Batroun brings 6 weeks of entertainment to festival circuit

02 July 2011

BATROUN: What sets the 2011 Batroun International Festival apart from the summer’s other festivals is its attempt to appeal to a wide range of tastes in matters of entertainment. Unlike the Byblos or Baalbek Festivals, this summer’s Batroun Festival has decided to cover as much cultural territory as possible.

Running from July 9 to Aug. 28, musical events, fashions shows, films and even culinary activities are programmed to take place in Batroun’s boisterous atmosphere.

Ali Campbell, lead singer of the renowned U.K. group UB40, will perform on July 9, honoring the Lebanese crowd with his distinctive voice. Most of us have heard at least one of the band’s greatest hits such as “Don’t Break my Heart” or “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The English crooner will sing tunes from his years in UB40 along with those from his solo career.

On July 16, the Batroun Festival will welcome the great Lebanese singer Najwa Karam to the stage. Making it as a singer wasn’t her original objective in life, but under pressure from family and friends she first appeared in the television music competition “Layali Loubnan” in 1984, where her performance won the jury’s favor.

What makes Karam one of the best singers in Lebanon today is the fact that despite her young age, she is 45 – her voice bears the emotions and clarity that Lebanese once appreciated in the stars of generations past.

On July 22, the festival will stage a musical play that will make you want to “laugh, cry, sing, even jump off your feet and sing,” according to festival press.

“The Little Mermaid,” based on the 1989 Disney film, sounds like a musical performance meant for children. However, it promises to also be an enjoyable experience for grown-ups. Get ready to travel into an underwater world full of colors, songs and joy.

After all these musical events, the festival will end with an extraordinary event aimed at proving Batroun deserves its reputation as a top clubbing town. The “Batroun Open Air Party” will take place July 29, animated by the voice of Lebanese pop star Ramy Ayach.

Renowned across the Middle East, Ayach has won several prizes, such as the 2007 Murex d’Or for best song with his “Habbaytak Ana.”

In addition to all of these musical events, this year’s Batroun Festival has programed further festivities from August 7 until 28. Dining and city tours for tourists on Thursdays and Sundays will be accompanied by fashion shows, photography exhibitions and films.

The details of the August program will be released in the coming month. But the already scheduled shows promise that Lebanese and tourists alike will witness a multifaceted artistic awakening in Batroun this summer.

For more information on Batroun International Festival 2011 please visit the festival’s official website: www.batrounfestival.org or call 06-642-262.