Bahrain's 40th National Day and His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne was celebrated in style across the Kingdom with colourful programmes including a grand fireworks display, a laser show, performances by folk bands and family festivities.

Landmarks and government buildings were illuminated with red and white lights depicting the national flag as part of the nationwide celebrations.

Public and private school buildings also hoisted the national flag at all its entrances, with pictures of the leadership.

Activities lined up for today include a National "Civil Aviation Festival in Love of Bahrain", a traditional bazaar, face-painting, henna, games and children's zone at Arad Bay, Wihda Wahda (Let's Unite) festival at Adhari Park, and a National Festival with ardah dancing, Interior Ministry music band and children's shows at Estiqlal Walkway.

Among the highlights yesterday was the Aerobatics Show in Muharraq, in which stunt pilots from The Champions Aerobatic Show team took to the skies for one-hour shows at Busaiteen beach.

The event, organised by the Civil Aviation Affairs, continues today and will also feature stage shows, national songs and dance performances.

An Interior Ministry parade was held at Arad Bay in the morning. Performances by Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Yemeni and Jordanian groups, showcasing their country's culture and tradition, were the highlights.

The event also featured a market where home-made products, traditional goods and food were sold.

Bahraini bands performed while families enjoyed henna-painting, face-painting, games and competitions. A number of ministries also took part in the event.

Meanwhile, week-long activities organised by the Social Development Ministry kicked off yesterday at Adhari Park.

The event, called Wihda Wahda (Let's Unite) festival, was held in collaboration with local societies.

It featured live stage shows with performances by Bahraini singers, traditional games and art, while productive families sold home-made products.

Seef Mall celebrated National Day with a host of activities. Seef Weekend Wonders began yesterday and continues today.

It aims to reflect the love and unity of citizens and residents. Children took part in painting and sketching competitions.

The Interior Ministry has set up stalls at the mall featuring a music band, competitions and children's corner, to raise awareness of the ministry's role in society and its various departments.

Visitors were given free T-shirt branded "I Love Bahrain", and drawings and artwork were displayed.

Hundreds of families attended the National Carnival "Eid Biladi" (my country's festivities) at Hananiya Park, Riffa.

Organised by the Southern Governorate, it featured a fireworks display, folk bands and family festivities.

Capital Governorate staff celebrated the day with Bahraini poet Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

A grand celebration was also held at the Al Fateh Corniche, Juffair. Organised by the Capital Governorate in collaboration with the Hoora Charity Fund and Gudaibiya Charity Fund, the festival was held under the patronage of Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.

It featured a laser show, folk band, children's band performances and various fun and game activities for families and children.-TradeArabia News Service