“The hotly anticipated sport and entertainment event begins in just two days, and a selection of charming entertainers from around the world will be on hand during the three-day weekend, offering visitors an unforgettable experience at BIC,” Zaid Al Zayani Chairman BIC in a statement said.
Fans will have the chance to enjoy post-race concerts by two headline performers – American R&B icon Ne-Yo and Scottish superstar DJ Calvin Harris on Sunday.
Ne-Yo’s hits Closer, Because of You and One in a Million, have cemented the 33-year-old singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer’s status as a contemporary R&B icon. With platinum album sales to his name and a reputation for his dazzling dance moves, the star’s post-race gig is sure to delight fans at the Bahrain GP.
Chart-topping DJ Calvin Harris has a string of hits under his belt including fan favourite tracks Feel So Close, We Found Love, and Let’s Go. The platinum selling star will give fans plenty of reasons to cheer when he takes to the stage at his post-race concert.
Visitors to the GP can also enjoy an artful combination of high performance motorsport and rare art at the Porsche Coleccion Gomez exhibition that will feature in an exclusive tent. The one-of-a-kind South American collection is comprised of tasteful designs that have all been painted on the bonnets of Porsche 911 GT2 supercars.
Fans seeking a taste of adrenaline will get a chance to experience high-speed thrills at the Reverse Bungee ride that takes users on a journey they’ll never forget as it catapults them into the sky at a preposterous speed. The riders spiral and bounce as they are slung into the sky, which adds a heavy dose of unabated velocity and a relentless adrenaline rush.
Other prominent entertainers will bring the exuberance of their country’s traditional dances under the spotlight when they perform at BIC’s F1 Village Main Stage, behind the Main Grandstand. These include the Calpulli Mexican Dance Group, and India’s Bhangra Empire dance team. Other main stage performers include acts from France, Kenya, Switzerland, Japan and China.
With the talents of its young and energetic members, the Calpulli Mexican dancers’ show celebrates Mexico’s rich, regional dance traditions and diverse cultural history. Meanwhile, India’s most popular dance form, the Bhangra has been performed since the 15th century. The dance’s colourful, lively and energetic elements have popularized it in places far away from its origins in the Indian sub-continent.
An array of talented musicians, dancers, and novelty comedy artistes feature as sideline performers that will offer entertainment at various times throughout the three-day weekend.
These include Scotsman Bagpipe Roy, Mexico’s Mariachi Jalisco, the Chinese Lion Dance troupe, France’s Circo Rum Ba Ba theatre show and Egypt’s Menoufia of Folk Art troupe. Also in the line-up are Swiss dance troupe Angelo and the Crazy Feet, Portugal’s Pauliteiros de Palaçoulo dancers, Brazilian Hang drummer Pedro, Japanese Taiko drummers, the Jokers stilt walker crew from the UK, and the Talija dancers from Serbia and Russia.
Bagpipe Roy has taken his delightful performances around the world. He’s got three decades of experience to his credit, which underlines his appeal to all ages. The Mariachi Jalisco group, meanwhile, uses a broad range of instruments to present a fusion of several styles of Maricachi, which is Mexico’s most endearing musical form.
The Chinese Lion Dance group has won accolades for its visually spectacular performances which have made them a top choice at high profile events for the past seven years. Meanwhile, fans can expect a fusion of the surprising with the impossible when the women’s circus theatre company Circo Rum Ba Ba performs.
Members of Egypt’s Menoufia of Folk Art group will don colourful folkloric costumes when they perform their nation’s Tannoura, Fellaha, Saidi, Zaffa, Iskandrani and Noupa dance forms. Fans will be in for a treat at the performance of Swiss and European tap dance champion Angelo Borer and his Crazy Feet dancers, who have appeared in over 70 television shows.
A combination of drum and pipe music and traditional costumes make the Pauliteiros de Palaçoulo dance performances a show that should not be missed. Brazilian Hang drummer Pedro Collares meanwhile, is set to offer fans a taste of his own percussive powers at the Bahrain GP.
With a string of more than 1,000 celebrated performances spanning the UK, Japan and Europe over the last decade, the Mugenko music company has brought the magic of Taiko music to the world. Fans looking for a taste of the peculiar will enjoy entertainment from the UK’s Jokers specialist stilt walkers whose skills and wacky costumes will add a dose of comedy to the Bahrain GP.
Dance will also come to the fore when the experienced Talija dance group performs. Representing both Serbian and Russian folkloric tradition, the group has, over the years, showcased traditional Serbian folk dance that is known for being energetic, passionate and engaging.
A Jungle Kids Tent will house colourful entertainers that have delighted fans of all ages from around the world. These include South Africa’s Marimba Band, England’s Jungle Jim, the Jungle Theater Show and the African Maska stilt walkers. Other attractions include Kenya’s Black Angels, the Mangoma African Band, Pop the Balloon Man, the Cherry Faces face painters, the Camel Explorers and the African Comedy Show. Meanwhile, the Rainforest Maze Adventure promises a path to loads of fun.
Dressed in traditional garb, the highly experienced members of the four-piece Marimba Band will perform famous African songs, to delight audiences. Meanwhile, the Jungle Jim Roadshow has already thrilled people of all ages worldwide. Jimmy Tamley, who conceptualized the unique show, will take people on a fun adventure as he creates a ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’
Fans will also enjoy two shows under the same banner at the Jungle Theater Show. Both, a jungle themed show and a children’s variety show, will include songs and dances from favourite cartoon movies.
Meanwhile, the African Maska stilt walkers are towers of comical energy. The carnival style performers will stun visitors with their spectacular appearances.
Designed as fun interactive and educational experience for the entire family, the Rainforest Maze Adventure touches upon the connection between humans and nature, while highlighting how normal people can make a big difference.
The Black Angels defy gravity with their amazing acrobatic flair. Performing since 1992, the angels present an array of astonishing circus stunts and contemporary dance moves to the tune of traditional Kenyan music.
Traditional African rhythms, music and dance will be showcased when the Mangoma African Band performs. Band members come from across Africa and the established troupe has taken their striking show to audiences around the world.
Award-winning magician and balloon performer Pop the Ballon Man; will also entertain visitors during the Bahrain GP. The Scotsman returns to Bahrain to delight both adults and children with his impressive balloon work. Children will also love the Cherry Faces team who will add splashes of bright colour with their face painting skills. The tent also houses the African Comedian Show which will have children laughing away as they take in all the comedy and musical fun.
Meanwhile, the Camel Explorers will roam around BIC’s F1 Village, entertaining fans with their perplexing visual illusions.
There are just 2 days left for the Bahrain GP weekend to begin at BIC, “the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.” Tickets are moving fast. Get yours today to experience Bahrain’s pinnacle sporting event.
Tickets are available and can be bought for all three days of the race weekend or for Race Day alone. All three-day ticket holders get exclusive bonuses, including access to the Pit Lane Walk activity on Thursday, entry to supporting races during the Bahrain GP, access to the F1 Village and entry to the Ne-Yo and Calvin Harris performances on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased for the various grandstands strategically located around BIC, including the Main Grandstand, the Turn One Grandstand, the University Grandstand, the Batelco Grandstand, and the Victory Grandstand.
A Friday roaming ticket can also be purchased for those looking to experience all the vantage points of the track, while tickets can also be bought for the Gulf Air Club lounge where you can watch the race in a luxury tent.