The British embassy in Doha, in collaboration with the British Council, has announced the return of the British Festival.
The 2015 edition of the festival was launched yesterday and would continue until April 5. It includes over 40 events and various promotions, which will bring together Qatari, British and international audiences to enjoy the best of what Britain has to offer in arts, education, science, sport and business.
At the launch of the British Festival, British ambassador to Qatar Nicholas Hopton said: “We are delighted and proud to launch the British Festival 2015 in Qatar. Following the tremendous success of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture and last year’s British Festival 2014, this year’s festival is a continuing celebration of the strong ties and ongoing exchanges between Qatar and the United Kingdom.”
“Our programme of arts, education, science and sporting events is designed to bring British and Qatari individuals and institutions together and to create opportunities for them to exchange knowledge and ideas. We hope this festival will reach a wide audience, building on existing collaborations and creating new ones,” said Martin Hope, director of British Council Qatar.
This year’s official sponsors are Ezdan Holding Group, Qatar Shell, Charles Russell Speechlys, Vodafone Qatar, BAE Systems and Al Balagh Contracting & Trading Company. The festival is supported by numerous local Qatari and British partners.
The events for this year’s festival will embrace the UK and Qatar partnership, emphasising connections and common interests. Events will cover a wide scope, including art, education, science, sports and business.
One of the key events will be a concert performed by award-winning five-piece traditional Scottish band, Breabach, who will perform a selection of traditional Scottish folk music, with a unique and contemporary edge, accompanied by Qatari musician Mohamed al-Saigh. It will take place on April 5 at Al Rayyan Theatre, Souq Waqif.
Other events include the Study in the UK Exhibition, hosted at Radisson Blu Hotel from March 16 to 18. It will invite students with a keen interest in studying in the UK to explore the wide range of courses available and meet representatives of UK universities.
The David Batchelor “Flatlands” Exhibition will take place at the Virginia Commonwealth University Gallery from March 25 to April 21. David is a Scottish artist and writer who primarily explores the notion of colour and responses to colour within society.
A UK Alumni event on March 28 will provide a networking opportunity for UK alumni, with guest speakers.
The Qatar National Philharmonic Orchestra will present a Proms Night on April 3. Scottish-born conductor Bob Ross will direct the Philharmonic through a British-style Proms night programme featuring surprise, special guest appearances.
A café scientifique at Qatar University with Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, one of the UK’s leading space scientists, will celebrate the International Year of Light 2015.
There will also be a debate between top UK and Qatari university debaters in partnership with Qatar Debate, Debate Mate and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.
The events also include the Hadaf five-a-side schools football tournament for Qatari and British schools at the International School of London.
As part of British Festival 2015, a number of hotels will be running promotions from until April 5, including Grand Hyatt, St Regis Doha, Hilton, W Hotel, Marriott, Sheraton and Oryx Rotana.
Many of the UK’s retail brands present in Qatar will also be offering customers special events and promotions during the festival.
There is also an online competition, giving participants a chance to win two return economy class tickets to London donated by British Airways.
“Also look out for our special MINI from Alfardan Automobiles. If you see it, take a photo and upload the picture on to our social media platforms. We want to see pictures of this iconic British brand in iconic locations around Qatar,” the organisers have said.
For more information about British Festival Qatar 2015, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/britfestqa), Twitter (www.twitter.com/britfestqa) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/britfestqa).
The festival was launched in the presence of several officials and dignitaries.
