The kingdom’s biggest toy festival has officially opened its doors to the public, inviting children and families to a colourful celebration of play and creativity.
The second edition of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival, organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), runs until August 5 at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), Sakhir.
It features diverse games and famous characters from more than 20 leading global brands. Some of them include Barbie, Blippi, Hot Wheels, Marvel and Bluey.
Organisers say that this year’s event will be twice as large as last year’s, allowing for a more diverse and interactive programme.
It also comes as part of plans to develop the tourism sector and achieve the goals of Tourism Strategy 2022-2026.
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Ms Buhijji speaking with event staff
BTEA chief executive Sara Buhijji told the GDN yesterday that families can expect nine shows per day, featuring 23 different cartoon characters and figures.
“With a bigger space and new features, we hope that families enjoy and we will see an even bigger turnout than last year,” she added.
“The previous edition saw around 100,000 people attend, and we expect this number to increase this year.
“Many families were quick to purchase tickets and packages, with some even purchasing before the event was officially announced to the public.”
She also pointed out that the growing popularity of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival highlights the kingdom’s increasing demand in becoming a tourism hub.
“We are working to create a range of different events to suit all tastes,” she said, adding that many people fly in to attend the festival as it is a perfect way to spend the summer holiday and enjoy the kingdom’s many attractive tourism activities.
“Bahrain offers many things for all people to enjoy, and these kinds of events help show that to the region and rest of the world.”
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Shaikha Dwa, second from left, with Ms Buhijji, second from right
Artist Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa told the GDN that an activation zone was also set up, and she was honoured to be a part of it.
“It is great to see an artistic side added to the event this year,” she said, highlighting that art is important for children to be able to express their creativity.
“Children are able to enjoy the games and installations and can even paint on their own piece of pottery or canvas, so it is a really nice opportunity for them as well and an honour for us to be a part of the event.”
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Art installation at the event
Last year’s edition, which attracted almost 100,000 visitors from Bahrain and abroad, resulted in a significant increase in the occupancy rates of hotels and hospitality establishments.
It also increased tourism and commercial activities in Zallaq and Sakhir, enhancing the occupancy levels and commercial activity of resorts hotels, restaurants and various shops located in the vicinity.
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Sweets and popcorn station
The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival is open from 2pm to 10pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and noon to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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