The first ever football-themed sonic art installation in the country named ‘105+dB’ and building the world’s longest span bridge with Lego bricks will be among the highlights of the 5th British Festival in Qatar.

Organised by the British Council in partnership with the British embassy in Doha and Katara – the Cultural Village, the festival is scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 12.

“105+ decibels is a sonic artwork made unique for Qatar, about identity, place and participation. A large-scale sound installation transplanting the awesome wall of noise and energy captured at The Grand Hamad Stadium to a new location at Souq Waqif,” organisers said at a press conference.

Created by the UK-based interactive arts studio Invisible Flock, the one-of-its-kind public artwork was designed using the mass appeal of football and the canvas of the city to encourage conversations as Qatar continues the journey towards the World Cup in 2022. Several education workshops about 105+dB in schools will also be held.

Meanwhile, the local community, especially school children and university students, can take part in building the world’s longest Lego Span Bridge in an activity dubbed as ‘Qatar’s Little Builders: “Bridging Communities” at the Qatar National Library (QNL) from November 28.

This event will showcase UK expertise in civil engineering, encouraging Qatar’s next generation to participate in some fun building challenges.

First exhibited in 2016 at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in the UK, the 260,000-Lego brick bridge was designed by Dr Robin Sham, a fellow of the ICE. It is an engineering wonder measuring more than 108ft (33m) long and weighing more than half a metric ton.

The festival will also feature cultural events, panel discussions and public activities, celebrating the long-standing relationship between Qatar and the UK.

British ambassador Ajay Sharma told reporters that the event will witness artistes and musicians from the two countries performing in Doha.

“The artistes we are bringing are a mixture, there will be Qatari composers, for example the internationally acclaimed Dana Alfardan will be presenting in one of these events excerpts from her musical ‘Broken Wings,” the envoy said.

The festival will also include events and projects in public art, film and music, the UK alumni National Awards, and sports with opportunities to explore the historical links between Qatar and the UK.

“Culture is a key part of our relationship. It is about people and that is what this festival is really about, it is about bringing the UK and Qatar closer together, promoting and understanding our shared history,” Sharma said.

He added that James Barr, a famous regional historian, will discuss his new book, ‘Lords of the Desert’ at QNL. It tells the forgotten story of the struggle between the UK and the US to dominate the post-war Middle East.

Experts will explore the discovery of oil in Qatar and its impact on people’s life, economy and culture at the Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Museums.

Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti underlined the strong co-operation between Qatar and the UK in various fields such as education, and arts and culture.

He cited the success of the Qatar – UK Year of Culture in 2013, which also saw events and activities at Katara, Souq Waqif, different museums and in other venues in the country.

The festival aims to forge new relations and support existing partnerships in the arts while promoting an awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage, Dr al-Sulaiti stressed.

British Council director Sam Ayton said they want to connect audiences in Qatar with some of the best contemporary British artists while helping families discover the fun side of culture and learn something new through this festival.

The closing concert will be a unique chamber music concert promoting classical British Composers such as Vaughan Williams, Rebecca Clarke, and Edward Elgar amongst others.

UK Violinist Savitri Grier will be performing with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra musicians at the Mondrian Hotel, supported by Qatar Chamber Music Society.

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