The opening

Karachi's third World Culture Festival has opened, bringing around 1,000 artists from about 150 countries to the city for 25 days of music, dance, theatre, art and literature.

The festival is organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, with support from the Sindh government. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah was due to formally inaugurate the event on Friday 30 October, after opening performances on Thursday, including a hip-hop dance performance and a qawwali night.

What audiences can see

Organisers say the programme spans concerts, theatre, dance, exhibitions and workshops, with artists from every province of Pakistan alongside international performers. Acts mentioned ahead of the opening include Spanish flamenco performers, artists from the British Royal Ballet, around 70 performers from two Russian dance groups, and Tajikistan's presidential orchestra.

A special Mehran Night for local singers is also planned, and the closing ceremony is scheduled at the historic Baradari venue, with singer Sajjad Ali among the attractions named by organisers.

Free entry, with registration

The Arts Council says 97 to 98 per cent of activities are free to the public, with online registration required and places limited once a venue reaches capacity. Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the festival was not about setting records, but about conveying a message of peace, equality, love and cultural harmony.

The festival runs until 22 November. Visitors are advised to check the Arts Council's daily programme, as performances and exhibitions are added through the schedule.

Sources: Biz Today