KUALA LUMPUR: FANS of arguably the world’s most famous fictional character can expect a fun-filled time at the Hello Kitty Friends Forever Carnival from Oct 31 to Nov 2 at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town in Nusajaya, Johor Baru.
The three-day carnival is organised in conjunction with Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary.
The beloved icon of both children and adults will celebrate her birthday with her devoted fans through four major interactive events — the Hello Kitty friends’ gathering, Hello Kitty friends’ fiesta, Hello Kitty friends’ catwalk and Hello Kitty friends’ rock music festival.
“Hello Kitty has brought so much happiness to so many people. Her motto that ‘You can never have too many friends’ has taught us that friendship endures and transcends, irrespective of who we are and where we come from.
“It is our hope that as we celebrate her 40th anniversary, we are able to spread her infectious happiness and give her fans the ultimate Hello Kitty experience,” said Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd chief marketing officer, Philip Whittaker.
The Hello Kitty friends’ gathering is the first such event in Southeast Asia that is also expected to be a record-breaking one as thousands come together to form the largest gathering of Hello Kitty fans outside Japan.
During the carnival, visitors will get the opportunity to get their hands on limited edition merchandise, exchange and showcase memorabilia as well as meet other Hello Kitty fans.
The Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Fashion Design Competition offers emerging Malaysian designers to put their skills to the test, while the music festival will feature performances by Malaysian acts Flying Pan and Bunkface.
The special 40th Anniversary package of buy three tickets, get one free, is available for RM165 at the Matta Fair from Sept 5 to 7.
The carnival is supported by Cleo Magazine, Hong Leong Bank, Petron Bhd, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Pictureair, The Little Red Cube, Traders Hotel and Spritzer.
For information, visit www.kittyfriendsforever.com.
Philip Whittaker (right) with the stars of the event Hello Kitty and Sam Bunkface (second from left).
Whittaker and the birthday girl are expecting 10,000 fans at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town from Oct 31 to Nov 2.