By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, April 17: The 5th edition of Highland Folk Music & Dance Festival at Long Bedian is returning and will feature performances by more than 10 villages from the surrounding areas throughout the three-day event.
Scheduled to be held on April 27, the festival made its debut in 2003.
“The last was in 2018…it is held in every four years,” said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to officiate at the festival on April 29.
“The festival mean a lot to the people in Long Bedian. They have the chance to showcase their traditional music to to outsiders,” Dennis said, mentioning Kayans, Penans, Orang Ulu, Kenyah and Kelabit as some of the residents in the area.
Kampung Long Bedian is located at about three hours’ drive via logging road from Miri city.
The festival is supported by Abdul Karim’s ministry, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Federation of Orang Ulu Association of Sarawak (Form), Miri Resident’s Office, Dennis’ Telang Usan Service Centre, Sarawak Craft Council, Persatuan Belayen Bedian, Telang Usan District Office and Long Bedian Welfare And Social Association.
The festival will take place in the multipurpose hall at Kampung Long Bedian, Apoh, Tutoh, Baram. — DayakDaily
