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The award winning Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival (LAAF), sponsored by UNISON North West, opens its doors yesterday with a weekend of activities spanning the visual arts, literature, dance, film, food and music. The ever popular Family Day hosted at the Bluecoat building and gardens on 3 July brings the full flavour of the orient to Liverpool city centre.There’s traditional Egyptian folk dances from the group Ya Raqs and soloist Susie White as well as trance inducing music from Sudanese-Egyptian voodoo practitioners Rango which is not to be missed. During the Family Day LAAF is delighted to present Egyptian ensemble El Minyawi, whose musicians have played with the Middle East's finest bands and singers.
The festival takes place: 2-10 July
All these performances will be played out against a vibrant backdrop of story tellers, face and henna painting, workshops, stalls and food for Arab and non Arab audiences of all ages. It’s free and open to all. The festival continues with ten days of artistic events including Arabicity, an eye-popping exhibition featuring six new artists, an eclectic series film schedule including Palestinian animation Fatenah and opportunities to create Arabic-inspired poetry and textiles or learn traditional dance.
Earlier this year LAAF was recognised by the Arab British Centre which honoured it with the Arab British Culture & Society Award 2010 for an outstanding contribution to the British public's knowledge and understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people.
Festival Manager Ngozi Ikoku said: “The Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival is designed for Arab and non-Arab audiences alike and for all ages. I’d like to welcome everyone to participate and to savour some of the rich and diverse culture the Middle East has to offer.”
Frank Hont, Regional Secretary, UNISON North West said: “Just come along and have a good time – this is a great way to learn about other cultures and bring communities together.”
More information is available here
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