FOUR major Middle Eastern stars will headline National Day celebrations at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir this weekend.
Four days of off-track entertainment as part of BIC National Day Festival starts on Friday with Emirati singer Balqees Fathi headlining a concert, followed by Iraqi singer Mohammed Al Salem on Saturday, Kuwaiti singer Essa Al Marzouq on Sunday and Kuwaiti singer Abdallah Al Rowaished on Monday.
The track will also host racing action in the FIA WEC Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain, on Friday and Saturday.
A major part of the family entertainment from Friday to Monday are extreme acts such as a high dive group, pirate show, the Stannage Stunt Team and the dynamic duo of Terry Grant and Lee Bowers.
Roaming performers from all corners of the globe will also be present to entertain visitors.
Among the acts that guests will be able to enjoy are The Black Angels from Kenya, Mariachi Jaliso Group from Mexico, and Six Harmonies Lion Dance Team plus Spark! LED Drummers from the UK.
Tickets are BD1 per person per day which can be purchased at the gate, online at BIC’s official website www.bahraingp.com, by calling the BIC hotline on 17450000 or at the BIC stand at City Centre Bahrain.
Meanwhile, governorates across the kingdom have announced special events to mark National Day and Accession Day.
Ten events have been announced by the Capital Governorate.
The ongoing Benefit Food Festival which began last week at Water Garden City continues until Saturday from 4pm to midnight.
The governorate also sponsored the 10th Motorcycle Festival on December 6, Umm Al Hasam’s National Day celebrations on December 7, the Social Entrepreneurs Forum at the InterContinental Bahrain on December 7, University of Bahrain’s celebrations today at its premises in Zallaq, Gulf University’s celebrations tomorrow at its premises in Sanad and finally, the Recreation Festival on December 26 at Water Garden City.
The Northern Governorate’s celebrations will continue until December 28.
The events are being held in co-operation with the Sports Heritage Committee and Bahrain Cycling Association.
Activities include a fishing competition on the Malkiya coast, a bicycle race in Salman Town, a legacy challenge in the Abu Saiba coast, a rowing race (Al Shahoof) at Budaiya Harbour, the Arab Open University celebration at its premises in A’ali, the Hamad Town Festival and traditional races in Saar.
The Southern Governorate has also organised a series of events to mark the occasion.
Inspired by the ancient history of the south, the events include the establishment of the historic Southern Governorate exhibition that includes a presentation of historical photographs of the city of Riffa, historical monuments in the Southern Governorate and traditional collectibles, held in the governorate compounds until Friday.
The governorate will for the first time organise ‘The Fair at Southern Governorate’ festival from Saturday to Monday near December 16 Street.
The Southern Governorate Competition for the National Day will also be held and feature three categories for the best photo, the best painting and the best video clip on social media.
The competition will provide valuable prizes for the best posts, and anyone can participate by sending personal data and application forms to [email protected]
Applicants must ensure that all posts provided should represent the governorate’s expressive landmarks.
Registration and submission will continue until Sunday.
Within the series of national events, the Southern Governorate will hold a success and honour ceremony for sponsors and participants who contributed to the success of a series of events and projects organised by the Southern Governorate during 2019.
The event will be held at the Public Security Officers Club on December 23.
A number of activities will be held across youth centres and national clubs as part of a Bahrain Festivals initiative by the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry.
The national plan to enhance affiliation and consolidate the values of citizenship in Bahrain include a large package of youth, sports, cultural and social programmes directed to 120 activities, which is in line with the goals of the ministry.
Muharraq Governorate’s celebrations include a cultural extravaganza at the Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park in Hidd tomorrow, starting at 3pm.
The fair will feature various cultural events, homemade food, crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy.