Liverpool Arab Arts Festival announces 2015 programme

posted on: Apr 8, 2015

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is set to return to the city this summer.

And the UK’s largest annual Arab Arts Festival, now in its 14th year, today announces first wave of acts for the event, which runs from June 6-14 at venues across Liverpool.

This year’s LAAF showcases the richness of Arab culture through a packed programme of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and special events.

And for the first time, the summer festival will explore an overarching theme – Shaping Change: A work in progress, which aims to show how Arab communities worldwide are responding to contemporary changes from within.

LAAF chairman Taher Qassim said: “Liverpool Arab Arts Festival remains the premier UK annual celebration of Arab culture.

“It attracts audiences from across the UK and beyond, while remaining firmly rooted in the local communities from which the festival was born, 14 years ago.

“The programme mixes international artists, home-grown talent, established names and emerging acts.

“As always, this year’s programme showcases the most joyful and celebratory aspects of Arab culture, without shying away from challenging subject matter.

“Audiences will see a strong focus on inclusion, as the programme gives a platform to voices from all walks of life.”

James MaloneyThe Al Awadhel Band perform in the main courtyard at the Bluecoat
The popular LAAF Family Day will be back at Sefton Park Palm House for this year, taking place on Sunday, June 7 and including music, dance, food, and a range of goods and books on sale.

The Big Sunday closes the festival at the Bluecoat on June 14, with a programme of new and well-loved performers.

Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster, Reem Kelani, who appeared at the festival in 2008, returns to Liverpool, this time performing with her band at St George’s Hall on Friday, June 12.

Organisers have also announced a unique symposium event, Shaping Change: Women, Culture, and Arts, which will focus on the multiple challenges women face to participate fully in the arts. On And ahead of the main festival, on April 17, Tamer Abu Gazaleh, composer of alternative Arabic music, brings his unique brand of oud, buzuq, and vocal performance to the Kazimier.

And after a successful launch last year, the festival will head back to Toxteth for LAAF Lodge Lane, for a special community preview event on Saturday, May 30.

More information here.

Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk