Music lovers in the capital can look forward to a feast this weekend. The Hidden Kingdom World Music Festival will be held at the Centenary Park from Friday to Sunday coinciding with the 115th National Day celebrations. The festival initiated last year will present unique and rich music cultures around the world through participants from various countries.
Popular local bands such as Misty Terrace, North H, and Flying Kik will be among the artists performing for the three-day music festival. The artists are practicing day and night.
“We participated last year as well but that was virtual so this time it’s happening live and we are really looking forward to it. We are more excited because it’s happening coinciding with our 115th National Day,” said Ugyen Tenzin, a member of North H, the Thimphu based modern rock band.
The festival will feature eight local bands and an international band from Nagaland performing live at Centenary Park. Seven other international bands from various countries including Korea, and the Netherlands will also exhibit their talents virtually. Ugyen Panday, the Artistic Director of the festival said that the festival will feature all genres of music.
“This year, we have around eight international bands. Unfortunately, they will not be able to come physically due to many reasons. However, they are very much excited to participate virtually. They are going to come live and perform to our Bhutanese audience just like they are physically present at the park for the show. I think, all in all the festival is going to be fun, enjoyable, one of a kind and I hope people will remember this festival throughout,” said Ugyen.
He added that the organisers are excited to be dedicating the music festival as a gesture of gratitude to His Majesty on the National Day.
“We are very much excited to be celebrating this Hidden Kingdom World Music Festival along with our National Day event coming up. As a gesture of gratitude, it will be an honour for us to celebrate this National Day in a grand way through music,” added Ugyen.
The artistic director also said besides entertainment, the festival also designed virtual workshops and seminars with foreign music expertise to provide a platform for local music lovers to educate, grow, build connections and become professionals in the music industry.
The Hidden Kingdom World Music Festival is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communication and the Bank of Bhutan.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
