Over 180,000 visit swf

Curtains came down on an eventful and action-packed Sharjah Water Festival (SWF) 2011 on Friday night amid colourful fireworks and much excitement. Hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) for the fifth consecutive year, the Sharjah Water Festival attracted more than 180,000 visitors.   The 10-day extravaganza of fun and games got off to a grand start on Dec.14, at Al Majaz Park and the Khalid Lagoon under the guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The SWF received overwhelming response with waves of fun enveloping the whole of Sharjah for ten days. The sheer, wholesome entertainment offered by various international shows and games targeted the whole family and attracted thousands of residents from across the country as well as foreign tourists. Commenting on the successful SWF, SCTDA Director General Mohamed Ali Al Noman said that every year new shows and more interesting features were being added to the festival. Internationally acclaimed shows like the Circus on Ice, being presented for the first time in the UAE and the region, had attracted thousands of visitors every day. The unique Circus on Ice presented breathtaking acrobatic feats and skating on ice and was attended daily by more than 10,000. On hosting the F1H2O Powerboat World Championship 2011, the Grand Prix of Sharjah, Al Noman said, “Hosting the Championship for the 12th consecutive year proves that Sharjah is ideally suited and equipped to host such world-class events. With its strategic location, modern infrastructure and logistics, the emirate is capable of hosting sports and entertainment events as well as international meetings and conferences.” The Sharjah Water Festival 2011 included more than 20 shows, the main event being The Circus on Ice. The Mouj Ice Island included the Irish Dance Show presented by Glendalough, the longest established Irish dance troupe. Yo Yo People presented shows with bouncy balls, hula-hoops and unicycling. The Colourful Boxes was another amazing show with amazing performances and fantastic jugglery and breathtaking acrobats.   The SWF is organised every year in December along with the F1 H2O Powerboat World Championship, Grand Prix of Sharjah.