A Merdeka-themed arts festival called Peszta will take place in the precinct of Merdeka 118 in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur on August 27, 2022.
A joint collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad, and Think City, Peszta is inspired by Malaysia’s diversity and will celebrate the nation’s rich tapestry of arts, music, and heritage.
The festival will feature an exciting line-up of programmes, from entertaining performances to a community market, exhibitions, and food trucks, amongst others.
PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer Tengku Dato’ Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud said it is crucial for the Merdeka 118 development as a landmark destination to integrate seamlessly with the communities.
“We are happy to commemorate our 65th Merdeka Day celebration with the diverse communities within the Merdeka 118 precinct. As the custodian of Stadium Merdeka, our vision is to bring back the spirit of Merdeka to all Malaysians. Peszta is testament to one of our many initiatives we support to achieve this objective,” he said.
“Peszta is also a platform for our Merdeka 118 Community Grant recipients to showcase their works of art, heritage-inspired activities and homemade products. Our aim is to excite Malaysians, celebrate Merdeka together and highlight the historical place where our independence was proclaimed,” he added.
During the festival, an interactive Stadium Merdeka showcase by PNB Merdeka Ventures will feature historical clips as well as a 360-degree virtual tour of Stadium Merdeka and its restoration efforts.
The Merdeka 118 exhibition invites visitors to learn more about the development of the Merdeka 118 precinct. It is open to visitors from August 27 to August 28, 2022.
Other exhibitions include a cultural exhibition by Borneo MTV as well as a Literary Exhibition & Talk.
There will be live music performances by popular local artistes and indie bands. The line-up includes Francissca Peter, The Impatient Sisters, SevenCollar T-Shirt and FUGO.
Visitors will also be able to witness the crowning of the K2K Merdeka Idol Talent. This is a singing contest that showcases budding talents from the surrounding PPR communities of Hang Tuah, Sri Sarawak and Loke Yew.
Peszta is a result of the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme which has been running since the first cycle was launched in June 2021.
It is organised in partnership with stakeholders from the Government and private sector as well as local artists and communities. This includes the National Department for Culture and Arts, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Pentago House, Zhongshan Building, Sam Mansion, and Japan Foundation KL, amongst others.
