SHOWSTOPPERS

First held in 2009 to showcase Penang’s thriving art and culture scene, the annual George Town Festival is back for another thrilling international edition. “We aim to make this an enriching experience for everyone, offering a diverse palette of world-class events that immediately transforms George Town into a borderless stage celebrating art, dance, culture, and heritage in exciting and creative ways,” says festival director Joe Sidek. From August 1 to 31, raw, kitschy venues such as corner coffee shops will be cleverly converted into galleries, theatres, and performance spaces. Here, a selection of the highlights to book for. www.georgetownfestival.com