Cavalcade of stage and street performers for Global Village 2003

Global Village, the international attraction of the Dubai Shopping Festival, has unveiled a packed entertainment schedule of stage and street performers who will delight the many thousands of visitors expected daily at the colourful entertainment and shopping extravaganza.

Included in the line-up is Incandescence, a production company of multi-talented artistes, which performs a unique blend of contemporary circus,  theatre and dance.

"Incandescence creates dynamic, breathtaking theatrical performances that will add a new perspective to the entertainment offering," said Alan Gordon, General Manager, Global Village. "The group creates powerful, moving and extremely stunning shows. It has gained an international reputation for continually developing the art of stilt performance to a new level of visual interaction, animation, theatre and grace."

At Global Village 2003, Incandescence will present six different shows combining elements of stilt-walking and acrobatics. Group members will also tour the extensive village, meeting visitors and offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Also on the Global Village agenda is ‘Professor Crump’ a clown comic whose magic and puppetry acts have thrilled children worldwide.

"’Professor Crump’ is something of a star in the UK where he has entertained huge audiences in landmark venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Millennium Dome and at major events such as the London Marathon and the Lord Mayor's Show," explained Gordon.

"The Professor quick-fire jokes from the start of his act until the end and adapts his performance to suit the audience. With a variety of unusual props and gags, he builds a comic rapport with his audience. This is one act children shouldn't miss."

Another act for young Global Village visitors is the Children's Puppet Theatre, which will deliver highly entertaining and animated children's shows in Arabic and English.

Artists Hugh Art plan to erect a 400 square feet art canvas at Global Village onto which they will draw a background of the Dubai Festival City venue and for six hours daily will work on the mural with the help of enthusiastic members of the public.

Aerialist performer Bethan is also on the Global Village street performance bill. Due to perform web rope, silks, hoops and static trapeze, Bethan, who is also an experienced stilt walker, promises some death-defying aerial acrobatics.

Luci and Drew round off the Global Village street performance line-up. These two large-than-life characters are renowned for their spectacular collection of beautifully-made, eye-catching costumes.

"Once again visitors will have some wonderful photo opportunities," said Gordon. "We have endeavoured to ensure that the Global Village is packed more than ever with true family entertainers in line with the event's age-less appeal."

Additionally, as part of the city wide entertainment presented by the DSF, further street entertainment will also be on display to further enhance the offering.

The Global Village is being hosted by Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Dubai Festival City development is the signature ‘city-within-a-city’ project being developed on the banks of the Dubai Creek by the Al-Futtaim Group.

Global Village 2003 will be jointly produced and managed by DSF and the Al-Futtaim Group, the owner/developer of Dubai Festival City. Global Village 2003 will be the largest in the annual series with over 30 pavilions, a giant fun fair, stage and street entertainment, more restaurants and coffee shops and a new children's play area.

"In mounting this huge event we are positioning Dubai Festival City and Dubai as the region's leading family entertainment hub," said Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Festival City Development. "At Dubai Festival City, which will transform lives, we are intent on delivering new and enhanced levels of shopping, lifestyles, sports, recreation and entertainment all within a unique waterfront setting."