Beyond the circuit: festivals, food and a 1,500-strong parade around F1 weekend in Selangor

Not everyone heading to the Sepang area this week has a Grand Prix ticket. The events around the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (2–4 October) are open to many more people. Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Selangor and the Selangor state government have set up festivals, food fairs and a large cultural parade within easy reach of the circuit.

The Star reported that more than 110,000 spectators are expected at Sepang International Circuit. The Immigration Department estimates that up to 300,000 foreign visitors could arrive over the three days. Here is what is planned beyond the grandstands.

Citrawarna Speed Festival (1–4 October)

Tourism Malaysia's Citrawarna Speed Festival runs from 1 to 4 October at three sites: IOI City Mall Putrajaya, KLIA Terminal 1 and the Sama-Sama Hotel. It has two strands:

• Colours of Speed: racing memorabilia, autographed items, supercar displays and simulator competitions with prizes.
• Colours of Art and Culture: traditional performances, handicrafts and hands-on cultural activities.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotions) Mohd Akbal Setia said the aim was "to harness the international appeal of motorsport to introduce visitors to Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage."

Colours of Parade (3 October)

The biggest single show comes on Saturday 3 October at IOI City Mall Putrajaya. About 1,500 dancers and cultural performers will take part in the Colours of Parade, showing traditional music, costumes and dances from Malaysia's different regions and communities.

Selangor Mega Food Festival (2–4 October)

At Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, about 11km from the circuit, the Selangor Mega Food Festival brings together more than 50 local vendors. Selangor favourites on the menu include nasi ambeng, punten, satay Kajang and rojak Klang. There will also be cooking demonstrations, eating competitions, workshops, games and tourism booths. Mitsui Outlet Park is also a pick-up point for the free race-day shuttle buses, which makes it an easy stop before or after the track.

Discounts for ticket holders

Local businesses are joining in too. HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm is offering F1 ticket holders 10–20% off from 1 to 15 October.

Roads and rooms

The event is also leaving behind some infrastructure. The Federal Government spent RM16 million upgrading roads FT26, FT27, FT29 and FT34, and the Selangor government put RM1.5 million into resurfacing, safety upgrades and lighting on Jalan B48.

Hotels saw strong demand early on. Grace Chin Zhi Hu, secretary-general of the Selangor Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association, said most properties around the circuit reached full occupancy after the race was announced. About 15% of bookings were later cancelled as the event got closer.

Sepang MP Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said F1 was "not just about car racing but also a platform to strengthen Malaysia's international image, attract high-value tourism, create economic opportunities, promote technology and engineering and inspire the younger generation."

Key takeaways

• The Citrawarna Speed Festival runs from 1 to 4 October at IOI City Mall Putrajaya, KLIA Terminal 1 and the Sama-Sama Hotel.
• About 1,500 performers will take part in the Colours of Parade at IOI City Mall Putrajaya on 3 October.
• More than 50 vendors serve Selangor dishes at Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA from 2 to 4 October.
• Road upgrades around Sepang cost RM16 million in federal funds plus RM1.5 million from the state.

FAQ

Do I need an F1 ticket for these events? The festivals are held at public venues such as malls, the airport and a hotel, separate from the circuit. Check each organiser's entry details before you go.

Where is the Colours of Parade? At IOI City Mall Putrajaya on Saturday 3 October, as part of the Citrawarna Speed Festival.

How far is the food festival from the circuit? Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA is about 11km from Sepang International Circuit.

Sources: The Star