Bahrain Summer 2012 Festival, set to kick off next month, will feature a theatrical performance, musical shows and children's concerts, among a number of other spectacular events, said a top government official.

The festival will launch on June 14, and will run for four weeks under the slogan Manama, the City of Joy and is being organised by the Culture Ministry at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

'Our programme this year is lively and interactive, dedicated to the future of children, families and all guests,' said Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa during a Press conference yesterday (May 28) at the Bahrain National Museum.

'We have compiled a varied agenda to ensure that all tastes are catered to, including musical, cultural and educational events and activities from the region and beyond.

'We want to show the real special cultural aspect about Bahrain, in a way that allows us to maintain our heritage and traditions. We have also compiled the events line-up in one television commercial that will be broadcast on Bahrain TV to promote the festival and to reach families inside their homes.'

Bahrain's most popular mascot, Nakhool, will also return and will host children at the BIECC with educational and entertaining programmes daily from 2pm until 7pm.

'Nakhool City programme will focus this year on developing children's talents through creative series of workshops and activities,' said ministry public relations head Hisham Al Saken.

'They will get the chance to innovate through the daily programmes that were brought from all over the world.'

The festival will also feature eight key events in addition to workshops, competitions and puppet shows.

Some of the major highlights include Russian theatrical performance, Slava's Snow Show, one of the world's renowned musicals, the Sound of Music, a performance by the region's top hip hop artist Qusai and Bahrain's own Hala Al Turk.

Tickets are required for all events, except for Nakhool City and the Wooden Circus. – TradeArabia News Service