Lively, colourful activities of Muscat Nights draw crowds
The ongoing Muscat Nights at Qurum Natural Park – one of four venues for the event – drew a large crowd on Sunday. Various colourful and lively activities were held near the lake area in the park, besides magic shows, movie screenings and music performances. Children in particular were thrilled to see boat shows, helium displays shaped like yachts and laser projections.
Ibrahim Amri, a bank employee and resident of Amerat, visited the Muscat Festival events earlier. “Now it’s called Muscat Nights. I used to attend Muscat Festival at Amerat Park, which was much bigger. But this time, we are not having it there. However I must also say that it is a good change to have the festival back in Qurum Park after so many years. I have come with my family, especially for the laser shows.”
Among the attractions are food trucks, restaurants, cinema screenings, photo opts, horse shows, games and various comwarm smile and piping hot coffee has been a big hit at the venue.
A mini theatre with 100 seating capacity set up by Lunar Cinema is another attraction. Badraa Syed, a senior official of Lunar Cinema, said, “We had theatres in every Muscat Festival and have seen how people love open air theatre. It is a fun and new experience. Outdoor cinema is a new concept in Oman and people like it; Muscat Night is proof of that. There are two screenings - 7pm and 9pm – of one children's and one adults’ show, both priced RO1. This week we will also screen the new Indian release Pathaan.”
A troupe of Italian artistes, decked in white neon lights, entertained visitors of all ages. Taking gigantic shapes of various forms, including swans, ship and horses, the entertainers were a big draw with visitors eager for selfies. Tamanna Kumari, a teacher, said, “These artistes are so gorgeous. The performance looks so different, like a mix of opera and circus. The live music band, their graceful moves and changing shapes are so unique. I personally loved the swans. My family enjoyed it thoroughly. We will be back this weekend.”
An official of Muscat Nights at the venue said, “The crowd is less today compared to weekends, but I am sure it will grow in the next few days. The main attractions at the festival are the very lively and youthful activities with a lot of new games and fun engagements for families. Also the festival is back after a long gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”