A Festival That Brings Everyone Together
The Laanta Lanta Festival, held annually, is a major event that draws people from all over the Krabi province and beyond. A rough translation of the name could be translated to mean “Eyes on Lanta” and is totally fitting. For three days, all eyes really are on this beautiful island.
The festival is a celebration of Koh Lanta’s history, traditions, and community. There’s an opening day parade, cultural showcases, music, pageants, school performances, and award presentations. Booths line the streets, featuring local artisans and businesses, with food stalls offering every kind of Thai delicacy you can imagine — sweet treats, spicy dishes, drinks, tropical fruits, herbs, and spices.
It’s an incredible, high-energy event, and a must-visit for both locals and tourists. For three days, the island buzzes with excitement.
The Request
The Laanta Lanta Festival organizers contacted me to ask if I could build a giant garbage art sign; something similar to a recent piece I had just finished for Danny’s Restaurant. They thought it would highlight the importance of repurposing waste and celebrate the festival’s creative spirit.
They covered my material costs and gave me six weeks to build it. It was a drop-dead date as it had to be ready for installation two days before the festival began. I was very excited as I love sculpting, large, over-the-top pieces. That evening I started sketching and planning how I would do it.
The Build
Over the next six weeks, I threw myself into the project. I won’t go into the nitty-gritty details, but I can say this: during that time, the build was a full-time job, and I met so many people.
Many would stop by while I was working and ask what I was making. Locals brought friends to see the progress. Fellow artists offered to help. When I started installing lights, even more people came by, some staying late to lend a hand.
I shared updates on social media and in messages with friends back in Canada. Video calls with family turned into show-and-tells. Hardware shops started recognizing me and showing me pictures they’d taken of sculptures I’d done around the island. I was amazed that they had actually had taken photos of a giant turtle at a beach bar, my dinosaur at Lanta Cinema, and even the giant cat head on my house.
People started taking photos outside my home years ago. I don’t mind. Between the giant cat face on the front wall, and the full-sized cat sculpture on the side of my home, I totally get it. It’s something you don’t see every day, or ever! Some even dropped off used lighters for me to use.
My Festival Experience: Overwhelmingly Amazing
My Laanta Lanta sign was installed in the middle of this massive area surrounded by restaurants from the local resorts, with tables get up around a central area. And at the head of this area was my sculpture on the waterfront. I’m sure that hundreds (and hundreds) of photos were taken by the festival-goers. Lots of people were always gathered around my sign so I had to go early to get a photo of it without anyone posing beside it.
For sure I kept checking the sculpture a few times during the day. I had a good laugh as most didn’t know I was the artist, just a nosey farang (foreigner) poking at the lighters and looking behind it. Until someone pointed me out that is. The look on their faces when they found out was priceless. And they all wanted to take a photo of me with the sign. If I may say so, and remain humble, my sign is truly a sight to behold in person, especially at night when it lights up.
More Than Just Art
I had an incredible weekend, totally immersed in my creativity, surrounded by people who appreciated it, and connected by a shared sense of purpose. I even met a few other garbage artists who, like me, hope to reduce our environmental impact through art and community.
Aftermath
And what happened to sign, you ask? It’s in my studio at Happy Cat Villa, patiently waiting until Laanta Lanta 2026, when it’ll once again take centre stage.
It’s been five years since I first picked up a lighter from the beach during low season. The ride has been amazing!
The Governor of Krabi Province and other official dignitaries on the last night of the festival.
It’s all good!