Nibong Tebal Festival boosts local economy with cultural buzz

The inaugural Nibong Tebal Festival, held from January 20 to 21, has emerged as a lively celebration of culture and art in Seberang Perai Selatan.

Organised by the Seberang Perai City Council in collaboration with the Jawi State Assembly Service Centre and supported by the Penang state government, the festival aims to be a major cultural attraction along Jalan Pasar Lama, Nibong Tebal.

Nibong Tebal Festival fostering community pride

The Nibong Tebal Festival marks the first of its kind in Seberang Perai Selatan, focusing on promoting community involvement through arts, culture, and heritage, with a unique emphasis on “street art performances.”

The festival is part of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council’s efforts to revitalise the development of Nibong Tebal town and boost the local economy.

The festival was inaugurated by H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State EXCO cum ADUN Jawi. The opening ceremony saw the presence of Dato’ Azhar bin Hj Arshad, Mayor of Seberang Perai, members of the MBSP Council, Normaira binti Abdul Rahman, Director of Sustainable Development .

They were also joined by cum Program Director of Nibong Tebal Festival, department heads, senior officers from government agencies, and local residents.

First-ever festival showcases street art & culture

The festival offers over 30 free activities, promising unexpected surprises for attendees. Highlights include performances by international artists Yoltic Atzin Lopez from Mexico and Alexandra Azzaro from Italy.

Alongside these international acts, the festival features local cultural performances such as lion dances, shadow puppetry, chingay, and the Penang Dhol Blasters.

Attendees engaged in hands-on workshops, traditional games, and capture memories at the Kombi Photo Booth. A Food Truck Alley adds a culinary delight to the festival, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences for visitors.

“The festival will have over 30 free activities and unexpected surprises for attendees. Highlights include performances by international artists Yoltic Atzin Lopez from Mexico and Alexandra Azzaro from Italy,” said the organisers.

The Nibong Tebal Festival, designed for both residents of Seberang Perai and external tourists, seeks to stimulate Local Economic Development (LED) in Seberang Perai Selatan.

The diverse range of performances, workshops, and activities aims to attract tourists from within and outside the country, contributing to the local economy.

MBSP expresses hope that the festival’s indirect impact will stimulate economic development in the region, providing a platform for cultural exchange and fostering community engagement.