KUCHING, Nov 12: The Food-over-Fire Festival returns with a three-night run at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Gardens from Nov 24 to 26.
In this flagship event of the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) programme, 25 traditional grill masters will participate in the festival to showcase Sarawak’s multi-ethnic blend of food around a live hearth.
In a statement, Whatmatters Sdn Bhd producer Marian Chin said that the inaugural festival last year, held at both the Old Courthouse and Fort Margherita, received an overwhelming response from members of the public.
Chin added that they were completely sold out and were even blessed to receive the Raja Permaisuri Agong on the closing night.
“This year, we are turning the light of the hearth onto our incredible artisans and makers, curating a live performance which will showcase these vital practices which have so enriched Sarawak culture.
“Once again, we will finish with a feast of food cooked over an open flame,” she said.
Chin described the hearth as the heart of a home, and where food is shared, music played, stories told and where traditional communities gather to express themselves.
“We hope to recreate this feeling, bringing some of our most beautiful and unusual cultural expressions to light in an intimate and authentic setting around a traditional hearth, constructed specially for this occasion.”
Chin, who also manages LifeSpanTree and KINO Magazine, said that MBKS Gardens is the perfect location, a haven of nature in the heart of the city.
“Imagine the sound of massed Kiromboi floating through the trees as the scent of the charcoal fire fills the air and you get an idea of what awaits.”
She thanked the ArtsFAS programme under Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance, which has been revitalising the arts scene across Malaysia for their support.
Chin also expressed her gratitude to MBKS for hosting the event and to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts for giving their assistance
“Our special thanks to all our performers, chefs and contributors who make this possible with their talent. More will be unveiled later on the line up. We do not want to spoil the surprise,” said Chin.
Tickets are priced at RM100 per pax. Bookings may be made via www.sarawakhearth.com. — DayakDaily
