(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Souq Waqif was yesterday filled to capacity with visitors as it launched the fourth edition of its annual Spring Festival 2015 featuring events and activities at six venues in the souq.
The opening of Sout Al Rayyan Radio's annual music festival featuring some of the region's prominent artistes was cancelled as the world mourned Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who died yesterday.
However, other activities lined up for the 15-day festival were held.
The alley came alive with stilt walkers and street performers who, in their elaborate costumes, brought smiles to hundreds of people - young and old - who took time to have their photos with them.
Ten teams of performers from other countries entertained passers-by from 4pm until 10pm. They included Stripes Circus, Palettes, Roaming Clowns, 8ft Robot, Nomad Street Drummers, Penguins, Lighting UFO, Light of Wonders, Human Robots and The Birds and the Explorer.
"My two kids were very happy. They couldn't take their eyes off the colourful costumes of the performers. They wanted their pictures taken with every group that passed by," said Mohammed Shokry.
Skill games and thrill, pony and camel rides were also a major attraction. These games which cost QR10 each continued until 10pm at Al Ahmed Square.
The play Shawn the Sheep entertained hundreds of children at Al Rayyan Theatre.
Two shows will be staged every day until January 28, one at 4pm and the other at 7pm.
From February 2 to 6, another play Karameesh will be staged in the theatre twice daily.
There is also a dolphin show, in addition to art workshops and competitions as well as plastic and mural arts at Souq Waqif Art Centre.
"I'm happy with this year's festival. There is always something new each year and Souq Waqif becomes a one-stop shop for food, entertainment and shopping during this time," said Allan Marques, a frequent visitor to the souq.
It being a weekend, thousands attended the opening of the festival, including tourists from neighbouring countries, due to a massive advertising campaign locally and around the GCC.
Gifts in the form of kites were distributed to visitors. A total of 40,000 gifts will be given away during the festival, organisers said.
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