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Joyous occasion for Kingdom lovers

December 19 - 25, 2018
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Gulf Weekly Joyous occasion for Kingdom lovers

Gulf Weekly Kristian Harrison
By Kristian Harrison

Lovers of Bahrain flocked in their thousands to a number of venues over the National Day weekend to take part in a mass celebration to honour the place they call home.

The Capital Governorate staged two days of non-stop family fun at Water Garden City in Seef, located across from City Centre Bahrain. There was a fireworks display that reverberated throughout the island and a raffle draw with two cars – a Mitsubishi Attrage from Al Zayani Investments and a Nissan Sunny from Montreal Motors as the main prizes.

People shopped till they dropped at the Tamkeen Souq which featured different stalls and there were also several cultural shows and water art to adore. A performance by the Bahrain Police Band, games and rides for children, were other popular attractions.

There were also celebrations taking place at Reef Island, with Bahraini traditional folk dancers and musicians entertaining crowds, who were also entertained by watersport professionals and a decorative light display.

However, the main National Day showpiece was being staged at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir where people dressed up in their best red and white to watch a fantastic fireworks fiesta held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. It was the highlight of the circuit’s three-day festival which showcased the best of Bahrain.

BIC’s vending area was packed with a shopping bazaar featuring dozens of stalls representing local businesses, a wide variety of children’s activities and a play area, cultural and musical performances, and plenty of food and beverage outlets.

Fans also lapped up a series of live music concerts headlined by some of the Arab world’s most popular artists, including Rabeh Sager and Mohammed Abdu.

Visitor Ashleigh AlJasmine said: “The concerts were amazing, particularly Rabeh Sager! I have been wanting to see him for a long time and I was so excited I kept jumping about. This is what the spirit of Bahrain and celebration is all about.”

Another, Daloosh Waheed, enjoyed Mohammed Abdu because he is her father’s favourite artist and being able to take her dad to see him live for the first time was a special moment.

She said: “Being here with my dad and seeing him sing along made me so proud! We are very grateful that we live in Bahrain, which is the Kingdom of Love, the Kingdom of Peace, and where we do not simply tolerate those of other faiths and beliefs, but we warmly embrace them as part of our loving Bahraini family.

“Happy Birthday Bahrain!”

Also, live entertainment was provided by acts who performed dances and songs representative of various cultures, which was watched eagerly by a swelling crowd, as well as a marching band that played patriotic anthems.

Many more could be seen feasting on traditional Bahraini food and rummaging through the handicrafts and local products on display.

Semi-professional footballer, Ishaq Al Koheeji, attended the joyous occasion with his friend Hani Malik.

Ishaq said: “This festival has a really interesting mix of culture, from the stands, to the displays and the entertainment. Mohammed Abdu’s voice made my heart soar with pride!

“It was great to share these moments with my close friends. We enjoyed seeing so many people come together to celebrate Bahrain as it solidified the love we all feel being in this great country. The fireworks were the best part for me, they went on for half an hour and it was a spectacular display of light and sound.”

Hani also enjoyed the concert, and as a keen guitar player who has starred on Bahrain TV and has a growing YouTube following, hopes that one day he can emulate his heroes on stage.

“I’ve played a few small concerts before, but my dream is to one day be on a stage like this and look out to the thousands of people with flags, face paint and smiles. All coming together to celebrate Bahrain!”

 

The kingdom’s favourite songstress took to the stage at the Bahrain Cultural Hall with a barnstorming performance as part of the Manama Doesn’t Sleep National Day celebrations.

Jazz fusion queen Banah performed her Once Upon a Dream, East & West Music show on Saturday evening, bringing her medley of classical, oriental and modern tunes to an enthralled audience.

She was supported by a 15-piece band lead by maestro Zeyad Zaiman and Bahrain Orchestra musicians including some of the most highly-regarded in the region.

Banah said: “The whole experience was great and I was shocked how many people turned up. There were so many events around the country for people to choose between, and we practically filled out the hall!

“When I finished the concert, I had such a good vibe and people were sharing videos of it on social media and saying how amazing it was … even people I don’t know.”

Her repertoire included her single Shou Helou Nihna as well as a modern remake of songs by music legends such as Fairouz, Mohammed Abdul Wahab, Majida El Roumi, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.

Earlier, a special National Day song released by the National Bank of Bahrain showcased Banah as part of an ensemble of the kingdom’s finest singers.

She explained: “I’m very happy to be part of the celebration of Bahrain. Whether you’re Bahraini or not, people who leave always want to come back. There’s something special about this little island and I was so happy to share what I love to do the most, which is singing, with the country.”

 







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