PATTAYA, Thailand – Young performers, musicians, dancers and emerging artists from around the world will come together in Pattaya this November as the Wonder People International Festival-Contest celebrates its fifth anniversary with two days of competition, cultural exchange and entertainment.
The 2026 festival will be held at the Brighton Grand Hotel Pattaya on November 7-8, continuing an international initiative that has developed into an annual platform for children, young people and adult performers from different countries to share their talents while building friendships through the arts.
Under the theme “Art unites people,” this year’s programme invites participants from around the world to represent their countries and compete across seven categories: choreography, vocal performance, theatre, music, circus arts, poetry and fashion.
An international professional jury will evaluate the performances, with outstanding contestants eligible for Grand Prix and special awards, recognition and opportunities intended to encourage their further artistic development.
From international competition to Pattaya tradition
Wonder People has steadily established itself on Pattaya’s cultural calendar. The project grew from the “Wonder Kids” festival founded in Russia by arts educator Irina Kornilova, whose work with young performers spans more than 25 years. The original event developed into a major annual gathering attracting more than 1,200 participants in Irkutsk before international cooperation helped bring the concept to Thailand.
From its beginnings, the Pattaya festival has sought to strengthen cultural ties between participants from Russia, Southeast Asia, Europe and other regions, while giving both experienced performers and youngsters taking their first steps in the arts an opportunity to appear before an audience.
The festival has grown considerably. Pattaya Mail reported that the 2024 edition brought together more than 500 young participants from countries including Russia, China, Australia, England, Korea, Germany and Thailand. The programme included fashion, theatre, poetry, vocal music and dance while combining artistic development with charitable work for disadvantaged children in Pattaya.
The international character continued in 2025. Pattaya Mail reported ahead of that year’s event that hundreds of performers were expected to participate, while another report following the festival said artists from around the world took part in dance, music, fashion and other performing arts, promoting cultural exchange, friendship and understanding between nationalities.
Two days of talent and entertainment
The competition programme on Saturday, November 7, will run from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., giving performers a full day to demonstrate their talents before the international jury. The celebration will culminate on Sunday, November 8, with a Gala Dinner and Concert, featuring Jayson & Friends together with performances by award-winning artists.
Registration and welcome for the gala begin at 5.30 p.m., with doors opening at 6.15 p.m. Dress is smart casual. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are 1,750 baht per person, including an international and Thai buffet and soft drinks.
The gala continues a tradition of bringing established entertainers together with emerging young talent. Jayson & Friends have previously appeared at Pattaya charitable events alongside Wonder People performers, including young artists whose performances have earned recognition in the festival.
Art with a purpose
Beyond trophies and applause, the organisers emphasise that Wonder People has a humanitarian dimension, described in this year’s programme as “Art with Purpose.”
This year’s proceeds will be channelled to organisations in Pattaya that support disadvantaged children through education and child-development initiatives, reinforcing the organisers’ aim of connecting international cultural exchange with practical assistance to the local community.
This year’s promotional programme carries a simple message that captures the spirit of the event: “Represent your country! Share your art! Inspire the world!”
Support for the 2026 event includes Dr. Margret Deter, Homerly International Senior Living, Pattaya Sports Club and August Restaurant, with Pattaya Mail supporting the promotion of the fifth-anniversary festival.
For performers, Wonder People offers the excitement of competition and the opportunity to perform before an international jury. For audiences, it promises two colourful days of music, dance, theatre, fashion and youthful creativity. And behind it all remains the broader purpose that has guided the festival since its arrival in Pattaya – bringing people of different cultures together through the universal language of art.
Gala Dinner reservations: Rolf Rueegg, 081-762-7046 or [email protected]
Details And Participation Terms on the festival’s official website: [email protected] & info.centraya38.ru/wpfest
