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Festival to focus on old Phuket town In an attempt to maintain a balance between a popular modern resort island and its rich cultural heritage, Phuket will hold the 8th Old Phuket Town Festival next month, when the island's rich history and architecture will be brought to the fore. The festival will be held on Feb 3-5 at Phuket's ''Streets of Culture'' _ Thalang road, Soi Romanee and Krabi road. The island's three oldest streets feature magnificent Sino-Portuguese buildings, and the area has been declared a cultural heritage conservation zone. The area, a reflection of the island's prosperity, dates back over 100 years. Influences from Malaysia's Penang and Singapore are evident. This year's festival will highlight Ngo Kha Khi, or covered walkways, which connect the wonderful Sino-Portuguese buildings. These were designed to shelter pedestrians during stormy weather. Symbolically, Ngo Kha Khi represent the kindness extended by the owners of mansions towards Phuket's residents. Phuket city mayor Somjai Suwansuppana hopes the festival will bring about a sense of pride among young people and encourage locals to preserve the city's heritage. The festival will develop collaboration between the civil and private sectors towards sustainable development and conservation and to stimulate locals' appreciation of the town's architectural history. ''As the focus for visitors to Phuket has shifted away from the historical area to beach resorts, the three roads have seen their popularity wane. About 10-20 years ago, foreigners flocked to admire and photograph the Sino-Portuguese mansions,'' the mayor said. It is hoped the event will also boost tourism on the island, which has sharply decreased since the tsunami struck on Dec 26, 2004, she said. ''People here love and cherish our hometown'', she said. ''Despite the pace of technological development, the city's unique characteristics and traditions will endure,'' Mayor Somjai said. The festival would help put the spotlight back on Phuket's historic centre, while its culture and traditions, including food, games and dress, would be on display throughout the festival. The 8th Old Phuket Town Festival will open on the evening of Feb 3 with a parade. The festival includes an exhibition at Phuket Thai Hua School Museum and a light and sound show at a residence of the president of the Thai Hotels Association. Visitors can try dishes and desserts such as Lo Bah (fried sausage served with tofu and spicy sweet and sour sauce), Mee Hokkian (Chinese noodles), Mee Huhn Pah Chang (dry fried noodle in pork bone soup), Buae Tod (deep fried vegetables), and Khanom Chin Phuket (soft noodles in a tasty sauce). Bang Yai canal, within walking distance of Thalang road, will feature a free cruise on a long-tail fishing boat for a view of old Phuket Town from the canal. On Feb 5, a Buddhist ceremony and Chinese puppet show will be performed at Her Majesty the Queen's 72nd Birthday Anniversary park |