Al Qasba attracts thousands of families for Light Festival fun

With the Sharjah Light Festival 2013 being formally inaugurated by H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Qasba at the Buheirah Corniche is attracting droves of visitors especially families who are flocking to the picturesque area known for its quaint lakeside cafes and restaurants, art galleries and play area for children, to watch the spectacular shows.

The Sharjah Ruler showed the green light to the SLF 2013 Thursday evening at a grand and spectacular show at Al Qasba in the presence of a large gathering of dignitaries, foreign diplomats and senior Sharjah government officials and thousands of onlookers.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority which is hosting the festival for the third year, the public response to the light and sound shows has been overwhelming. The theme of the Light Festival show at Al Qasba this year celebrates the close affinity of Sharjah, UAE and the Arabs with sea and ancient seafaring and maritime traditions.

The audience was spellbound by the spectacular offering at the opening ceremony with sea waves and huge whales and other sea creatures enveloping the outer walls of Al Qasba. The traditional Emirati songs of the sailors and seafarers in the background added to the magic and atmospherics.

The day two at Al Qasba saw huge crowds turning up to watch the spectacular shows on both its exterior and interior walls. In its third edition, the Light Festival is being hosted at 14 locations across the emirate, turning the spotlight once again on its popular landmarks and buildings. Since Al Qasba is the main venue of the festival and is once again hosting some great shows by European artists and technical wizards, it is attracting overwhelming crowds.

The Thursday night saw thousands of excited families that had turned up at Al Qasba for the inaugural show. The fun and games did not stop after the opening ceremony and with the departure of the dignitaries.

The shows continued late into the night with some breathtaking display of lights-and-sound shows and artistry by internationally renowned names. Al Qasba remained the centre of attraction on Friday night as well with large crowds from across the UAE - and foreign tourists - flocking to Sharjah for the weekend.

This year, the SLF fare is distinctly different with European artists known for their expertise in the art of illusion, transforming the exterior of Al Qasba with shows celebrating Sharjah and its history and spirit. The shows on the interiors of Al Qasba seem to have captured the fancy of children and all those young at heart.

Using video loops, light sculptures and latest technology, the artists have created a new universe in three dimensions along the idyllic Al Qasba canal. All shows are free for public and are repeatedly held from 7pm until 11 on weekdays and until 12pm during the weekend.

The 14 locations of the Light Festival this year include Al Qasba External and Internal Facades, Sharjah Hisn (Fort), Masjid Al Noor, Cultural Palace Square, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, Masjid Al Majaz, Courthouse Complex, Central Souk, Sharjah Consultative Council and Kuwait Square, Sharjah International Airport, Masjid Omar Bin Al Khattab in Khorfakkan and Sharjah University Campus in Kalba on the East Coast.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Feb 9, 2013

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