GEORGE TOWN - IT is all systems go for the national-level Christmas open house here at the Esplanade tomorrow.
Workers have been working around the clock to receive the 10,000-strong crowd and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who will grace the event.
Over 20 huge white canopies with colourful flags were being set up yesterday and a giant stage was also erected for a concert on the big day.
Najib is scheduled to attend the Jamuan 1Malaysia luncheon at 2.30pm with dignitaries.
Among the VIPs who are expected to be there are chief minister Lim Guan Eng, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and Minister in Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
The festivities, which will begin at 10am at the Esplanade, a historical landmark next to Fort Cornwallis here, are organised by Tourism Malaysia Penang.
Guests will get to feast their eyes on uniquely decorated greeting cards, biscuits, and a plethora of floral arrangements.
There will be a special display of local handicrafts, special tour offers and services by government agencies as well.
Much effort is going into the national-level Christmas open house at the Esplanade. Pic by Ramdzan Masiam
A concert will also be held at 5pm, and with performances by well-known artistes such as Malaysia's King of Pop, Datuk Jamal Abdillah, One in A Million season one winner Suki Low, local teen hearthrobs Kumpulan Forteen, Tamil rock band Lock-Up, and singer Sivakumar at the open house.
Many visitors at the Esplanade were excited to discover that Najib would be in town to launch the Christmas Day celebrations.
Ahmad Abu Bakar, 78, who was visiting the island, said he wished he could be around to attend the open house. He had to shorten his holidayhere due to an urgent family matter in Johor Baru.
"My wife and I are visiting our children and grandchildren. We just learnt about the prime minister's visit on Monday but we can't be here to welcome him as we have to rush home to Johor," he said.
John Anthonis from Greece said he was excited at the idea of a national-level Christmas celebrations. "This is something very different and I am looking forward to it," he said.
Meanwhile, those who wish to attend the event are advised to park their vehicles at the Lebuh Union and Lebuh Pantai multi-storey car parks.
Police will close Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah to public and Lebuh Light will one-way towards the Queen Victoria memorial tower from 1pm to 7pm on Christmas Day. - ST
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