LAAF Big Sunday
Free
One of Bluecoat’s highlight family events, attended by thousands of people of all ages and culture, the Big Sunday brings an Arab extravaganza to Bluecoat.
Soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy music, contemporary and folkloric dance, children’s cultural crafts, visual art, literature and debate.
Highlights include performances by Dublin based Palestinian musician Ruba Shamshoum, who brings her own unique blend of jazz and pop wrapped in a Middle Eastern vibe, and Liverpool born Yemeni singer Reham Al-Hakimi, who at just 14 years old has become a firm festival favourite. Al Awadhel Band bring traditional music from Yemen, and Watan Trio will be playing popular Arabic music from the mid-20th century, with special guest accordionist Mazen Abu Saif.
Festival-goers can also witness Egyptian painter, muralist and illustrator Nazir Tanbouli produce a large-scale calligraphic artwork. Nazir’s work is created through a live physical act of the body, which he describes as ‘meditational drawing’.
Hear author Samantha Herron introduce her new set of stories based in contemporary Morocco and inspired by her long immersion in the culture, language, traditions and storytelling of the country. Or take part in a folkloric dance workshop with Moroccan artist Nawarra.
This is a free event. Donations are welcome at www.arabicartsfestival.com