The Summer Entertainment City (SEC) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) is expected to witness a huge number of visitors during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, according to event organisers.
Considered the Qatar Summer Festival’s centrepiece and a family favourite, the Entertainment City, which runs until September 5, has attracted thousands of families and children since it opened on July 25.
“We are expecting a big uptick in terms of attendance and fanfare at the Entertainment City this coming Eid al-Adha, and it would be a chance for many families, especially the kids to go out and experience the 85 exciting activities being offered here,” said Michael Stellwag, head of marketing at the SEC.
Hansel Jathan, who is part of the organising team, also shared Stelwag’s view and said the variety of live shows and stage performances, including mascot parades at the SEC adds to the excitement. “Many members of the crowd were very engaged with the mascots; everyone’s running towards them to take pictures,” Jathan said, adding there are five parades held every half hour during the weekends.
He said the parade comprises Disney characters, Angry Birds, Minions of the Despicable Me franchise, and traditional male and female Qatari mascots. According to Jathan, the SEC has become a home to many international acts. Every weekend, he said visitors are treated to cultural performances and world-class entertainment at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 9pm.
Previously the SEC featured the Banyuhay Dance Group from the Philippines, Kazbegi Dancers from Georgia, Ukraine’s Amazing Kids, Slovania’s Dunking Devils, and UK-based magician Hafid Good.
Next week, visitors are invited to watch the Bollywood Dancers, said Jathan, who added that ‘Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Masters’ Gloc-9 and Jona Viray will hold a concert on September 2.
“It is a privilege that the SEC does not only showcase a range of world-class acts but through our hotel sponsor Shangri La Hotel Doha, we’re able to offer to these international performers various amenities and what Qatar has to offer,” Jathan said.
The SEC also houses the XRebels Park by Qatar-based extreme sports magazine Xtork. The park is a crowd favourite, especially for children who love skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX and parkour. Young children interested in skateboarding and riding BMX bikes can learn from professional extreme sports athletes, especially during ‘demo sessions’ held every Friday evening.
Jathan said Kuwaiti Red Bull athlete Mansour al-Safran conducted a workshop and demonstrated some skateboard and BMX tricks to children and other participants at the Xtork skate park last week.
Stellwag said a new activity at SEC dubbed ‘Open Mic’ has also been attracting many visitors. “Open Mic is a platform for visitors to go onstage and display their singing prowess or dancing skills, deliver a monologue or standup act, or any type of live performance,” he added.
Stilt walkers wow the crowd during the mascot parade.
