Artistic Work Event Program on the theme of "Visit Lanna" (The Colorful Lanna…. of Rajapreuk Flower)

Date : 14- 24 August 2008 at 16.00 - 21.00 hrs
Venue : Royal Chiang Mai Agricultural Research Center (World Horticultural Plants) in Mae Hia Sub-district, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province.

Opening Ceremony
On 14 August 2008 at 18.00 -19.00 hrs
Chaired by H.E. Minister of Tourism and Sports

Activites
On Rajapreuk Square. Activities start at 16.00 hrs

Kaad Mua Khrua Hom :
It is a presentation of local traditional market of Lanna people. Local dialect love to say "Tiu sa Aeo Kaad Mua Kaad Muang."

Stage for Major Shows :
There are displays featuring local traditions and culture of Lanna people; the presentation of 4-region cultural shows and contemporary plays, e.g., Jumping Bird Show, King-ka-ra Bird Dance, Khru Ka-wai Sword Dance

Works f Art Road (Chiang Mai Pedestrian Road) :
Activities on the art road assemble all works of art for presentation and for sale and display to spectators to watch, e. g., local Lanna music performance, real-life paintings, works of art by students, artistic inventions from skilled artists and craftsmen.

Main Auditorium starts 12.00 noon
- Exhibition of Artistic Handicrafs on the theme of " Phum Phaya Sala Muang" meaning the local wisdom of Lanna craftsmen who are to present artistic handicrafts at the Event. The craftsmanship includes a variety of paintings, carvings, decorative works, woodworks, steelwork, fabric works and a host of other handicrafts.
- Sale of OTOP Products and Tourism Booths
- Small Stage Shows : A variety of Thai cultural shows, presentations including tourism promotional activities.
- Tourism Information Booths for 8 northern Lanna provinces
- HM the King Commemorative Garden Booth and Bangkok Bank Booth

For further details, please contact:
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3485-9
- TAT Chiang Mai, Tel. 66 (0) 5324 8604, 66 (0) 5324 8607
www.tourismthailand.org

Northern fruit and art festivals

Two northern towns Lamphun and Chiang Mai stage cultural events for August visitors.Northern towns are noted for their culture, art and heritage linked to the ancient kingdom of Lanna, but they are equally recognised for a variety of fruits, sometimes difficult to find elsewhere in the country. So no surprises that Lamphun, a town close to Chiang Mai with a heritage pedigree that goes back a thousand years, is celebrating the Longan fruit season with a festival that runs from 9 to 18 August. No festival would be complete without its beauty contest and, of course, Lamphun residents are proud to cast their vote for the local Miss Longan, while they enjoy the temple fair atmosphere of an event that continues to retain its character and links with the town’s proud history. Held at the Lamphun stadium, in the centre of town, this is an ideal opportunity to taste and buy Longan fruit at exceptionally reasonable prices. Not to be outdone by its neighbour, Chiang Mai hosts the annual Lanna Arts Festival, from 12 to 24 August, at Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Centre that served originally as the venue for the highly successful Royal Flora show. Stages for cultural performances have been set out at the Mae Hia sub-district venue, promising visitors a colourful spectacle of Lanna cultural performances from eight northern provinces. Apart from traditional dance and music, visitors will enjoy handicraft demonstrations and a stroll through a traditional market to buy local products sourced in and around Chiang Mai.