A passionate summer: The 2011 Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Arts, Music & Beach Festival

Written/compiled and reported by Chi Bing-hui

As summer arrives, music festivals across Taiwan’s coastal regions will also begin to unfold one after another, radiating enthusiasm in the sweltering heat. Blessed with pristine beaches, the Penghu Tourism Association has set this year’s Music & Beach Festival to take place from July 15 to 17. The three-day event will be held at Li Bay Beach, incorporating elements of the “SIV Sports Leisure Resort Island.” By combining the festival with the island’s natural advantages, the aim is to promote Penghu tourism. Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy Penghu during the summer vacation.

This year’s Music & Beach Festival will showcase the charm of the ocean through lively and creative activities, integrating Penghu’s beautiful scenery and local specialties. Through cross-media promotion, it aims to boost travel itineraries. The Penghu County Tourism Association stated that building on last year’s music and leisure themes, the festival will feature seven major events: a band composition competition, beach fun sports, beach women’s volleyball, eco-tourism experiences in Penghu, a creative market—Eco-Friendly Exchange Fair, and a charity concert for public welfare. Visitors can also experience traditional fishing culture such as “Qian Gu” net fishing and the use of sampans with oars, making for a fun and enriching experience.

In addition, the festival will coincide with the preliminary rounds of the Miss Bikini World competition (the Taiwan finals will be held on July 30, with contestants from around the world gathering in Taiwan for the global finals from August 22 to September 5). The final night’s “Charity Concert” will raise funds for disadvantaged groups in Penghu, with all proceeds going to donation. It is hoped that this will resonate with the public and help establish Penghu as a vibrant, friendly international resort island.