A journalist confirms something with Barbara (right) after the briefing.
KUCHING: Media covering the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) for the first time can navigate better with the help of a guide that incorporates a map of the venues for various activities to be held.
The media was briefed on this at Damai Beach Resort yesterday and also on the activities conducted at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) from today until Sunday.
Among the activities are interactive workshops held in the afternoon and afternoon shows at the indoor stage, revealed festival event director Angelina Bateman.
“The map will make it easier for those not familiar with the venue to get to where they want to go as landmarks are easily seen,” Angelina said.
The 19th edition of the RWMF will feature 25 bands — 17 international and eight Malaysian — performing at the festival.
The performers will perform on two stages — Jungle Stage and Tree Stage — beginning 7.30pm nightly.
“We also have a Doodle Wall at the terrace of Dewan Lagenda, and this is not limited to children. Adults can creatively doodle away as well.”
She said the festival targets an audience of over 20,000 people over the three days, generating a potential economic spin-off of RM39.5million.
“Last year, 44 per cent of the audience were non-Malaysian and the rest locals. This year we target a 45 per cent non-Malaysian audience.”
There will be over 200 policemen, including undercover and K9 units, to facilitate crowd control and ensure dangerous items are not brought into the festival ground.
“There is a Borneo Tattoo Expo running concurrently with the festival. A point of interest is that the ink used for the tattoo is sourced from a rainforest product,” she said.
The media is provided with a media centre (open from 9am-11.30pm today and tomorrow, and 9am to 11pm on Sunday), and free shuttle rides from city to SCV.
Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and festival communications manager Barbara Benjamin were present at the briefing.