GEORGE TOWN, July 18 – George Town Festival (GTF) returns from 2 to 10 August 2025, marking its 16th edition with the theme “Connection” — exploring the deep ties between people, art, and place. With 50 carefully curated programmes, including 18 international showcases and 32 Malaysian presentations (22 of which highlight Penang-based artists).
This year’s edition promises a powerful blend of global artistry and local soul across more than 20 venues throughout George Town and beyond. In keeping with its inclusive spirit, 80% of the events will be free to the public. Opening with “After Dusk” at Padang Kota Lama, the festival will transform iconic city spaces with large-scale projection mapping, live performances, and digital art in a celebration expected to attract over 100,000 visitors.
Festival highlights include Vietnamese contemporary dance work “129BPM,” Taiwan’s multimedia theatre piece “Birdy,” and “Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat” — a jazz collaboration between Taiwanese and Malaysian musicians. Penang’s own creative spirit shines through with performances like “WARIS” and tributes such as “Living the Tanjong Life,” honouring late cartoonist Azmi Hussin.
GTF 2025 also redefines the festival experience with immersive art such as the AR/VR journey “Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle” and “Between Departures,” a mobile musical staged on a moving city bus. Supported by Canon, EPSON, and international partners including the embassies of Spain, Japan, and Taiwan, the festival stands as a testament to Penang’s growing stature as a creative capital. For full programme details and ticketing, visit www.georgetownfestival.com.
