HM King to patronise "This Is Bahrain" festival

Under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, "THIS IS BAHRAIN" will take place on December 11 at the National Stadium Car Park in celebration of Bahrain’s National Day, the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA) said. 

"We are deeply honoured to receive the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for our ‘THIS IS BAHRAIN’ in Bahrain and the National Day celebrations," BFEA Secretary-General Betsy B Mathieson said.

"We thank His Majesty for this kind gesture which is a heartwarming reflection of the love and devotion His Majesty has for all the Bahrainis and expatriates who live in this wonderful Kingdom together as one family.

His Majesty’s visionary, compassionate leadership principles and his insistence on religious freedom for all, were the inspiration that led us, Bahrainis and expatriates together, to participate in all ‘THIS IS BAHRAIN" events that have seen us travel the world sharing the reality of the peaceful multi-faith, multicultural welfare state that the leadership of the Kingdom has provided for all.

‘THIS IS BAHRAIN’ and the National Day celebrations are our tribute to His Majesty, the leadership and the wonderful people of Bahrain," she said. 

Mathieson said the event would feature exhibition stands from embassies, ministries, schools, clubs, associations, societies, religious organisations and will include live entertainment throughout the day provided by school children of all nationalities who will perform dances and songs that represent their culture. 

A traditional Bahraini souq will be recreated and there will be free food, soft drinks, electronics, and raffle tickets with prizes ranging from cash prizes to airline tickets, she added.

A special feature will be a children’s playground with lots of fun activities, featuring bouncy castles, train rides, face painting and henna designs to keep the children amused. 

"THIS IS BAHRAIN" and the National Day celebrations are only possible thanks to the generosity of local business sponsors and we thank them for demonstrating their love for their country through their generous support, she said. Entry is free and the event is from 3 pm to 11 pm.