A 3-day celebration across Chinatown’s cultural landmarks, featuring Malaysia’s homegrown artists and musicians, cultural experiences, creative workshops and talks, heritage walks, and more! 

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 12 November 2024 – In celebration of Chinatown’s vibrant heritage and cultural significance, a group of community leaders and local partners are spearheading the first ever KL Chinatown Festival from 29 November to 1 December 2024, celebrating everything that makes this area so special. The festival stretches across the entire Chinatown, involving not only cultural and architectural landmarks such as REXKL, Kwai Chai Hong and Lorong Panggung, along with a range of local businesses, cafes, art spaces, and more. By bringing together these participants, the festival creates an immersive celebration of arts, culture, and community that embodies the spirit of Chinatown. 

Chinatown has long been a cornerstone of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural and historical landscape. Its vibrant streets are steeped in Malaysia’s rich heritage, where centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and traditional shop houses coexist with modern and contemporary spaces, including music venues, F&B outlets, and art galleries (for example RXPKL, Malaysia’s largest immersive digital art gallery and more). This unique blend of the old and new has shaped Chinatown’s distinctive character, making it not only a cultural treasure but also a symbol of community, creativity, and resilience. 

Building on the success of REXKL’s 5th anniversary celebrations and mini-festival REXFEST in 2023, the KL Chinatown Festival has expanded in both scale and ambition. This 3-day cultural takeover combines old-world charm with modern creativity, featuring diverse music and cultural performances, art installations, and cultural experiences. Anchored in the theme “Together Gather”, the festival brings together local communities and creatives to celebrate Chinatown, fostering inclusivity and engagement as they collectively bring KL Chinatown Festival to life. 

“This festival was established to bring together a diverse mix of stakeholders, from long standing businesses to contemporary spaces, all united by a shared vision for Chinatown’s future. This festival is just the first step in our commitment to keeping Chinatown alive and vibrant, not just during the festival but through year-long activities that engage the community. By working hand-in-hand with local partners, we want to foster a sense of belonging and creativity that ensures a lasting positive impact within Chinatown” said Shin Chang, co-founder of KL Chinatown Festival. 

In partnership with local businesses and vendors in Chinatown, this collaboration highlights the vibrant diversity of Malaysian culture and local talent. This year, Connor’s Stout Porter takes centre stage in the festival’s music pillar, supporting local musical talents with performances that showcase the fusion of traditional and modern influences that define Chinatown’s cultural landscape. Connor’s Stout Porter, a multi-award-winning stout recognised with Gold awards from Monde Selection (2023, 2024) and the World Beer Awards (2023), exemplifies top-notch quality. This commitment to craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with the KL Chinatown Festival, a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s cultural vibes through music, creativity, and cultural exchange. Throughout the festival, festival-goers can enjoy exciting music performances, including collaborations with local talents, bringing together diverse musical influences and celebrating Malaysia’s creative spirit. 

“We aim to attract 10,000 attendees for this year’s KL Chinatown Festival, celebrating Malaysians from all walks of life while showcasing the unique cultural fusion that defines Chinatown. By embracing local talent and creativity, the festival also enhances our cultural landscape and supports the local economy. Expect an exciting lineup of local artists, including local indie artists such babychair, Tasneem, Straw Lim, and Colbie Ong, along with DJ/producer Shelhiel, Core Values and many more. Cultural performances such as multi-cultural percussion showcases, Chinese opera, and engaging activities such as the KL Heritage Walk is also part of our diverse program festival” said Lim Kok Kean, Co-Founder and Festival Director of KL Chinatown Festival. 

The KL Chinatown Festival isn’t just about one district; it’s part of a broader mission to transform notables landmarks such as REXKL, Jalan Sultan, Lorong Panggung, and Kwai Chai Hong into vibrant cultural destinations, creating a positive ripple effect that will energise both Chinatown and the surrounding downtown KL areas. This festival sets the stage for future editions, with this being just the first step. Beyond Chinatown, beyond KL – this is about driving Malaysia’s cultural footprint onto the world stage, turning KL into a cultural tourism destination where commerce meets creativity.

For more information about KL Chinatown Festival, follow @klchinatownfest on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok now! 

About KL Chinatown Festival 

KL Chinatown Festival 2024 is an exciting celebration of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, uniting tradition and innovation. Transforming Chinatown into a vibrant cultural hub from 29 November to 1 December, this 3-day festival, led by a group of community leaders and local partners, showcases the area’s historical sites and creative spaces through a dynamic blend of music, arts, markets, and cultural experiences.

With the theme “Together Gather,” the festival highlights local talents while fostering community engagement and celebrating the unique tapestry of cultures that define the city. By revitalizing key landmarks like REXKL, Jalan Sultan, and Lorong Panggung, the KL Chinatown Festival honours cultural diversity and community heritage through contemporary arts and music, all while paying homage to cherished traditions. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The recent Earth Symphony – Green Cirque Fest 2024 concluded with resounding success. Held at the Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre from November 23 to November 24, the festival brought together a dazzling array of world-class performances and pioneering sustainable practices, setting a new standard for events in Southeast Asia.

