11-day Sharjah festival of lights begins today

Sharjah - The festival will continue till February 17.

Historical buildings, government departments and structures of significance in Sharjah, including Khorfakkan, Kalba and Dhaid will be illuminated by a million colours.
The eighth edition of the Sharjah Light Festival will begin tomorrow with a grand opening ceremony at the Dr Sultan Al Qassimi Centre for Gulf Studies. The festival will continue till February 17. Stories of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Zayed, significant moments that illuminate the cultural heritage of Sharjah and key historical moments in the Arab world will be narrated through the annual light festival.
The annual festival will celebrate science, creativity and heritage in a display of lights, colours and music at Sharjah's beloved landmarks. The festival will be launched under the slogan 'Culture in Sharjah'. The opening ceremony of the 8th edition will be held at the Dr Sultan Al Qassimi Centre for Gulf Studies.
Organised by the Sharjah Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the show will feature 23 different shows by 24 acclaimed international and local artists. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of STDCA, said: "The last few editions have been extremely successful. Last year we had about 700,000 visitors to the various sites where the shows were taking place. This year, we're expecting those numbers to hit a million."
Midfa explained that after the tremendous success of the 3D installations from last year, the festival is planning new ideas this year as well. He also said that the festival is looking to feature works of more Emirati artists. "We're always on the lookout for new talent, especially in the region. We're hoping in the coming years, a lot of Emiratis will be part of the festival," he added.
The teachings of Sheikh Zayed will make a significant feature at this year's festival. "Some of the installations in the show will be dedicated to his life and efforts as well," said Al Midfa. The show in Sharjah is being organised by Nomada Creative Company.      
The eighth edition of the festival will include a series of visual presentations inspired by science, creativity and knowledge. The show will be accompanied by music played by elite musicians from across the globe. "Audiences will be enthralled by the sights. For example, the installation 'Sunrise' by Spanish artist Tigrelab. The work was developed in the context of a constantly evolving universe. 'Sunrise' uses the sun to represent the passage of time," said Al Midfa.
"The authority has worked over the past seven years to diversify the festival's activities to boost the international image of Sharjah, and promote the Emirate's scientific, cultural and artistic success."
Meanwhile, the 'Logbook of a digital explorer' is a show by multimedia artist 'Arturo', whose works turn images and coloured flat tints into perpetual motion. 
Furthermore, officials also explained that the light festival is completely eco-conscious. "We save electricity with the organisation of this show. All lights near the vicinity of the shows are switched off during the show, and advanced technology uses limited power for showcasing the lights as well," Al Midfa added. 
Daily shows will run from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays and 6pm to 12 midnight on weekends.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

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