KUCHING – The Sarawak Government is giving strong support to the Bidayuh Cultural and Musical Festival 2025, an event that aims to honour the traditions, music and artistic heritage of the Bidayuh community. The festival, scheduled from 12 to 14 December 2025, will take place at the Multipurpose Hall and Baruk DBNA Headquarters in Kuching. It is expected to draw both local visitors and cultural enthusiasts eager to experience authentic Bidayuh performances.
Announced by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the festival marks the first major cultural showcase dedicated fully to Bidayuh arts and traditional music. The programme is organised through a partnership between the Bidayuh Artistes and Musicians Association and the DBNA Youth Development Subcommittee, with support from the Sarawak Heritage and Arts Facilitation Fund.
In his statement, Snowdan highlighted the worrying decline in traditional Bidayuh musicians despite the growing number of talented dancers. Many cultural performances today rely on pre-recorded music, creating concerns about continuity and skill development among young musicians. He stressed that this festival is designed to bring traditional music back to the centre stage. All performances throughout the event are required to use live musical accompaniment to encourage real musical growth and appreciation.
The three-day celebration promises a vibrant programme. The first night, themed Night of The Bidayuh Stars, will feature well-known performers including Richmond Allan Morshidi, Darren Wooden Gun, Michael Gayut, Hi Breed, Ranee Pat, Ezra Band, Collin and The Gang, and 4Mors. On the second day, visitors will witness the screening for the Battle of The Bidayuh Band, along with hands-on craft clinics such as mat weaving, beadwork and traditional Bidayuh attire making. The day will also include the Onak Pogan and Onak Sangon competitions, followed by the official opening ceremony and a traditional instrumental competition.
The final day offers music clinics led by respected musicians Gary Gideon and Edrie Hashim, before culminating in the Battle of The Bidayuh Band final performance.
Beyond entertainment, the festival also plays a crucial role in cultural preservation, talent development and strengthening Sarawak’s creative ecosystem. Snowdan encouraged the Bidayuh community and the general public to attend, support the performers and help sustain traditional arts for the next generation.
The festival’s organisers hope the event will inspire more young people to take up traditional instruments and continue the legacy that has long defined Bidayuh identity.
