Drum festival to be held

SEMARANG, Central Java: Thirty-five Central Java regencies and mayoralties will join a traditional drum festival, or bedug, in Brebes on July 5, Antara reported yesterday.

Regency spokesman Rais K. said the festival is the brainchild of Central Java Governor Soewardi, and aims at preserving the local culture. During the festival, groups will compete in creating harmony by beating 70 huge drums.

The festival is being held by the Central Java Institute of Arts of Qasidah (a traditional singing performance of Arabic origin). (swe)