GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and the Penang State Executive Council will hold a joint open house on the first day of Chinese New Year on Feb 18.

It will be the sixth year running that the open house will be held at the historic Fort Cornwallis.

A 24-drum performance will kick off the event at 10am, followed by a series of performances such as traditional lion dances, multi-cultural dances, choir singing and an acrobatic performance. The open house will end at 1pm.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Datin Seri Majimor Shariff, and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Yahaya Abdul Hamid are expected to attend.

Members of Parliament, state assemblymen, state dignitaries, senior government officers, corporate figures and leaders of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are also expected to be there.

Abdul Rahman will lead state leaders in the "Yee Sang" tossing ceremony.

Various multi-ethnic delicacies, such as Chinese vegetarian food, Nasi Kandar and Indian dishes will also be served.