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 Sure, sure, we know what you’re probably thinking. That this festival is going to be as, erm, unsuccessful – to put it mildly – as summer festivals in the past (remember the year Kathem Al Saher was flown in, and something like two people and a goat showed up? A result of bad marketing of course, not that Mr. Al Saher is not well worth seeing live). However, we promise this year will be different, take our word for it. First of all, not only is Shaikha Mai, the new Minister of Information and Culture, behind it this year, but the Bahrain Summer Festival 2009 is backed by organisations such as the Economic Development Board (EDB), Gulf Air, Batelco, and Moda Mall. So think the Spring of Culture on steroids. Due to run until the 20th of August (so that you’re summer will be packed with events until right before Ramadhan), the Festival is jam packed with events. Egyptian diva Amal Maher, pays tribute to Um Kalthoum on the 23rd of July at the Cultural Hall, and the one and only King of Rai, Cheb Khaled, takes the stage on the 29th of July at Arad Fort (now that is one event we wouldn’t mind sitting in the humidity for – best not blow dry our tresses that day!). These are just a few of many concerts, talks, exhibitions; you name it, Bahrain’s got it this year. Most events are free of charge, making culture and art accessible to everyone (as indeed they should be). So with a festival like this, we dare you to complain that there is nothing to do in Bahrain other than hang out in Seef. Go on, we dare you!
- Noora Abul
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