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Gulf Daily News Thursday, 22nd March 2001
Thousands to honour Amir at festival
By FARISHTA SAEED
MANAMA: Thousands of people will pack into the National Stadium in Isa Town tonight to pay tribute to HH the Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Tribute to Bu Salman (fther of Salman) festival, being held under the Amir’s patronage, is expected to attract more than 35,000 people.
A 30-minute operetta being performed by 1,200 children is expected to delight the Amir, in a spectacular celebration of his leadership.
It will be the showpiece of a night of celebration that will also feature top gulf singers, fireworks and a laser show.
The free tribute is being billed as the country’s most spectacular outdoor musical festival, with Gulf singing stars including Mohammed Abdo, Rashid Al majid, Nawal, Mohammed Al Bakree and Hind.
General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the festival would allow the public to gather as one family and celebrate as a nation the Amir’s new vision for Bahrain.
“The festival is not just a fiesta for the Bahraini people, but for all residents of Bahrain, who enjoy the hospitality and prophetic guidance of our Amir,” said Shaikh Fawaz, who heads the organizing committee.
“Historic events have recently taken place in Bahrain.
“Some of these events will be marked not just in the history books of the Gulf but in the archives of world history. There can be no better reason to celebrate.”
Doors open at 5pm.
Nation salutes Amir
By FARISHTA SAEED
Traffic police will be out in force as more than 30,000 people flock to tonight’s nassuve trubute ti HH the Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Drivers are being urged to take extra care to ensure a safe night at the Tribute to Bu Salman (father of Salman) spectacular, being held under the Amir’s patronage at the National Stadium, in Isa Town.
It features 1,200 children in a musical operetta, performances by some of the Gulf’s biggest singing stars, a laser show and a dazzling fireworks display.
The event is the first of its kind to be staged in Bahrain and is expected to draw massive crowds, all the usual risks involving heavy traffic.
Drive safely, be patient and park properly, was the message, from traffic police as preparations continued yesterday.
“There will be traffic police on the roads around the area, ensuring that drivers park in the stadium car park,” said General Directorate of Traffic education and traffic awareness head Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Aziz Bu Hijji.
“The police men will also be there to assist the crowd and show them where should they go to avoid traffic jams.”
Lt Col Bu Hijji was speaking yesterday at a Press confrence for the event, held at the Sheraton Hotel.
“The directorate will be doing its very best to control the traffic and ensure that everyone is obeying the traffic law,” said Lt Col Bu Hijji.
“Our main aim is to ensure the drivers’ safety.”
Visitors to the free festival will be given special cards on arrival to direct them to separate areas for families and single men.
Work on the 30-minute operetta started last month, said music director Mr. Al Shaikh.
“We started by contacting Bahraini poets and collecting the best poetry that conveyed the right message to the Amir,” he remarked.
“This operetta is just about showing the Amir how much his people love and respect him.
“It is an event to convey a simple message to the Amir and that is ‘we love you from the heart.”
The operetta will be performed by Bahraini and Gulf singers Ahmed Al Jumairy, Mr Al Shaikh, Huda Abdulla, Rashid Al Majid, Mohammed Abdulrahim, Hind, Ahmed Al Haramy and Adel Mahmood along with 1,200 children.
Top stars will give their own tribute in a convert, immediately afterwards.
Operetta director Bassim Al Thawadi said the whole country was pulling together to make the event possible.
“Around 1,200 students, aged 12 to 15, had to learn the operetta within 10 days and tailors across the country had to make the outfits ready within five days,” he said.
“An experienced team of Bahraini directors and actors are helping direct the event.
They are Mustafa Rasheed, Ahmed Al Jalli, Abdulla Al Hamad, Amin Al Saegh and Suhail Al Mandi.”
Entertainment The operetta will be shown on large screens to ensure everyone in the crowd has a good view. Another screen, outside the stadium, will enable those who don’t get a seat inside to enjoy the show.
The Bahrain Defence Force and Interior Ministry Bands will entertain the audience prior to the start of the festival, which will culminate in a dramatic fireworks display.
The public is advised to come early to ensure they get seats in the stadium, which has a capacity for 35,000 spectators. Entrance will be on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 5 pm.
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