WAK Festival to feature 17 unique events

SIBU: Seventeen unique events that have garnered enthusiastic responses from artistes, performers, and fans have been curated for The What About Kuching (WAK) Sibu Festival 2024, scheduled from July 25 to 28 at the Sibu Heritage Centre.

Festival manager Brendan Chin, highlighted that the WAK festival, with the tagline ‘Celebrating arts, culture, and lifestyles,’ will engage Sibu audiences with a diverse selection of activities including music, fashion, arts, crafts, nature, and more.

“I urge Sibu’s arts, culture, and lifestyle enthusiasts to come out in droves to meet and enjoy the presentations of many talented personalities at this weekend fiesta.

The impressive multigenre calendar for WAK Sibu has something for everyone,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with the festival calendar reveal at the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) meeting room in Wisma Sanyan on Thursday.

He also said that the WAK Sibu Festival’s music programme is a key highlight, featuring 10 performances by talented artistes from Sibu, Sarikei, Kanowit, and Kuching.

“We are thrilled to host the renowned Winnie Albert, who will grace our stage with exceptional talent,” he added.

Chin further said that there will be fashion shows and exhibitions showcasing creativity and innovation in local fashion, providing a platform for fashion designers to shine.

“Beyond music and fashion, our festival will feature a variety of other exciting events, including talks and exhibitions on nature conservation, where experts will share their knowledge and passion for the environment.

“Our arts and crafts lectures and exhibitions will offer insights into traditional and contemporary art forms, allowing attendees to appreciate and learn about these diverse practices.

“We are also proud to present the ‘Baju Kuas Iban Balau Sarawak’ exhibition, celebrating the intricate and beautiful traditional attire of the Iban Balau,” he said.

He emphasised that this provides a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and the expertise involved in creating these stunning garments.

Meanwhile, SMC chairman Clarence Ting expressed his delight in seeing Sarawakians grow more confident in their own identity.

“We are showcasing our skills, especially in fine arts and various talents.

I think this is a very good start for everyone in Sibu, showing what the people of Sibu and Sarawak have to offer,” he said.

Also present were WAK Festival directors Donald Tan and Marina Foo.