BAU: The quaint historical town of Siniawan was transformed into a vibrant, pulsating hub of music, food and festivities over the weekend as the Siniawan Country Music Festival (SCMF) made a spectacular return, bigger, louder and livelier than ever.
The second night of the festival on Saturday saw thousands of people throng the newly constructed Siniawan Waterfront, bringing together locals and visitors in a celebration that combined food, music and culture.
The town came alive not only with the rhythms of country music but also with a carnival of cowboy-themed costumes, from sheriffs to native Americans and rodeo-styled revellers, painting a colourful scene reminiscent of the Wild West.
“This year is very special for us. We are celebrating four events in one: first is the opening of the Siniawan Waterfront (officiated by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the same day), the 185th anniversary of Siniawan town, the 50th anniversary of the Siniawan Night Market, and of course, the Siniawan Country Music Festival itself,” said Serembu Assemblyman, Miro Simuh, who is adviser for the SCMF.
“Thanks to months of promotion across media and social media platforms, the festival drew larger crowds than ever before. Tonight, the turnout exceeded 5,000 people, and the final night on Sunday is expected to welcome between 7,000 to 8,000 people,” he said.
The expanded festival grounds at the new waterfront provided a more comfortable experience for visitors, with better space, improved access, and a dedicated main stage that hosted an electrifying lineup of performances.
A total of 11 bands took to the stage this year, featuring both local and international talents.
The first night saw performances from bands hailing from Kalimantan (Indonesia), Kota Kinabalu, Penang, two from Kuala Lumpur, and several homegrown acts from Kuching and Miri.
Commenting on Siniawan’s bright future, Miro said there are few projects in store.
“The next major project will be a multi-level car park and rooftop arena at the Siniawan Waterfront, set to begin construction by the end of this year. The rooftop arena will accommodate up to 5,000 people, positioning Siniawan as a new cultural and events hotspot in Sarawak.
“With this new facility, we can host concerts, cultural events, and more, creating good vibes and boosting the local economy through food, arts and tourism,” he said.
There are also plans to bring Christmas cheer to this area with the Siniawan Waterfront expected to host its first-ever Christmas Market, targeted for December 12, he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, said as the SCMF continues to grow in popularity, it has proven to be more than just a music event.
He said despite the SCMF taking place amid a weekend packed with major events in Kuching, including the ongoing Borneo Games, the colourful Cat Parade in Kuching City, and the Mooncake Cultural Festival along Carpenter Street, Siniawan still managed to draw impressive crowds.
“This shows that Kuching and its surrounding towns like Siniawan are thriving as centres of celebration, heritage and unity. Even with so many events going on, people are still making their way here. It speaks volumes about how dynamic our region has become.
“This vibrant weekend reflects a strategic push by the government and local communities to promote Kuching as a City of Gastronomy and Handicrafts, showcasing what Sarawak has to offer, from diverse cuisines and traditional crafts to community-led cultural experiences,” Rentap said.
This year, SCMF was held from September 26 to 28.
