ASAJAYA: The opening night of the Pop Yeh Yeh Fest in Tambirat brought a vibrant fusion of cultural heritage and 60s nostalgia, with the traditional Bermukun and Gendang Sarawak performances drawing large crowds to the Pusat Penjaja MPKS Tambirat on Thursday.

Councillor Nuradadila Rasti was among the key figures present, alongside Chairman of the MPKS Tambirat Hawkers’ Association, Asrizal Jolhan, and Core Event Management representative for the festival, Kusairi Mas.

Held from 5 to 9 December, the Pop Yeh Yeh Fest revives the charm of the 1960s through retro-themed performances, traditional food offerings and a showcase of classic Sarawakian art forms.

Organisers said the festival aims to reconnect the community with cultural practices of the past while highlighting the uniqueness of Sarawak’s Bermukun tradition and the iconic Gendang Sarawak rhythms.

A major highlight of the evening was the exclusive Bermukun showcase led by Kuching’s renowned Gendang Sarawak troupe, Sri Buana, whose dynamic drum ensemble accompanied spontaneous pantun exchanges and the traditional Penandak dance.

Their performance captivated audiences of all ages and helped dispel the notion that Bermukun is only appreciated by older generations.

Local band Hasty further energised the opening night with Pop Yeh Yeh classics, strengthening the festival’s nostalgic atmosphere and drawing even more visitors to the lively hawker centre.

The festival has also boosted local economic activity, with food and craft vendors in Tambirat reporting significant increases in sales as crowds continue to grow each night.

More performances and community activities are scheduled throughout the festival to further attract visitors and support small entrepreneurs.

The successful turnout reinforces the event’s potential as a model for cultural-heritage-driven festivals in Sarawak, blending traditional arts with retro entertainment to create a unique community experience. -UKASnews