GEORGE TOWN, 11 June 2025 — The George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) return from 5 to 7 July 2025. Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the 17th edition of the festival will centre on the theme “Stories Behind Doors and Doorways,” shining a spotlight on the rich cultural narratives and living heritage found behind the city’s historic facades.
Rather than simply showcasing buildings and architecture, this year’s celebration invites participants to engage with the personal and collective stories that have shaped George Town into a vibrant and diverse World Heritage Site. From traditional crafts and foodways to faith, language, and community rituals, the festival aims to highlight the thresholds—both literal and metaphorical—that define the city’s identity.
At the official launch held in George Town today, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, described the 17th year as a powerful milestone in the festival’s journey, likening it to the symbolic age of transformation. “Seventeen is an age of change — a time to ask bold questions and seek new ways to connect with who we are,” he said.
He emphasised that this year marks a shift towards storytelling as a central element, offering a more personal lens through which to understand heritage. “It’s not just about preserving walls; it’s about letting those walls speak.”
Also, present at the event were YB Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota; Mr. Por Cheng Han, representing Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP YB Lim Hui Ying; Dr. Ang Ming Chee, General Manager of GTWHI; and various representatives from state agencies, cultural organisations, and partner communities.
Together, they underscored the importance of community-led heritage and the value of inclusive celebration in keeping George Town’s legacy alive.
Over three days, the festival will offer a dynamic series of experiences curated in partnership with 39 community and cultural organisations.
Saturday’s programming will focus on immersive workshops and performances designed to engage participants in hands-on cultural experiences — from traditional arts to language and storytelling — with an estimated 18,000 people expected to take part.
Sunday will feature a 5-kilometre George Town Heritage Walk, offering families and visitors a friendly, engaging way to explore the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, tracing its architecture and shared history.
The celebration concludes on Monday with a rare opportunity to step inside eight iconic heritage buildings. These buildings, from mosques and temples to clan houses and churches, will open their doors to the public, offering insight into their historical significance and the ongoing preservation efforts supported by GTWHI’s Repair Incentives Program.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Ang Ming Chee highlighted the festival’s aim of creating meaningful and memorable encounters. “This celebration is for everyone — families, students, heritage lovers, and curious explorers,” she said. “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.”
Throughout the launch, the message was clear: the George Town Heritage Celebrations are more than a festival — they are a living platform for cultural continuity, civic pride, and international visibility. As YB Wong Hon Wai noted, heritage must evolve to stay relevant, and that relevance comes from allowing communities to express, innovate, and take ownership of their stories.
The State Government and GTWHI extend a warm invitation to the public to participate in this year’s celebration — not only to admire the city’s historic beauty but to truly connect with the people, memories, and meanings behind every doorway.
