BCF 2018 arch set to be ready by next week

SIBU: The construction of the Borneo Cultural Festival ( BCF) arch is progressing smoothly and it should reach completion by July 16.

It is reported that works commenced last Friday.

According Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairwoman Rogayah Jamain, this year’s design will be different from the one used last year.

“Definitely, there will be different design this year, with the incorporation of more cultural elements than the one erected last year,” she told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The BCF arch will have a mini stage behind it, with sections for each ethnic group to hold or showcase their activities like folk games, performance of traditional musical instruments, or a display of traditional costumes.

Rogayah said the arch was among the key attractions during BCF 2017, where it became a favourite photo-taking spot among the visitors.

“Another distinctive feature for this year’s BCF will be the ‘ tibau’ (the traditional swing of the Melanaus), which was also a crowd-puller last year,” she said.

The BCF was first staged in 2002. For this year’s edition, it will still be taking place at Sibu Town Square Phase 1 from July 19 until 28, with the official launch ceremony on July 20 near the arch.

It is reported that BCF 2017, which ran from July 20 to 29, attracted some 600,000 visitors – up from 500,000 recorded in 2016.

Works on BCF 2018 arch are in progress and expected to reach completion next week.

Long logs for the ‘tibau’ are being laid on the ground of the town square, where the swing will be set up for BCF 2018.