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THOUSANDS of people decked out in their best red and white regalia are set to flock once again to events across the kingdom to celebrate Bahrain’s 47th National Day.
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), for example, will mark the occasion on Friday in its annual spectacular fashion with three days of non-stop musical merriment and explosive firework displays.
The BIC National Day Festival, held with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, promises activities and attractions for the entire family including a traditional souq, food and beverage stalls and fun rides for the children.
“The BIC National Day Festival is one of our biggest and most anticipated events on our calendar and we’re very pleased to be hosting it for the sixth year,” BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told GulfWeekly.
“There is something for everybody to enjoy, in particular the spectacular fireworks display that we will stage each night and the live musical performances of major Arab artists.
“We look forward to welcoming both Bahrainis and expats over the three days and most importantly to celebrate our country’s National Day and His Majesty King Hamad’s accession to the throne.”
The festivities, affordable at only BD1 per day for regular passes, inclusive of activities and concerts, will kickstart on Friday with the souq, food stalls, cultural shows and activities from 4pm. The fireworks display takes place at 7pm and will be followed by a performance by Iraqi singer Waleed Al Shami at 7.30pm.
The extravaganza will continue in a similar vein on Saturday with Saudi Arabian singer Rabeh Sager taking to the evening stage.
And, Saudi Arabian legendary performer Mohammed Abdu, also known by many as the ‘Artiste of the Arabs’, will entertain the crowds on Sunday at the circuit at 7.30pm.
Those wanting to watch the action in comfort can pick up VIP passes for BD20 per day or BD50 for all three days.
Several hotels and clubs are also planning their own celebrations. The Capital Governorate will be staging two days of non-stop family fun at Water Garden City in Seef, located across from City Centre Bahrain, starting on Saturday from 4pm.
There will also be a fireworks display, a raffle draw with two cars – a Mitsubishi Attrage from Al Zayani Investments and a Nissan Sunny from Montreal Motors as the main prizes. There will also be a Tamkeen Souq featuring different stalls, several cultural shows and water art, a performance by the Bahrain Police Band, games and rides for children, and more prizes to be won, including airline tickets.
Reef Island will stage a celebration of Bahrain’s culture and heritage at the Citrine building-restaurants seaside promenade. There will be a variety of folkloric activities, water shows, henna painting, straw-weaving, traditional dancing, clay making and more, from 6pm to 10pm.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain hotel is lighting up the skyline in red and white to show its love and support for the kingdom.
The beach resort will also offer a variety of celebratory packages and dining and spa experiences for the occasion.
Families can begin the day with a traditional Bahraini cuisine inspired lunch at La Med featuring the national dish of Chicken Machboos and other traditional delicacies.
There will also be a special Spirit Cake featuring a red velvet sponge and cardamom cream filling coated with white chocolate shell in the shape of a pearl, priced BD4.700, created by Executive Pasty Chef Jonathan Challenor for Afternoon Tea.
Saar Mall will also be joining in the fun with a Bahrain National Day Carnival outdoor event on Sunday starting at 4pm. There will be food trucks, a bazaar, games and gifts.
The Indian Club will also participate in the celebrations with a performance by legendary singer Dr P. Susheela from 6pm on Sunday at the club grounds in Manama. A troupe of 10 musicians will back her. It is free for Indian Club members and their families.
•For details of the BIC event, contact 17451155 or visit www.bahraingp.com
•For details of the event staged at Water Garden City, visit www.capital.gov.bh or follow the Governorate on Instagram @CG_Bahrain
•For details of the Reef Island event, contact 17562810.
•For details of the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain celebration contact 17580000.
•For details on the Indian Club show contact entertainment secretary Nandakumar on 36433552 or the club’s reception on 17253157.
