A week at Expo 2017 #4: Every day is a show

The vast cutural and entertainment programme is a major part of the Expo experience, with visitors spoiled for choice among the different shows, performances and spectacles on offer. Expo 2017 Astana proposes thousands of cultural activities throughout its three-month duration, with something for everyone.

Every night on the Expo site, the Amphitheatre hosts concerts from Kazakh and international artists and musicians, drawing crowds to a host of celebrations. The Expo Amphitheatre has already welcomed local star Dimash Kudaibergen and is to feature Dutch DJ Afrojack next week, among many others such as Steve Aoki on 29 July and the MTV Festival on 19 August. Additionally, numerous other venues in town are also hosting concerts such as Black Star on 8 July last night or Eros Ramazzotti next month, on 19 August.

On any given day, an international participant is celebrating its national day with a multitude of activities. On the National Day stage, visitors have already been able to discover a dancing troupe from the United Kingdom (26 June), an orchestra from Qatar (27 June), and an upbeat performance from Venezuelan singers (8 July).

For those who are visiting tomorrow, Malaysia will celebrate its national day with a parade and traditional performances including 26 dancers and a group of Dikir Barak singers who have travelled to Astana especially for the occasion. In upcoming days and weeks until the end of the Expo, dozens of countries will be celebrating their national days with a range of special events.

Visitors can also find dance, acrobatic and theatrical performances in the many pavilions and thematic venues of the Expo site. The pavilion of the Republic of Korea features a heartwarming dance performance inspired by the “Future Energy” theme, while the Energy Hall is regularly host to musicians and dancers. The world-famous Cirque du Soleil also has a daily show within the Expo site, for which early booking is highly recommended.

In the alleys and open spaces of the Expo site, a colourful and whimsical evening parade marvels children and bedazzles others, who gather at night to enjoy the astonishing Nur Alem multimedia spectacle. During this uniquely created light, laser and music show, the 80-metre sphere is magically transformed into a giant projection of dazzling colours and patterns, while the fountains surrounding it charm spectators with a fire and water extravaganza.

Visitors can feel the Expo spirit throughout Astana as the city has planned cultural activities during the whole Expo period at numerous locations around town. The central Nurzhol Boulevard is for example hosting the open-air Astana Art Fest, aimed at nurturing creative ideas and self-expression among all, while across the city’s public parks, artworks have been installed and a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities are being organised.

The Cultural and Entertainment Programme can be found at expo2017astana.com