Mark your calendars: Wat Chalong Fair kicks off on Monday

PHUKET: It’s that time of year again. Phuket’s biggest annual temple fair, held at Wat Chalong, will kick off on Monday to offer one week of local fare and entertainment.

“There will be plenty of food vendors, sideshow rides, games and stalls set up at the fair. Everyone is more than welcome to come enjoy,” said Chaiwat Chatchawet, a Wat Chalong temple supervisor.

“Musical artists such as Mike Piromporn and Ekachai Srivichai, and artists from R-Siam will be performing during the week-long event. There will also be the ever-popular Southern Thai nang talung [shadow puppet] shows each night starting at 7pm, as well as traditional southern manoh-ra dance performances.”

The fair will start with a consecration ceremony led by Luang Poh Cham, a revered monk in Phuket.

“This is a very special event for both Thai and foreign Buddhists. The ceremony will begin at 2:09pm,” Mr Chaiwat said.

The nightly entertainment at the fair is as follows:

February 17: Concert by Mike Phiromporn and Man Maneewan; Nang Talung by Archarn Narong

February 18: Concert by Paowalee Phornphimon and Virada Wongtheywan; Nang Talung by Archarn Narong

February 19: Concert by Luang Kai, X R-Siam and Earn The Star; Nang Talung by Khai-nui

February 20: Concert by Wong Klom R-Siam and Lulu Lala; Nang Talung by Saowan Sor Promnoi

February 21: Concert by Bao Vee R-Siam and Ying Thitikarn; Nang Talung by Saowan Sor Promnoi

February 22: Concert by Vic Hyper R-Siam, Dok-or Thungthorng; Nang Talung by Lead-nui Sor Khlao-noi

February 23: Concert by Ekachai Srivichai; Nang Talung by Lead-nui Sor Khlao-noi

— Saroj Kueprasertkij