BAHRAIN’S third annual Summer Festival, is running throughout this month under the slogan ‘A Victory for Joy’.
The festival will include various events and activities with international artists performing in the kingdom.
Launching the festival, Minister of Culture Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa emphasised that this year’s events will have a different flavour coming in the wake of recent unrest.
“This summer we will express our love to our homeland, as we are determined to face every challenge and conquer all difficulties, the summer of love returns this year with a diverse range of cultural, educational and entertaining programmes, celebrating joy, coming together, and hope,” said Sheikha Mai.
At Arad Fort, for the third consecutive year, Nakhool, the mascot of Bahrain’s Summer Festival, which symbolises the island’s tradition, culture and Dilmunic history, will be hosting a variety of fun- packed activities focusing on children and young people of all ages with artistic workshops, electronic games and movies.
Throughout the month the Cultural Hall will host a series of performances including Lebanese singer Samar Kammouj, who will present a musical evening in tribute to one of the greatest Arabic musicians, Riyadh Al Sonbati.
Fuerza y Compas will see an evening of Cuban musical entertainment with breathtaking choreography, Flamenco and ballet set to Afro-Cuban and Cuban rhythms.
The musical heritage of the Gulf will rule the night on July 11, when the Bahraini band of Mohamed bin Faris joins Kuwaiti folk performers Fan Al Sout and the ever popular Barney will be back at the Exhibition Centre from July 6 to 10.
From Brooklyn, New York, July 15 and 16 sees performances from Chen Lo and The Lo Frequency who will showcase their blend of musical influences from hip hop, jazz and blues to kwaito, soul, rock and roll, R&B and afro-beat.
July 14 to 16 will see the island welcoming the Yang family and the international Gazillion Bubble Show and on July 21 and 22 Bollywood fans will have the chance to live the journey of a young girl, her grandfather and their love of Kathak dance, in Merchants of Bollywood.
India will also be on the agenda on July 18 with highly acclaimed band The Dhol Foundation.
Canadian company Théâtre Tout à Trac will follow the white rabbit with an innovative adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous book Alice in Wonderland and for two days, on July 25 and 26, Georgian Legend: Samaia’s Little Virtuosos will feature the young Georgian performers in routines to challenge their adult counterparts .
To promote the festival there will be special offers across Bahrain’s four- and five-star hotels as well as many restaurants, shopping malls and theme parks.