Countdown to 2011

REVELLERS ringing in the new year have a variety of places to chose from as a number of venues in Penang will be holding New Year’s Eve and countdown parties tonight. The state’s official New Year’s Eve celebration will be held at the Esplanade from 7pm with a fireworks display scheduled at the stroke of midnight. State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said there would be a mega concert featuring international and local singers as well as band performances. Three Blackberry Curve 9300 smartphones are up for grabs in a lucky draw during the event. The entry form, which was published on the cover of StarMetro on Dec 29, has to be submitted at The Star’s Penang offices in Bayan Lepas, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Prai by noon today.

Queensbay Mall will hold its New Year’s Eve programme from as early as 12.30pm, with exhibition booths from sponsors and an auto show. General manager Selina Ng said an outdoor concert from 8pm will feature, among others, Yip Sai Wing of popular Hong Kong group Beyond, Asian Beat band 2010 winner Shift Machine, local rap artistes Caprice and deejay Gimix.
She said there would also be a fireworks display to welcome 2011. “We’re expecting no less than 15,000 people to join in the fun,” Ng said.

The public can also join in the New Year countdown party at the Penang Times Square in George Town which will start at 8.30pm. Ron Loh, the executive director of Ivory Properties that manages Penang Times Square, said about 10,000 people were expected at the event. There will be performances by Howard Wang who is also known as Bangkok ‘LeeHom’ and Mickey and Mikey from Soju’s resident band Crush. The main highlight will be a hip hop street dance competition which has attracted 10 groups.

For a countdown by the sea, head over to Straits Quay in Tanjong Tokong for its New Year Eve’s extravaganza which will start at 6pm today and go on past midnight. Buskers will entertain visitors with games and performances. The High Society Band and a percussion group will put on a show while a fireworks display will thrill all. Other venues which are holding parties include Gurney Plaza and Juru Auto-City. The Gurney Plaza event will, among others, feature breakdance and stage performances. Finishing it all off with a bang will be a fireworks display.
-thestar online.