CAPTIVATING: Tritha from India wooing the crowd at Asia Music Festival.
MIRI: Tourists and locals from all walks of life throng the first day of the Asia Music Festival held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club on Friday.
The event was complemented with side shows such as big bike and tattoo exhibitions which were also crowd pullers.
Those who love tattoo but would not have themselves inked permanently also had the choice of airbrush tattoos as there were several booths offering the service at the festival.
Various types of Asian food by Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club were also on sale.
“I am here simply for the good music and the good food.
“It is not often that you get this awesome combination,” said a guest who only wished to be known as Kenny when met at the festival. He added that he and a female friend had driven all the way from Sibu just to attend the festival, after hearing about it from a friend in Miri merely about a week ago.
“My friend and I came to know about the festival quite late. I think the organiser should have promoted the event at least two to three months earlier, so that those from outside Miri who are interested to come can plan for their journey here.
“I noticed today that the crowd is not a big as I anticipated, but the singers are okay and so is the food,” he said.
He added that several more friends from Sibu wanted to come for the festival but could not make it as they only came to know about it in the last minute.
Meanwhile, bands and singers performing on the first night were Starlet Band (Malaysia), Hevance (Malaysia), Bob Yusuf (Malaysia), Soesah Tidoer (Indonesia), Tritha (India), Bembol Rocker (Philippines) and V.Star Band (Korea). Among those present at the festival were Miri mayor Lawrence Lai, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Miri police chief ACP Mun Kock Keong and local councillors.