A star attraction will be the legendary Pharaoh exhibition including the treasures of Tutankhamen. This is the first time that the exhibition will be seen in the Arab World outside of Cairo.

This year’s festival is also packed with plenty of events and runs throughout the whole of March and into April — taking the festival right up to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Formula 1 weekend.

The Spring of Culture 2007 programme was announced at a Press conference held in the Cultural Hall of the Bahrain National Museum. Speaking at the event, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sector of Culture and Heritage at the Ministry of Information, said: “Today, we see Bahrain witnessing significant economic growth. And just as we invest in the economy, we are required to invest in our culture — to shed light on the importance of our heritage, arts and traditions.

“Bahrain was, and still is, unique in its cultural heritage. Not only is the island home to some amazing archaeological treasures, for the last century it has been a centre for culture and the arts.

“Culture is an essential part of Bahrain’s past, present and future. For 2007, we have put together an impressive line-up featuring local, regional and international segments that cover the full artistic gamut — from poetry, lectures, and fine arts to music, theatre and dance.”

Organised by the Sector of Culture Heritage with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB), and in association with Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, in addition to a number of arts centres and galleries, the event begins on March 1, 2007, and runs through till April 13.

Addressing the Press, Kamal Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the Economic Development Board, said: “Spring of Culture 2007 brings new life and vitality to cultural events in Bahrain. Through its rich and varied programme, it provides a boost for citizens and residents of the kingdom by offering new and exciting leisure opportunities.

“This has been made possible through the careful selection of Bahrain’s talent, alongside some of the most acclaimed performers and artists in the region and across the world.”

Ahmed also stressed the importance of the festival in promoting Bahrain as a regional cultural centre, and the role it plays in boosting the economy by contributing to the growth of the tourism and leisure sectors.

This year’s festival includes events featuring some of Bahrain’s best known creative talent including singer Khalid Al Sheikh who will be accompanied by the Mohammed bin Faris Band; the Mohammed bin Faris Junior Band giving its first performance with the support of the Sector of Culture and Heritage; and local artists Dr Ahmed Baqer, Ibrahim Bu Saad, Ali Al Mahmeed, Khalid Al Farhan and Jafaar Al Oraibi.

Opening this year’s festival is Lebanese musician Marcel Khalifa, who will perform two consecutive evenings at the National Museum in a performance based on the work of Bahrain’s best-loved modern poet, Qassim Haddad (March 1-2).

The evening will illustrate Qassim Haddad’s interpretation of the love story of Laila Wal Majnoun through music, song and dance. Arad Fort is once again a key venue for this year’s festival, showcasing the rich and varied heritage of the kingdom. This year, the fortress is enhanced by new floodlighting designed by famous French architecture firm Architecture Lumiere, lighting up the 15th century site to stunning effect.