———— EVENTS & NEWS · INTERNATIONAL DRUM FESTIVAL ————
The 7th International 24 Festive Drums Festival · 2026
After eight years, the festival returns to Johor Bahru, where the 24 Festive Drums were born. Under the theme “Towards UNESCO at 38 · Five Continents, One Beat”, two days and four events bring together ten elite troupes from six regional finals, alongside eight international troupes and delegations from overseas.
Official poster · The 7th International 24 Festive Drums Festival
———— TWO DAYS · FOUR EVENTS ————
Forty-eight hours of drums
Opening Ceremony & International Forum
Troupe representatives from across the region gather — from performance to conversation on heritage, creation and taking the art abroad.
Get tickets →National Elite Grand Final
Ten finalists from six regional zones compete for the 7th national championship.
Get tickets →“Run for the Nomination” City Morning Run
A morning run through the city — footsteps and drumbeats together behind the UNESCO bid.
Register / tickets →Grand Performance & Closing Ceremony
Local and overseas troupes share one stage for the loudest finish to two days of drums.
Get tickets →———— INTERNATIONAL TROUPES & DELEGATIONS ————
———— 2010 – 2026 · SIXTEEN YEARS ————
Past editions
A biennial festival that began in Johor Bahru and has carried Malaysia’s drumbeat a little further with every edition.
The first International 24 Festive Drums Festival & National Elite Championship
Launched in Johor Bahru, beginning this biennial cultural gathering.
International exchange widens
University troupes from the UK and the United States, and China’s Huaqiao University, joined the programme.
The 3rd International 24 Festive Drums Festival
Johor Bahru · 11 elite troupes
Eleven elite troupes competed, drawing an audience of more than 1,500.
Thirtieth anniversary · four territories on one stage30 YEARS
Marking 30 years of the 24 Festive Drums, troupes from China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia performed together; the Johor state government further recognised the festival’s value for cultural promotion and tourism.
A pause in the drumbeat
The scheduled festival was suspended because of the pandemic. The drums fell quiet, but troupes everywhere kept teaching and practising.
First edition beyond Johor Bahru · Kuala Lumpur KLCCMILESTONE
The national grand final left its birthplace for the first time: 8 national elite troupes and 5 overseas troupes gathered in the capital. Foon Yew High School took gold with “Zheng”, with Chung Hua High School Seremban and Tsun Jin High School taking silver.
Back in Johor Bahru · Towards UNESCO at 38THIS YEAR
Returning to its birthplace after eight years: ten finalists from six zones, sharing the stage with 潮响鼓社, 立春鼓社, 华侨大学二十四节令鼓队, 众击坊, 惊鼓人, Perhimpunan Seni Gendang Kepri, 菲律宾侨中学院二十四节令鼓队 and 非洲二十四节令鼓队. Total attendance is expected to exceed 4,000.
———— BEHIND THE FESTIVAL · THE SCHOOL NETWORK ————
The drumbeat grows on campus
Source: figures released by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh (2026)