The  Bahrain Summer 2011 Festival, which aims to spread a message of hope, love and optimism in the kingdom,  the region and beyond, will open on July1.

The third annual event from July 1 to 31 includes events and activities that aim to bring joy and happiness to residents and tourists, said organisers.

Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said this year’s festival would have a different flavour, under the slogan ‘Summer of Joy, Coming Together and Hope’.

“This summer we will express our love to our homeland,  as we are determined to face every challenge and conquer all difficulties,” she told a Press conference at Bahrain National Museum.

“The summer of love returns this year with a diverse range of cultural, educational and entertaining programmes, reflecting the love for our homeland and life as well as and celebrating joy, coming together and hope.”

Ministry public relations and media specialist Dana Abdulghani said the summer message for the festival, A Victory of Joy, was about bringing people together and spreading hope.

“This is different from any other year because it is spreading the message of hope and love between people and for people to be optimistic and have hope,” she added.

As organisers, the ministry has launched an aggressive local and regional marketing campaign to attract visitors and tourists.

It has also teamed up with the tourism sector to promote the festival and promotional offers will be provided by four and five-star hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and public theme parks.

“You can’t succeed without a proper marketing campaign and we are trying very hard through local and regional newspapers and using other marketing tools,” said assistant under-secretary for tourism Nada Ahmed Yaseen.

“Gulf Air will advertise the festival on the TV screen on flights and in its magazines as well as business and first class lounges.

“We are using the Internet and websites and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. One of the most important tools is word of mouth and talking about it with passion to bring tourists in.

“Our target is GCC families and residents, which include expats.”

Activities and events will be held at Arad Fort, Cultural Hall and Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

Everyday in the Nakhool Tent at Arad Fort event mascot Nakhool, a character symbolising Bahrain’s tradition and culture and its Dilmun history, will host a variety of activities. The fun-packed events will be educational and artistic in nature, focusing on children and youth.

They include artistic workshops, electronic games and movies aimed at spreading the spirit of this year’s slogan – A Victory of Joy.

The Cultural Hall will host concerts for all members of the family. On July 1, Lebanese singer Samar Kammouj will host a musical evening with a tribute to one of the greatest Arabic musicians Riyadh Al Sonbati on the 30th anniversary of his death, singing his most admired and respected work.

On July 4, a Cuban musical evening will be held, with breathtaking choreography,
 Flamenco and Ballet on Afro-Cuban and Cuban rhythms.

The musical heritage of the Gulf will rule the night of July 11, when the Bahraini Mohammed bin Faris Band will join the Kuwaiti Folklorist Band Fan Al Sut.

From July 6 to 10 BIECC will take visitors into an imaginary adventure twice a day as Barney comes aboard his spaceship with his lifelong friends BG, Baby Bob and Riff to visit the purple kingdom of the purple planet and its friendly, colourful people.

From Brooklyn-New York visitors will enjoy an engaging, soulful and thought-provoking performance on July 15 and 16 with Chen Lo and The Lo Frequency and their blends of musical influences of hip-hop, jazz, blues, kwaito, soul, rock and roll, R&B and afro-beat.

Fun will continue twice a day over another three days from July 14 to 16, with the Yang family and international Gazillion Bubble Show.

On July 21 and 22, Bollywood fans will re-live the journey of a young girl, her grandfather and their love of Kathak dance, the dance of the Gods, in a performance by the Merchants of Bollywood. From India The Dhol Foundation on June 18 will entertain visitors with choreography on celebratory drumbeats.

On July 20 and 21, the Canadian Théâtre Tout à Trac will follow the white rabbit with an innovative adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland with the same unbridled humour and madness of the original tale.

On July 25 and 26, children and adults will enjoy Georgian Legend: Samaia’s Little Virtuosos children’s performance challenging professional adult experts. 

The night of July 28 marks the end of the  Bahrain Summer 2011 Festival, with tranquil Islamic and nationalistic chants by Islamic recitalist Shaikh Mishary Al Afasy, welcoming the approaching Ramadan. The majority of events are free. Information on how to purchase tickets for paid events will be announced mid-June.

For details, visit www.bahrainsummer.bh or call 80008089.