A Celebration of First-Class Bedazzling Talents

Throughout the two-day festival, attendees were enthralled by the breathtaking artistry of internationally acclaimed performers, each bringing exceptional credentials and unmatched talent to the stage. From former Cirque du Soleil stars who have captivated audiences on global stages to a finalist from the prestigious Asia’s Got Talent, Milestone proudly assembled a stellar lineup of world-class performers who exemplify the very pinnacle of cirque arts.

The festival’s highlights included the spellbinding choreography of UniCircle Flow from Japan, a globally celebrated troupe known for their precision and innovative performances that have garnered widespread acclaim. Audiences were left in awe by the astonishing contortionist feats of Senayt Asefa from the UK, a performer renowned for her extraordinary flexibility and grace, and the emotionally charged aerial artistry of the Power Duo from the Philippines, whose performances combine strength, elegance, and storytelling.

Adding to the spectacle was Malaysia’s very own Viva Circus, an award-winning modern physical arts performance troupe celebrated for their groundbreaking approach to contemporary cirque arts. Together, these extraordinary talents showcased a dazzling display of skill, passion, and creativity, leaving audiences spellbound and redefining the boundaries of live performance.

“We are thrilled to be here in Malaysia for the first time and to see such an incredible audience who truly appreciate our art and what we do. The overwhelming support and energy we felt from the crowd when we stepped onstage was unforgettable – we can’t wait to return!” shared Takada from UniCircle Flow.

Heartwarming Moments: Families, Generations, and Learning

The festival became a cherished memory for many families, with happy faces everywhere. Attendees shared heartwarming bonding moments, some even spanning three generations as grandparents, parents, and children enjoyed the magical performances together.

Beyond entertainment, the festival was a source of informative insights, teaching audiences about sustainability. Many came prepared to contribute, bringing items for recycling and carpooling to reduce their carbon footprint. The eco-friendly artisan bazaar left a lasting impression, showcasing innovative, sustainable crafts and products that inspired visitors to adopt greener habits.

A Commitment to Sustainability: Green Practices in Action

The festival’s dedication to sustainability was evident in every aspect of its production. Energy-efficient LED lighting illuminated the stage, complemented by multimedia graphics as a dynamic and visually stunning backdrop, reducing the reliance on traditional printed materials. Additionally, the organizers prioritized natural ventilation over air conditioning, significantly lowering energy usage while providing a comfortable and eco-friendly environment for attendees.

The Green Bazaar buzzed with energy, offering a colourful showcase of eco-friendly products and locally sourced treasures. Attendees wholeheartedly embraced the festival’s sustainability ethos by bringing their own reusable bags, reducing single-use plastics, and learning the importance of waste segregation. They enthusiastically supported local vendors whose products and businesses reflected a strong commitment to sustainable practices, turning simple purchases into meaningful contributions to a greener future.

A Call to Action Towards Artistic Advocacy

Dato Grace Lee, Show Producer and Managing Director of Milestone Production, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the crowd, stating: “We are thrilled with the success of the Green Cirque Fest. It was not just an event, but a movement we can be a part of for a more sustainable future. We hope everyone who attended leaves inspired to make a difference.”

The event’s message resonated deeply with attendees, especially children, who were inspired by the powerful storyline of loving and protecting planet Earth. For many, the experience ignited a lifelong passion for sustainability and performing arts, blending entertainment with education in a meaningful way.

The Earth Symphony – Green Cirque Fest 2024 was more than just a festival; it was a powerful blend of art, advocacy, and action, celebrating the beauty of our planet while committing to its protection. As the curtains close on this extraordinary event, the message is clear: together, we can make a difference.

About Milestone Production

Established in 2003, Milestone Production is one of the region’s leading global show production companies that provides unparalleled live entertainment experiences. We aim to cultivate an appreciation of the performing arts in the area by bringing in internationally acclaimed West End and Broadway productions to Malaysia and to the rest of South East Asia, namely “Mamma Mia The Musical”, “The Mousetrap”, the multi-award winning

Broadway production “Jersey Boys”, “Thriller Live”, “Saturday Night Fever”, “Potted Potter”, “Dr. Bubble With Milkshake”, “One Man Star Wars Trilogy”, “Dr. Balloon’s Science Adventure”, “Rumour Has It – Adele – Her Life And Songs”, the iconic “An Evening With The Phantom Of The Opera”, “Remembering Whitney – The Greatest Love Of All”, “Yannick Bovy Celebrates 100 Years Of Nat King Cole”, “Madagascar The Musical”, “Concert of The Champion – Long Live The Queen”, “Simply The Best Concert – Celebrating Tina” and “Earth Wind & Fire Experience by AL Mckay Allstar.