MIRI: The Visitor Information Centre Miri Garden (VICM Garden) officially marked its transformation into a vibrant community hub with the successful hosting of the Twinkling Christmas Market on Dec 14 and 15.
Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Miri City Council (MCC), the event drew over 4,000 visitors and served as a showcase of the garden’s potential as a venue for community-centered activities and events.
This milestone event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between STB and MCC on Nov 20, which formalised their partnership for the adoption and maintenance of VICM Garden.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing Miri’s public green spaces, fostering community engagement and positioning the garden as a key attraction in the city.
At the heart of this initiative is the newly completed landscaping of VICM Garden, which has been revitalised to provide a welcoming and versatile space for gatherings, celebrations and community programs.
The Twinkling Christmas Market not only celebrated the festive season but also served as the official introduction of the garden as a venue open to the public for use, available for bookings at a nominal fee.
Featuring 19 vendors offering handmade crafts, festive treats and more, the market gave attendees an opportunity to shop local while enjoying the cheerful holiday ambiance.
Seven captivating performances, ranging from school choirs and church carolers to local bands and street singers, filled the garden with festive spirit, creating an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Adding to the celebration, Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting children and families with balloons and gifts.
Visitors praised the garden’s beautiful landscaping, comfortable atmosphere and public amenities, which make it an ideal venue for future community events.
A standout addition to the area is the magnificent Sape Sculpture, standing tall at 3.2m.
This striking landmark adds character to the garden and the city of Miri, becoming the first and only Sape structure in the entire city.
Many who were initially passing by were drawn to the event, further demonstrating the garden’s potential to attract both locals and tourists alike. The Twinkling Christmas Market is just the beginning of VICM Garden’s journey as a community hub.
This event serves as a kickstart for more exciting activities planned for the space, with organisers already envisioning a calendar of events to engage the local community and further establish Miri as a vibrant destination.
With its emphasis on community, sustainability and inclusivity, VICM Garden is set to become a cornerstone of Miri’s social and cultural landscape.
Residents and organisations are encouraged to utilise the space, which is now open for public use, ensuring the garden becomes a thriving centre for shared experiences and memorable moments.
