Mawaweel, Cairo's Alternative Ramadan Experience is back for a third edition bringing contemporary artists to audiences for three consecutive Fridays 19, 26 July and 2 August.

"Mawaweel's main objective is to provide Egyptian audiences with an enlightening and culturally rich alternative to Cairo’s cliché Ramadan hookah café and kheima concepts, which pop up on every corner during the holy month," the festival's press release reads. "Mawaweel provides hearty musical entertainment, theatrical performances, diverse bazaars, interactive arts and crafts all wrapped up in a warm, cozy atmosphere to be enjoyed and appreciated by people from all ages, classes and nationalities."

Hosted at Darb 1718 and co-organised by the Cairo Jazz Club Agency, Mawaweel brings a selection of musicians, filmmakers, performing artists, visual arts exhibitions and a weekly bazaar selling handmade and designer items.

On the first Friday, 19 July, the night will begin with an act from Al-Khayal Al-Shaabi (The Popular Imagination) group, founded in 2001. The group uses theatrical work to develop the potential and consciousness of children and youth to find solutions for social problems. The troupe has travelled across the country doing street theatre in several cities and villages.

At 9:45, the short film Ravings by young Egyptian director Alia Ayman will be screened. The film explores questions of being and the meaning of life through a short moving film shot around Cairo.

Fresh voice on the scene this year Sarah El-Gohary will bring her indie-pop originals to the stage, with an opening act by Us w Lazq, a relatively new band that fuses different genres to produce their original compositions.

Besides the main entertainment, the bazaar will be ongoing all evening as well as children's workshops such as art therapy, mono-print, recycling art and pottery.

Programme:
Friday 19 July, 9pm
Darb 1718 cultural centre
Qasr Al-Shamee Street, Al-Fakhareen, Old Cairo
(Behind the Hanging Church and Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque at Mar Girgis Metro stop)

9pm        Al-Khayal Al-Shaabi group
9:45pm   Screening of Ravings by Alia Ayman
10pm      Us w Lazq Band
11pm      Sarah El-Gohary