Thousands of people came out for the first of a string of events being held to mark Bahrain National Day. Thank You Bahrain', organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), was held from 2pm until 11pm at the National Stadium car park, Riffa. the event was held under the Under the patronage of H.R.H.Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister. The event saw government officials, diplomats, community leaders and members from civil society organisations all coming together under one roof to thank the leadership of the kingdom.
More than 4,000 people were present during the first two hours since the event was opened with performances from students from different public and private schools. The event was held at the National Stadium car park in Riffa from noon until 8pm.Embassies, consulates, churches, clubs, schools, societies and universities all had stalls at the event and there was a special suq where local entrepreneurs showcased their products.
Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism 2013, and its future activities and events were also highlighted during this event, which screened many shot movies reflecting old Bahraini lifestyles. Schoolchildren performed their tributes to Bahrain with song and dance routines. The programme also included cultural singing and dancing from different groups of expatriates and Bahraini school children. A grand raffle with a variety of prizes, including a Mitsubishi car donated by Zayani Motors, was held.
There was also a soft play area for children and a stage area, where Pakistani singer Humaira Arshad performed. The Mohammed Bin Faris band also performed a selection of gifted young musicians, faithful to the spirit of the Traditional Bahraini music, which they inherited from their ancestors and they are keen to preserve and develop its ancient origins. The young prestigious musicians are love for traditional music arts like féjiri, Al-Sut art (vocal), al-Bastah art, Al-Najdi and Al-Samiri arts.The group has performed in many national and international festivals and has earned international critical acclaim and enjoyed great satisfaction at home and abroad. The Ministry of Culture reaffirmed its support for this group and its activities because it believes in the continuity and preservation of the traditional arts for the next generation.
The money raised from 'Thank You Bahrain' will be used to fund the launch of the BFEA shelter, a special residential sanctuary with legal, medical and emotional support for expatriates in need. The support received for the Thank You Bahrain, has been astounding, said the Secretary General of the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations, Betsy Mathieson. She said that the event took shape from the Prime Minister calling the expatriates, “sons and daughters of Bahrain”.
http://www.moc.gov.bh/en/mediacenter/news/2013/December2013/Name,10662,en.html