KUCHING: What About Kuching (WAK) is back for its highly anticipated month-long lineup of exciting activities in the heart of Kuching City, starting October 1.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) said its aim is to add vibrancy and creativity to Sarawak’s 60th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.
“With the tagline ‘Celebrate Arts, Culture, and Lifestyle,’ this marks WAK’s Fifth edition, congregating 38 collaborators from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsula Malaysia, with international participation from Scotland showcasing talents across 40 unique events spanning music, dance, theatre, arts, crafts, gastronomy, and more,” it said in a statement today (Sept 30).
STB also mentioned its ambition for WAK to evolve into one of Asia’s largest open-access festivals in the years ahead, adhering to its guiding principle of “By the Community, For the Community.”
“Through such a platform, local creatives will be able to aspire to world-class standards in their respective genres as they showcase and perform their events alongside world-class foreign acts,” said the statement.
STB said that creative and performing arts enthusiasts are welcomed to participate in a plethora of events from October 1 to 31, including workshops by Musical Theatre performer Abel Law, who has performed as “Montparnasse” in the ‘Les Misérables’ musical at the Sondheim Theatre, and ‘Acoustic Guitar Artistry: An Interactive Workshop’ by guitar maestro Az Samad.
“Other events include Tuak Crafting Workshop, Haunterland, Hip-Hop Night (All Eyes on Us), Ani-Fiesta 2023, An Evening of Songs, Enchanting Fitness: Ballet Fusion & Barre Magic, ‘An Evening of Songs’ with the Dolce Chanticleer Choir, a Masterclass on production with Belle Sisoski, ‘Colours of Life’ organic tie-dye, and beads-making activities for kids, ‘Pour Over’ coffee brewing workshop, Padawan Raft Safari, and many more,” it said.
For a comprehensive schedule of What About Kuching, visit www.aboutkuching.com to download its digital calendar programme or stay updated with the festival’s latest developments on @aboutkuching via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
WAK is an annual festival that celebrates arts, culture, and lifestyle in Kuching with a mission to promote these elements to a global audience, WAK strives to create greater appreciation and support among the local community while fostering regional and international collaborations.
STB also said that a string of exciting and diverse events will be taking place across Sarawak in the months to come.
Kuching Marathon (KM) is back for its eighth series on October 1 and the organisers are targeting 11,000 domestic and international participants across its four categories.
The Borneo Trail Classic 2023 in Bau on October 7 is the seventh stop of the Spartan Trail World Championship under the Spartan Trail brand, where racers from all across the world will compete in its 50km, 21km, 10km & 7km categories.
Other iconic events to look forward to are the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta on October 27 to 29 and the Sarawak Regatta on November 3 to 5.
