Event listing

Today (April 6)
Al Riwaq Art Space is hosting a solo exhibition of Bahraini artist Ahmed Anan, named ‘Conceal and Reveal’.

The display aims to prove that while every individual tries to conceal their weaknesses, imperfections or what is taboo by law or collective tradition, that we often hide what is beautiful and valued by society,

The expo will run until May 1.

In celebration of ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism 2016’, the Manama Souq will host the ‘Hurafana Handicrafts Festival’ until Saturday, aimed at showcasing the kingdom’s rich heritage of open markets.

The festival includes performances by traditional Bahraini bands and runs daily from 4pm-10pm. Entry is free.

Tomorrow (April 7)
The Bahrain Bay Kitchen restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is now hosting a Fisherman’s Night every Thursday from 7pm. It features an extensive seafood buffet from which guests can choose their own catch, as well as sushi and nigiri stations.

Entry is BD21++ excluding beverages. For reservations, call 17115500.

The Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is staging a Mexican Weekend serving up traditional fare and beverages during its Thursday Night Out (BD33 net) and Friday Brunch (BD36 net).

Call 17460000 for details.

La Fontaine Art Centre is hosting a reading and book signing by bestselling Indonesian author Andrea Hirata, whose novel The Rainbow Troops (Laskar Pelangi) not only sold more than five million copies worldwide, but was made into a critically-acclaimed movie and TV series. The evening will also feature a performance by Indonesian singer Meda Kawu, and guests will have the opportunity to chat to the author.

The event starts at 6pm, tickets are BD20 (discounted to BD16 with the purchase of the novel for BD5.500) and 50 per cent of proceeds of ticket sales will go to the free school established by Hirata.

The Bahrain Irish Society is hosting an ‘April Seisiun’ music event at Maguires Irish Bar, Adliya, from 8.30pm. Guests can bring their own instrument along if they wish to participate.

Friday (April 8)
Al Areen Palace & Spa continues to host its family-friendly Keizo Friday Brunch.

The cost is BD28++ with selected beverages and BD21++ with soft drinks from 12.30pm-4pm. There is also complimentary access to the pool and kid’s club. For more information, call 17845000.

The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosts its celebrated Chocoholic Brunch featuring international delicacies with a special focus on chocolate creations.

It is served from 1pm-4pm and features live entertainment, with art competitions and video games for children.

Entry is BD22 net inclusive of soft drinks, BD28 net inclusive of unlimited selected beverages and BD10 net for children. Guests can book by calling 17533533 or visiting www.sheratonbahrain.com

Malja Bahrain is presenting a ‘Symphonies of the Self’ musical production to celebrate the works of late composer, Majeed Marhoon.

The project will be showcased over two consecutive evenings at the Bahrain Cultural Hall today and tomorrow in the form of a concert and documentary.

For more information, call 32323000.

Monday (April 11)

The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has launched its Fiesta Mexicana evenings every Monday at its Bahrain Bay Kitchen outlet from 7pm-11pm. It features a selection of traditional Mexican cuisine and beverages accompanied by music.

Guests can dine for BD18++. For reservations, call 17115500.

Tuesday (April 12)
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s popular poolside event, The Gulf Night Out, is back and will take place every Tuesday night. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines from 10 fine dining outlets and live cooking stations, including a barbecue. The event also features live performances from local band Al Rayash, followed by a Lebanese performance from the hotel’s Zahle outlet.

The event is priced at BD19++ and the buffet starts from 8pm. For more information, call 17713000.

The Manama Theatre Company is staging its latest production, a traditional British farce entitled Move Over Mrs Markham which will be performed until April 15.

Tickets for shows from today until April 14 are BD7 and now on sale from the British Club of Bahrain, where the play will be performed, and Alosra outlets in Juffair, Amwaj, Budaiya and Saar (Nakheel Centre). All shows will start at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the special 1970s dinner theatre evening on April 15 are BD12.500 and only on sale at the British Club, with dinner being served at 7pm.

Tourists from across the globe are being treated to a taste of Bahraini culture at the Hurafana Handicrafts Festival, showcasing the kingdom’s rich heritage and traditional trades, writes Mai Al-Khatib-Camille.

The 10-day festival being held in Manama Souq’s Bab Al Bahrain includes 17 stalls featuring an array of handicrafts and handmade goods, including pottery, basket and fabric weaving, model dhow making, Al Naqdah embroidery, enamel painting and gypsum engraving.

The event was launched on Thursday evening in the presence of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed Al Zayani, and other VIPs, and over the weekend attracted visitors arriving on the island for the F1 race.

Abdul Hussain Al Khabbaz’s weaving skills were one of the major attractions on the opening night. The 58-year-old from Janabiya has been plaiting baskets, mats and other items out of palm tree branches since the early1990s, a trade he picked up from his father and grandfather.

He said: “The festival is beautiful. It is helping to raise awareness about our culture and the traditional skills still evident in Bahrain.”

Shopper Lucy Jones, 39, assistant head at the British School of Bahrain, added: “It’s wonderful to see such culture and understand the history of the island. It’s great exposure for the kingdom.”

There is also a majlis-style coffee shop with giant pillows on the floor to lounge upon and time-honoured games like backgammon and dominos to enjoy, as well as live folk music.

A Hidden Pictures Challenge will be held at the KP Centre in Sehla during the first four weekends of April, from 7pm-8pm on Fridays and 11am to noon on Saturdays. The event is aimed at testing observation, concentration and participation skills in young learners.

Prizes are on offer for those who find the most hidden objects in the shortest time, while every registered person will receive a complimentary Hidden Pictures magazine as well as a concession voucher to shop at Kingdom Pride.

Entry costs BD2.500 and there is a maximum of 50 participants per session, so prior registration is required by calling 39797277 or 39667502 or emailing highlightsbahrain@highlights.com