GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: The party starts today as Penang holds its three-day celebration over George Town's listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The inner city was abuzz with activity yesterday as municipal council workers and inner city folk put up colourful banners and streamers at heritage areas to prepare for the big day.

Cheah Kongsi honorary secretary Cheah Swee Huat said the clan house in Chulia Street had put up banners to congratulate George Town on its new status and to welcome tourists to the historical building.

"We are arranging for clan members to be on duty to bring visitors on a guided tour of our clan house," he said, adding that the place would be fully lit at night and will host lion dance performances.

Chew Jetty resident Lee Choon Har, 53, said she was glad that her wooden house in Weld Quay was now part of Penang's tourism attractions.

"This is a very nice and lively place to live in. Now we no longer have to worry that our houses will be torn down," she said.

At 10am today, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will lead a walkabout themed "Street of Harmony", starting from City Hall to the Church of The Assumption, St George's Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Teochew Temple, Masjid Kapitan Keling and Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh.

Tomorrow, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas will make an official declaration on the world heritage status at the Esplanade at 8.30pm. The declaration will be followed by fireworks lighting up the promenade.

Some of Penang's best-known musical talents, from popular 1970s heartthrob Hail Amir and Alleycats' front man David Arumugam to sultry songbird Syafinaz, will take centrestage.

Two roads - Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Chulia Street - will be closed briefly from 8pm for the celebrations.