So festive!

Asia-Pacific is never short on festivals that can add a fun and memorable zing to business gatherings

1. Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Bringing together local and international jazz artistes, the two-day event in Thailand will be performed across all three stages. This year, Thai contemporary jazz and hip-hop jazz are two of the featured musical genres. There will also be fringe activities such as a contest to unearth new jazz exponents, F&B stalls, and workshops. Event organisers are finalising the dates, with the festival expected to be staged in 2H2023 at Suan Son Pradipat Beach in front of the Sea Pines Recreation Centre.

Picture credit: DunedinNZ

2. Wild Dunedin Festival
Running for 10 days from April 14-23 in New Zealand’s Õtepoti Dunedin, the 2023 edition will focus on soil/earth. Around 100 events have been planned around this year’s festival, and include boat trips, garden visits, nature walks, community garden visits, and gin tastings at a local distillery. Additionally, Otago Museum will also host a Penguin Day, and Bug Day, while the Art Society will hold a special exhibition of works of art focused on soil and earth. Festival operators are able to customise tours and put together packages for private groups.

3. Rainforest World Music Festival
From June 23-25, the Sarawak Cultural Village will host a slew of ethnic musical performances from over 15 countries. Festivalgoers can also converse with musicians, and participate in music-focused workshops and activities. Organisers can contact Sarawak Tourism Board in advance to check if special arrangements can be made to meet with some of the artistes, or to have private jam sessions.

Picture credit: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2022

4. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. Taking place from October 18-22, Indonesia’s Ubud will be the meeting place for 150 of the world’s most exciting writers, thinkers, and performers. Alongside author in-conversations and panel discussions, the festival will also boast Indonesian dance performances, literary lunches, guided tours of Ubud, late-night comedy, as well as book launches. The Festival Package for business events will give access to discounted rates for group bookings.

Picture credit: Wellington on a Plate

5. Visa Wellington On a Plate
Situated in New Zealand’s cultural capital, many food events at Visa Wellington on a Plate sport elements of theatre and the arts. In 2022, Another Beast of a Feast was staged at the Wellington Zoo, which allowed dining in close proximity to some of New Zealand’s iconic wildlife. This well-received event will be repeated again this year. Festival attendees can expect a full programme of pop-up eateries, chef collaborations, and chef cook-offs. The first edition will be held from May 5-21, followed by a second from August 11-27.

6. Singapore International Film Festival
This is a highlight on Asia’s arts calendar and is highly regarded by movie critics and audiences for nurturing regional filmmaking talent. Visitors can rub shoulders with budding filmmakers at The Silver Screen Awards, attend exclusive movie screenings, or join in interactive masterclasses with filmmakers and actors. Exclusive screenings for corporate groups are possible. Dates for 2023 will soon be comfirmed, and will likely be in late November.

Picture credit: Destination New South Wales

7. Vivid Sydney
While Vivid Sydney has yet to confirm its 2023 programme, visitors can expect a stunning visual display when Sydney’s most-recognisable tourist sites will be illuminated in kaleidoscopic colour thanks to spectacular light projections and art installations. Slated from May 26 to June 17, 2023, new this year is Vivid Food, a complementary fringe festival that is all about gourmet delights. This is in addition to Vivid Stage, Vivid Music, and Vivid Ideas.

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