,000 participants to explore Penang’s built heritage and shared stories. Registration is open at RM36.
July 7th (Monday): Historic Building Open House – Eight iconic heritage buildings — including George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Kwangtung & Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St. George’s Church, Sun Wui Wui Koon and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple — will open their doors to the public, offering rare insights into their historical significance and preservation efforts supported by GTWHI’s Repair Incentives Program.
Dr. Ang also extended heartfelt thanks to the 39 partner organisations, including cultural associations, religious bodies, and heritage custodians, for their unwavering support in preserving and sharing Penang’s intangible cultural legacy.
“This celebration is for everyone — families, students, heritage lovers, and curious explorers,” Dr. Ang added. “Whether it’s a craft you create at a workshop or a memory you share with loved ones, you will leave with something truly meaningful.”
The State Government and GTWHI warmly invites the public to participate in this three-day celebration and experience firsthand the stories, communities, and transitions that lie behind every door in George Town.