SLF Shows Transform Sharjah’s Landmark Central Souk Into A Light-and-Fire Lounge

Thousands Turn Up To See The Performance Of Carabosse, Street Artists

The Sharjah Light Festival 2012 continues to wow visitors from across the UAE and region as it enters an eventful sixth day. And amongst the 12 locations where light shows using different techniques are being held by various groups of artists, the Central Souk once again appears to be attracting the most attention.

Hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for the second time, the SLF attracted more than 100,000 visitors in the first four days.

As last year, the Central Souk is one of the main venues of the light shows this year, attracting thousands of visitors to watch the thrilling shows. The Central Souk has been lit with an installation of thousands of candles and torches on its façade and in between the two wings of the building, turning the place into a big fire-and-light column that reflects itself in the waters of the Khalid Lagoon.

The Central Souk – also known as the Blue Souk and Gold Souk -- is considered one of the main landmarks of the emirate. Built in 1979, it boasts a unique Islamic architectural style. Its two parallel wings are connected by two bridges. With 645 magazines, the souq sits next to the picturesque Khalid Lagoon and has become an architectural icon of Sharjah reflecting the Islamic spirit and character of the emirate.

Carabosse, an internationally renowned group of street theatre artists, are behind the magic created at the Central Souk. According to Nomada, the French event management company, Carabosse artists are performing for the first time in the Middle East.

The group has transformed the Central Souk esplanade into a vast light-and-fire lounge, shining up Sharjah’s evenings and warming the city nights. The shows are complemented by a musical band bringing all the elements together--fire, water, wind, earth and most importantly humans—creating a magical experience.

No wonder visitors to the Central Souk are all bowled over by the whole surreal experience and shows that celebrate Sharjah and the detail of its architectural grandeur in a way never seen before. Every day huge crowds of people are seen excitedly negotiating their way around the candles and torches strategically placed all over the place. The grand shows at the Central Souk are held daily for three hours. The SLF 2012 extravaganza will continue until Friday, the February 17th.

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