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The combined National Day Festival and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is expected to illuminate the skies of Bahrain this week and attract “as many as 20,000 to 30,000 fans,” according to Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
Kicking off the live performances will be Emirati singer Balqees, who will be entertaining the fans on Friday and has performed all over the world, including with the iconic Andrea Bocelli.
Famous Iraqi artist Mohammed Al Salem will feature in the festival’s second concert on Saturday. Kuwaiti singer and YouTube sensation Essa Al Marzouq will be taking to the stage on Sunday. Legendary Kuwaiti singer Abdulla Al Rowaished, popularly known as Abu Khalid the Ambassador of Gulf music, will feature in the closing concert of this year’s BIC National Day Festival.
On-track, fans will be able to enjoy open paddock access, giving them a closer look at the behind-the-scenes of highly competitive and exciting WEC, Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East and the MRF Challenge.
Laurence Jones, newly appointed senior manager of marketing and communications at BIC, said: “We want to bring everyone closer to motorsports. The cars that race in WEC have technology that is much closer to that which people see in their cars on a daily basis, instead of F1 cars, which are usually just reserved for racing conditions. With the added off-track entertainment, there will be something for the entire family to enjoy a wonderful day out!”
Off-track, High Dive Group will deliver an electrifying, nerve-wracking, jaw-dropping, mind-blowing act, diving from high platforms while twisting, turning, and tumbling into the water, using flames, hula hoops, and hi-jinks.
International stunt driver and multiple world record holder, Terry Grant, who made his Silverstone Classic debut in 2018 will be thrilling the crowd with breath-taking stunts, which in the past have included the highest loop-the-loop in a car, the fastest two-wheel mile and the furthest barrel roll jump.
Spark! LED drummers will take the audience on a colourful dreamlike journey combining high-impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting design whilst standing out amongst the crowds, lighting up the vending area with their highly entertaining carnival-themed show.
In addition, there will be children’s activities, a full shopping experience with local vendors, food and beverage stalls and of course, the biggest and most brilliant fireworks display in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Laurence, who joined BIC full-time in September after spending seven years working to promote the brand overseas in his previous role at PR firm Dragon Advisory said: “The BIC is more than just F1 and this is yet another event to showcase that to Bahrain’s residents. We work with charities, schools, and many different organisations, so people can be proud of living in, what really is the home of motorsports in the Middle East.
“I look forward to expanding the BIC’s profile locally and globally, as more than just an F1 destination. While that has its own glamour, the BIC is also a great place to learn about and participate in all kinds of motorsports.”
