Time: 7.00pm – 9.00 pm
Venue: Padang Esplanade

Fifty five years ago on 1st of January 1957, in conjunction with the centenary of municipal government in Penang, George Town was elevated to the status of a city by Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II, thus becoming the First City in the Federation of Malaya. The British High Commissioner Sir Donald C. MacGillivary made the announcement on behalf of the Queen at a ceremony which took place at the Esplanade.

On this coming New Year's Day, celebrations will be held to give to both local people and visitors the maximum enjoyment about the uniqueness of Penang. The theme for our celebrations this year is "OUR GEORGE TOWN”. We are indeed honoured that George Town is the “CITY OF FIRSTS” and has also gained international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being the first city in Malaysia, George Town also achieved a number of firsts in many other areas.

The program will start from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm in front of the City Hall with a feast of arts and cultural showcases from the local communities including Gamelan, Chingay, Boria, Luminous Dragon Dance, Silat Show, Indian Cultural Dance and many more.
The public invited to be part of the celebration. For more information please call 019-2720999.