Chiang Mai international art and culture festival
Chiang Mai international art and culture festival
Now in its 10th year, the Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival 2007 is set to be the biggest ever, according to its organiser, the Tourism Authority of Thailand. To be held at the Three Kings Monument and the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre from April 1 to 9, the festival will turn the northern capital into a colourful playground with Thai and international performances. The festival will also celebrate the birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, on April 2, which is also Thai Heritage Conservation Day.
Among the highlights of the nine-day event are:
- April 1: The grand opening ceremony will showcase traditional candle dancing, followed by a performance by Chaoluang Chiang Mai School students and a concert by the Royal Thai Navy Band, featuring guest vocalist Radklao Amratisha.
- April 2: A performance by students of the Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts.
- April 3: A performance by students of Suphan Buri College of Dramatic Arts.
- April 4: A performance by students of Roi Et College of Dramatic Arts.
- April 5: A performance by students of Phatthalung College of Dramatic Arts.
- April 6: Cultural performances by the Meinichi Academy of Japan, Luang Prabang, Laos, Vietnam, China, Burma and other countries, and a Northern folk song concert by students of Chiang Mai University's international programme.
- April 7: A Lanna puppet show by Hobby Hut Puppet Troupe, a Krabong Lao puppet show from Vientiane, a concert by the ETC Band and performances by Wiyada Komarakun na Nakhon, Jennifer Kim, Koh-Sekpol Unsamran and Ford Sopchai Kraiyoonsen.
- April 8: Repeat of the Lanna puppet show, performances by Lanna folk artists such as Khru Aet - Phanuthat Aphichanathong, the comic group of Chai Chuanchim, Kao Tuam and Withun Chaiphrom.
- April 9: Music by the Suntaraporn Band and a performance by the Chiang Mai Ballroom Dance Club.
Besides the stage programmes, which will run from 7 to 10pm, there will be fine art demonstrations at the Art Pavilion. Visitors can buy artwork made by local artists at the Art Market and other local foods and products at the Kat Mua Market. In addition, they can attend the Lanna puppet workshop or the print-making workshop, every day from 4 to 10pm. For further information, call 05-324-8604, 05-330-2500 or the TAT call centre on 1672, or see เทศกาลศิลปวัฒนธรรมนานาชาติ เชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival.
Bangkok Post
