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Weekends in Seria – usually a time when the pace slows, the noise fades, and the town’s energy settles into a relaxed rhythm. Yet, for some, the weekend is the perfect time to shake things up, dive into fun, and inject a bit of sparkle into the familiar streets. And recently, Seria did just that with the Gemilang Ceria Carnival Community Sale, turning the town’s usual calm into a celebration of colours, sounds and excitement. The normally peaceful Pasarneka Seria became the heartbeat of the town for a weekend, all thanks to the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria, in collaboration with the Belait District Office and the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board. What started as a simple idea soon transformed into a carnival bursting with life, proving that even the quietest spots can be brought alive with a bit of community spirit. **REALISING DREAMS** Amidst the buzz, I had the chance to chat with General Secretary of the MPK of Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria, Hassan bin Haji Masri. “This carnival has been in the works for months,” he explained with a smile. “We wanted to add some excitement to Seria’s weekends, and after plenty of discussions among our 35 committee members, we decided to bring this vision to life at the Pasarneka Seria.” The carnival was meticulously planned to offer an exciting schedule and this was a weekend where residents and visitors alike could escape the everyday and dive into the carnival fun, embracing the sense of community and energy that the organisers hoped to create. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/nO9QPbRAR9fVl8Y7wZx_O-T_wEnBQV2P-41beFUG5rO.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Visitors at the Gemilang Ceria Carnival Community Sale held at the Pasarneka Seria.\ PHOTO: DANIEL LIM ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/1pLENXiHWj-sGdewHYNuR-qG6vnR4dv1KBJh4JJhbgy.jpeg) PHOTO: DANIEL LIM ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/t7kaUDYtp63PMeVCChfVe-G5YEraTWYXsGizzG0hUAE.jpeg) General Secretary at the MPK of Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria Hassan bin Haji Masri. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/J8KUrN2ed1og-1a-tR7bC-06KhhpihenHB8XEpNS3oP.jpeg) Vendors selling food items at the carnival. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/K-6Scxrvqw7JEdAehj7r1-0O8lYrL_itGrPCnSQi7W0.jpeg) Children pose with a mascott. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM **LOCAL TREASURES** The Community Sale wasn’t just any ordinary market. With 54 vendors lining the grounds, visitors could explore a delightful array of stalls showcasing the creative spirit of Belait’s entrepreneurs and artisans. From handcrafted jewellery and colourful batik to sizzling street food that filled the air with tempting aromas, the offerings were as diverse as they were enticing. “It’s not just about selling items; it’s about bringing people together and showcasing the talent within our community,” Hassan shared proudly. Vendors arrived with products that went beyond the everyday, bringing unique, locally-made items that celebrated Belait’s creativity. It was a feast for the senses and a great way for small businesses to make their mark. **BRINGING BACK CHILDHOOD MAGIC** Carnivals are more than just stalls – they’re about creating moments of joy. And at Gemilang Ceria, the entertainment was on point. Families flocked to the karaoke competition, where over 45 participants (young and old) belted out their favourite songs, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. Carnival games were aplenty, with ring toss, dart throwing, and other nostalgic favourites that drew out laughter and a bit of friendly competition. Kart and ATV rides added a dash of thrill for the adventurous, while traditional performances by the Seni Warisan Pelangi Silat Group and a live band kept the atmosphere lively. Hassan chuckled, watching families laugh and play. “It’s about creating fun memories. Whether it’s winning a quirky prize at a game booth or watching a kid try an ATV for the first time, these are the moments we hoped to make happen.” **A VENUE REDISCOVERED** For Hassan and the team, the carnival wasn’t just about a single weekend of fun; it was about revitalising Seria itself. Pasarneka Seria, often quiet outside the two-day Tamu market, has long been overlooked as a community hub. “For years, this space has seen little use, apart from Tamu days. We wanted to change that,” Hassan explained. “Why not turn this area into a place where people can enjoy themselves and build memories instead of having to go to the city centre?” And the residents responded with enthusiasm. The carnival was a chance to rediscover their own town, to realise that they didn’t need to travel far for a weekend out. With every smiling face and every laugh shared, it was clear that the locals were more than ready to embrace a livelier Seria. **LOOKING AHEAD** This isn’t a one-time affair; the MPK of Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria is just getting started. The plan? Monthly community sales until December 2025, each one promising to bring fresh energy and fun to Seria. “Insya Allah, we’ll continue these events, breathing new life into underused spaces and giving Seria’s residents a reason to stay and enjoy their weekends right here,” Hassan revealed, his eyes already sparkling with ideas for the future. The Gemilang Ceria Carnival Community Sale was more than just a weekend event – it was a reminder of the power of community, of how shared experiences can transform even the quietest corners. Seria may be a small town, but with a bit of creativity and a sprinkle of community spirit, it’s proven that even the quietest places have the potential to come alive with joy, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. – Daniel Lim

Segala Brunei→banar banar semua ada bah!⤴︎

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Urang macam awda pun kan meliat ani bah! ⤵︎

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