Sarawak is known for its two annual key music festivals: The World Rainforest Music Festival and the Borneo Jazz Festival. Music lovers can look forward to an additional musical event this year: the World Animal Groove festival, which will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on October 6 2012.

The festival holds a unique concept, in that it unites love of music with love of animals. Organized by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, its aim is twofold: first, to celebrate the SSPCA’s 50 years of existence, and second, to raise funds for the construction of a new animal shelter estimated at Rm1.5 millon, or about $500,000 USD. Another aim is raising awareness of the plight of animals. While there are many animal lovers in Sarawak, there are still numerous pets being abandoned every year, causing a high number of strays in the streets.

The festival will kick off at 12pm with a bazaar and flea market, followed by a “Pet Blessing” at 4pm. Tourists and locals alike can look forward to the Bazaar and Flea Market, as there will be an extensive collection of items on sale. Past bazaars by the SSPCA have always produced an assortment of items not normally found in local shops.

Starting at 7pm, there will be a range of local and international artists taking the stage at the BCCK. International artists include Inka Marka from South America, Victor Valdes and the Quartet from Mexico, and Natasha & Mellowmotif Band from Thailand. The Mellowmotif Band are no strangers to Sarawak, as they were performers at the Borneo Jazz Festival in 2010.

Locals can look forward to their homegrown talents represented by Hafiz and Stanley Maringai. The former was the winner of Malaysia’s ‘Akademi Fantasia Season 7’ singing competition. Bibi Kaypoh from KL, a mix of actor, singer, dancer and comedian, will also be gracing the stage that night. In between each set will be DJ Progen to keep the crowd wagging its tail all night.

A day before the festival there will be a gala dinner, which will be part of the 50 year anniversary celebration. Comedian Harith Iskander will be present to bring the house down. Other acts to be expected at the gala dinner are once again Victor Valdes and the Quartet, Natasha and Mellowmotif Band, as well as local artist Akoustik Connexion.

If you are in the region for the weekend, do book a flight and buy a ticket to support this event. Tickets for the WAG festival are priced at RM60. The gala dinner  tables are priced at RM2000, RM5000 and RM10,000. For ticket purchase and more information, visit the event website.

Image Courtesy of  WAG Music Festival 2012

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