Held from July 24-26 under the theme ‘Sugar Candy’, the festival transformed the Phuket Gateway site into a colourful ‘Candy Land’ featuring live music, art installations, food vendors and family activities aimed at promoting tourism and stimulating the local economy.
The festival officially opened on Friday evening (July 24) with Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum presiding over the ceremony. Also attending were Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and Phuket MP Orathai Kerdsap.
Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) Deputy Chief Wasawat Hongsasubhasakul delivered the welcome address on behalf of OrBorTor Chief Sarawut Srisakukham.
Among those attending the opening ceremony were Mai Khao Kamnan Worawit Srisakukham, members of the Mai Khao OrBorTor executive committee and council, heads of government agencies, PPAO representatives and other invited guests.
Organised by the PPAO, the festival featured two performance stages with concerts by leading Thai artists, along with art displays, craft workshops, themed photo zones, a costume contest and more than 140 food and beverage vendors.
The event formed part of the PPAO’s strategy to encourage year-round tourism while creating business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and reinforcing Phuket’s image as an international creative tourism destination.