LIVERPOOL Arabic Arts Festival kicks off this weekend with a day of music, debate, exhibitions, films and food aimed at all the family.
Highlights of the Big Saturday, which takes place at The Bluecoat, include Marrakech singer Hassan Erraji, who will present new pieces with the young band MoRoccan Rollers.
Also performing is The Property of Nadya Shanab, led by Liverpool-trained and Cairo-based singer Shanab, who mix western acoustic, folk rock and Arabic music with oriental vocals.
Another celebration of Arab culture will bring the festival to a finale.
This time, at Sefton Park Palm House, on July 10, the International Family Day will feature performances from Algerian Rai band Abdelkader Saadoun and Libyan Tuareg singer-guitarist Danto Aiyya.
Traditional food, stalls, workshop activities, dance and live music, will all be part of an Arabian bazaar, with highlights including the UK’s only professionally trained Arabian folklore dancer, Shafeek, demonstrating his mesmeric whirling dervish.
“In celebration of our tenth anniversary, we welcome everyone to participate in and be entertained by these wonderful events, along with all the other artistic activities we have in store,” says Ngozi Ikoku.
