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Bright lights, upbeat tunes and the sounds of laughter are echoing around Bahrain Bay as families and friends have fun following the launch of the kingdom’s Festival City.
A large plot of land, situated near the United Tower which is soon to be the home of the new Wyndham Grand Hotel, has been transformed into a colourful carnival arena for children and adults to enjoy.
Festival City attracted more than 16,000 visitors in its first four days and will be open to the public until February 4. It features more than 25 stalls offering fun games such as Bounce Back and Hook a Duck for visitors to win an assortment of stuffed animals and prizes.
There is a variety of food vendors and trucks to feast from, a miniature golf section, a double-decker carousel, a series of shows to be watched on the big screen and musical and magical performances performed on a separate stage.
While children play on the bouncy slide, parents can pick up cool clothes, gadgets and other merchandise in an accompanying retail market area. The festival kick-started the launch of Thursday’s third edition of Shop Bahrain - which is a 30-day celebration offering residents and visitors to the island a wide range of events and promotions at hotels, malls and restaurants.
The shopping campaign is co-organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Tamkeen, is held in cooperation with the partners from the public and private sectors such as Batelco and Gulf Air.
Festival Director Yousif AlKhan said: “We want tourists to feel that there is so much more to do in Bahrain than just shopping, going to dinner or watching a movie. There are
so many activities going on, especially during Shop Bahrain which is the largest nationwide event.
“Also, this is being held during a period where the Gulf countries are enjoying their school-break, hence we expect an influx of tourists to arrive to the kingdom and revel in the fun-filled experience and entertainment offered by Shop Bahrain.”
Engineer Amaar Al Orifan, 27, flew in from Kuwait to visit her friend Noura Alenizi, 21, who is studying medicine at Arabian Gulf University. After spending hours shopping at Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Al Aali Shopping Complex and Moda Mall, they ventured with a few more friends to enjoy the festivities.
Noura, who lives in Salmaniya, said: “I honestly didn’t think it would be such a good event but thought why not, check it out, as we heard there will be musical performances and shows. It exceeded our expectations!
“We had so much fun playing the games. It’s the first time I have seen a festival like this in Bahrain. We had the best time!” “This festival is a great idea,” added Amaar. “It didn’t disappoint and is the perfect way to start Shop Bahrain.”
Giant Angry Birds and Pokémon characters, along with clowns and performers, roamed Festival City bringing smiles and laughter to visitors of all ages. A group of ‘moving statues’ perched up on blocks at the entrance also provided entertainment. BTV News anchor, Danielle Doporto, 30, from Budaiya, took pictures with the festival mascots and couldn’t wait to give the carousel-a-go.
She said: “This is definitely something different and new to do in Bahrain. Just coming to the location alone is impressive with its 360 degrees, iconic setting. “You are surrounded by towers and the sea.
I think this festival brings out the ‘inner child’ in us all and I think it’s a great thing for Bahrain. I’m very excited for us to be on the regional stage as a destination for fun, hospitality, for new things and forever improving on our offerings.”
Parents joined their children at the main arena where they sat on giant LEGO blocks to watch ‘mad scientists’ and magicians perform. Others cuddled up in front of a film screen to watch cartoons and other movies.
There will be a variety of concerts and shows held on a daily basis from 5pm to 10pm. Magician Nabeel Bera, known by his stage name as One with Magic, will be on stage every day at 7pm.
He also will be walking around the festival enthralling guests with his close-up magic skills, including card tricks and other illusions. Local, progressive fusion folk band Majaz ended the launch event on a high note with a selection of instrumentals and captivating tunes.
They will be performing again on Friday and on February 3, both at 10pm. The Festival City will be open until February 4 from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 4pm to 12 am on weekends.
Tickets are BD2 and children under the age of six enter for free. Aside from the city, Shop Bahrain features the return of the ‘Taste Tour’ that will include 29 restaurants where participants will be able to sample dishes and vote for their favourite venue.
The food lovers will also have the opportunity to win a Q50 Infinity as part of the tour’s grand raffle draw. The shopping bonanza also includes a series of exciting activities to enjoy around the kingdom at participating malls and hotels.
Shoppers will be enrolled in the Festival’s loyalty system when purchasing directly from any participating outlet and partner allowing them to win a wide range of prizes including one of the 12 cars and over 25,000 prizes. The four weekly raffle draws will take place at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism headquarters.
For further details about Shop Bahrain, visit www. shopbahrain.com or follow them on social networking channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @shopbahrain.
The Festival organisers have also launched a dedicated Whatsapp channel on 38999111
