The DSS Summer Family Fiesta, got off to a colourful start with families arriving at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) to get their first taste of the five-day consumer and lifestyle extravaganza at the Sheikh Rashid Hall.

Led by a parade of clowns, stilt-walkers and jugglers, crowds of excited children and their parents made their way into the halls, where an array of fun games, sporting activities, promotions, Emirati food, traditional handicrafts and exciting raffle draws awaited them.

Running from 22-26 August in the Sheikh Rashid Hall, next to Modhesh Fun City the DSS Summer Family Fiesta brings together the best in entertainment, gaming, hobbies and crafts, organised to attract visitors of all age groups.

Held alongside the Dubai Summer Surprises and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the fiesta has drawn interest from families from across the region, looking forward to a final bit of entertainment, shopping and recreation before the end of the summer vacation. The fiesta consists of three distinct events: the Recreation and Games Festival, the Hobbies and Crafts festival and the Summer Food Festival.

Visitors to the Food Festival found an array of local delicacies awaiting them accompanied by live demonstrations, fruit and vegetable carving and competitions. A highlight here is the Barista Competition (taking place 25-26 August) being organised by Illy, which has drawn leading baristas from the country’s coffee chains vying to prove who brews the best cup of coffee.

Children made a beeline for the Recreation and Games Festival, where a veritable treat of sports and games were waiting for them. Insportz offered, exciting sporting competitions for all ages and electronic gaming areas with the latest computer games were provided by Foton and Landmark Fun City, in addition to trampolines, magic shows, clowns and jugglers provided by Flying Elephant.

The Hobbies and Crafts section drew those with a more artistic flair to view the selection of local arts and craft, bead work as well as attend workshops and simple science experiments organised by Children’s City.

Damas, Wild Wadi, Grand Cinemas and Round Table Pizza are offering mega prizes for visitors, while daily raffles and prize draws will see lucky families walk away with some fabulous prizes. DSS Summer Family Fiesta is sponsored by Damas and entry to the event is AED 5 for adults and free for children below 14 years. Further details are available from the fiesta website www.dubaifiesta.com.