KUCHING: Registration is now open for cultural troupes to participate in the traditional Bidayuh gong and traditional dance competition to be held at this year’s fifth edition of the Semadang International Tagang Festival.
The competition will be held on August 30 at 7.30pm at the venue of the Semadang International Tagang Festival in Kampung Semadang, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 40 km from here.
The competition coordinator Monica Molad said the competition offered a total of RM2,700 in cash prizes.
She added that the champion will take home RM1,000, trophies and certificates, while the first and second runners-up will receive RM700 and RM500, respectively, besides trophies and certificates.
Those placed fourth to eighth will receive RM100 each plus certificates.
“Participation is limited to only 20 entries and the qualification rounds will be held if there are eight or more groups. Each team must comprise not more than 15 dancers and gong players,” she said, adding that the competition is open to Bidayuh cultural troupes in Penrissen, Padawan, Serian, Siburan, Kuching, Bau and West Kalimantan.
Monica also mentioned that each team is required to bring their own traditional musical instruments as the organisers only provide the basic instruments.
Any costs incurred such as transportation and meals are to be borne by the participants themselves.
The entry fee for each group is RM50 and the closing date for submission of entry is on August 15, 2019, at 5pm.
Briefing for all team managers will be held at Kampung Semedang multipurpose hall on August 20, 2019, at 8pm.
Monica also said the brass ring ladies of Kampung Semban will be invited to perform at the competition.
For further information, interested groups may contact Monica Molad at 011 26907583 and Remos Jepos at 013 8482670.
Meanwhile, several activities will also be held during the fifth Semadang International Tagang Festival from August 30 to September 1.
The activities include a fishing competition, cooking competitions, 4×4 extreme shows, concert by Bintang RTM 2016 champion Rosario Ninik and singers from Pontianak, Indonesia, kayaking, street soccer competitions, colouring contest for children.
Food and drink stalls will also be set up at the venue of the festival.
