Snaps from the opening of the Second Aspire Lake Festival at Aspire Park, yesterday. Pictures: Kammutty V P / The Peninsula
DOHA: Thousands of people gathered in Aspire Park this weekend to see fireworks and theatrical performances displayed by more than 40 talented artists and experts for the Second Aspire Lake Festival.
The "Magical Journey" show was directed by French fireworks art wizard and director Christophe Berthonneau.
The Second Aspire Lake Festival that will end today evening took spectators through a half-hour ‘Magical Journey’. More than 40 talented artists and experts came together for a showcase of theatrical performances and fireworks displays. The entire show was directed by French fireworks art wizard and director Christophe Berthonneau.
Some of Berthonneau’s earlier work was displayed at the closing ceremony of the 1998 FIFA World Cup France, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004, Turin 2006, and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. He also played a part in the inaugurations of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha 2008.
Commenting on the event, Al Anoud Al Misnad, member of the Festival's organizing committee, said that the Festival aims at highlighting the pivotal role of Aspire Zone Foundation in supporting the family entertainment and tourism sector in Qatar, noting that the public success of the first edition of the Aspire Lake Festival in November last year was a catalyst for organizing the second edition.
For his part, French director Christophe Berthonneau said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that he has never presented such a rich a meaningful public display as was the case with the "Magical Journey" show, noting that the positive public reaction was a catalyst for him and his team.
Berthonneau noted that he has been to Qatar before when he made great shows both at the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art and on the National Day of Qatar, but for the first time, he has performed a musical show touching the hearts of adults and young people.
Berthonneau added that he sought to present a variety of music from the five continents in the show, a harmony of the Chinese, African, East, Arab and Western music, creating a space of beauty and light, and exploring magical worlds.
AZF has also set up food and beverage stalls for visitors attending the Aspire Park during the two-days. The Aspire Lake Festival will be held on Saturday too, starting at 8pm.
The "Magical Journey" show tells the story of an eastern boy who was desperate for happiness, so he decided to embark on an adventure in the world, where he passed through China (the magic of the East), Africa (the hometown of nature), Europe (fragrant of history), and America (the fantastic West), to reach the last stop where he finds his real happiness.
The Second Aspire Lake Festival will end today evening.
