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While a wide range of major concerts will be staged over the race weekend (see Page 1 & Leisure Guide on P9), there are also many alternative off-track activities on offer too at Bahrain International Circuit to keep families entertained when events on the circuit are quiet.
The highlight of this is a pair of captivating theatre shows which will be held in the F1 Village Vending Area.
SIRO-A from Japan specialise in fusing mime with ground-breaking visual effects and an electro soundtrack to create a mind-blowing theatrical experience that promises to be a feast of the senses.
Through dance, acting and puppetry, the company of six performers interact with technology in a spectacular way, including video projection, light animation, stunning laser effects and a pulsating beat.
Alternatively, there’s Ticket to Bollywood, a high-octane production from Mumbai that packs fantastic costumes and joyful music to bring the glitz and glamour of the Indian movie industry to life.
There will be three performances a day of each production. Entrance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in watching any of the performances must strictly adhere to the timings published around the venue so as not to miss out.
For the younger children, there will be four workshops to keep them entertained. The first is a balloon workshop where they will learn how to twist and turn three-foot balloons to make a replica of insects, animals and everything in-between. There is also a bubbles workshop, where they will be hands-on in preparing and creating different-sized bubbles with help from a professional ‘bubble master’ from the US.
There will also be a circus workshop, with skills such as spinning plates, juggling, balancing and unicycling and, in the magic workshop, kids can pick up fantastic tricks from Maestro Gary and Maestro Ricky, who have more than 15 years’ experience.
Aramis Gehberger, more popularly known as Dr Bubbles, is also set to be at the F1 Village, as will the Treemendous Treants. The Austrian entertainer is one of the globe’s most successful bubble artists, having performed all over the world, including at some of the biggest festivals in Europe. The Treemendous Treants are towering, full-detailed costume characters that are guaranteed to grab attention.
There will also be a giant puppeteer show, headed by Titeretu the giant iron and wood puppeteer. Using the body as a simple tool, the show features balance, precision and co-ordination in puppet control.
An installation called Laberint II will be open too, which features a sea of coloured walls full of crossroads, which will test the most intrepid participants with its visual enigmas.
For the tiniest tots there will be a monkey puppet show featuring Bongo and Congo, who play African drums and lead audiences in song and dances – all while performing tricks and special effects. The show also features positive messages, such as caring for the environment and getting along with each other.
Returning to the BIC for the second year running is Daniel Waples, also known as Danny Hang Player. His music, featuring the unique sound of a hand drum, sends a message of pure music and tranquillity.
Continuing the beat will be the Beastie Drummers, who have performed in festivals all over the world. They aim to bring people together through the celebration of music and dancing. Over time, they have created a unique musical style that blends traditional folk with a modern, dance twist. The instrumentation is likewise varied across cultures, with snares beside djembes, and samba shakers next to Turkish bass drums.
Furthermore, the Mimo Dixie Band will bring their innovative combination between the Dixieland jazz musical style of the 1920s with a touch of mime, circus arts and comedy.
Morf is a complete ‘vocal looper’ and uses nothing but his voice and an array of effect/loop units to create full songs live on the spot. He provides an interactive and fully enjoyable performance for audiences of all ages, showcasing what the human voice is fully capable of.
Among the roaming acts are circus professionals The Dapper Chaps, guitar duo The Mangore Duo, classical musician The Saw Guy, musician Wotjek and energetic street performer Spandy Andy. Street performer Joey Albert will be walking around the F1 Village performing his ‘jack of all trades’ act, where he will mix acrobatics, juggling and comedy.
The popular Gamezone will return too, featuring a variety of physical games such as a pit-stop tyre changes, remote-controlled model car racing, plus competitive races on the PlayStation 4 F1 video game offering participants the chance to win a variety of prizes.
Finally, the popular autograph session will return, allowing F1 fans a chance to meet their favourite drivers. This will take place between 12.30pm-1.30pm on Saturday in the vending area, and all 22 drivers will be on hand to meet and greet visitors. Enjoy the queue!
