Najwa Karam sings at 'Ashrafieh'

For the third year running, the "Live Ashrafieh" Festival began on Saturday, June 23, in Sassine Square, with lots of fun activities and surprises, along with a special appearance by Lebanese star Najwa Karam, who sang for more than an hour at the festival's opening ceremony. With more than 10 000 visitors last year, Beirut's Live Ashrafieh Festival has become the key event of the summer. The third edition of this music and street festival kicked off at 5:30, on Saturday with kids' activities and games in the streets. Later at night, people enjoyed a performance by the Lebanese singing star Najwa Karam, along with other artists. At a press conference held at his office in Ashrafieh on Wednesday, MP Michel Pharaon, together with MPs Nadim Gemayel and Mr. Serge Tor Sarkissian announced the programme for the event. Beirut Municipality's vice president Nadim Abou Rizk also attended the conference. "It’s been three years since the first Live Ashrafieh, and this year, despite all the political instability and the death of Mr. Ghassan Tueni, we have organised the festival with even more courage, enthusiasm and excitement,” Mr. Michel Pharaon stated. He also thanked the Red Cross, the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Civil Defence for their contribution to the event. Mr. Nadim Gemayel remarked that Lebanon's tourism has been hit hard  by the  political situation in neighbouring Syria. "We are living a political crisis" he said, "however, we want to make this event happen, to bring joy not only for the residents of Ashrafieh but to all the Lebanese, since everyone is invited." Afterwards, an address was given by the Armenian MP Serge Tor Sarkissian, who stressed the importance of the Lebanese army. When asked about the special aspects of this year’s programme, the hosts of the conference responded that there will be plenty of fun activities and many surprises, adding that the event is free of charge.