The festival will begin on June 27 and conclude on July 13. The performances will employ the latest visual and creative technologies, and will focus on capturing Taif’s rich culture. JEDDAH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) signed an agreement with MBC Group to organize the opening ceremony of the 12th Souq Okaz festival in Taif. The festival will begin on June 27 under the patronage of King Salman and SCTH President Prince Sultan bin Salman. The event will also be attended by Taif Gov. Saad Al-Maimouni, Taif University President Husam Zaman, General Authority for Culture CEO Ahmed Al-Mazeed, and members of the souq’s supervisory committee. The opening ceremony this year will feature theatrical and cultural performances in the Okaz main theater. The performances will employ the latest visual and creative technologies, and will focus on capturing Taif’s rich culture. During the ceremony, plays, poetry readings and songs will be presented by Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen, with the participation of an elite group of Saudi actors and singers. The event will be broadcast live on MBC and several other TV channels. The opening ceremony will be repeated at the Okaz theater on Thursday and Friday evening. Attendance during those two evenings is free and open for all. The festival will conclude on July 13.