Jordan Ministry commits funds to Jerash Festival

Jordan's Ministry of Culture has pledged 1.7 million dinar (£1.5 million) to the 2012 Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.

The event - which was reinstated in 2011 following a four-year hiatus - is a major international celebration of performing arts.

According to the Jordan Times, minister of culture Salah Jarrar believes that culture is not only a form of entertainment, but also a vital component in promoting social values and cohesion.

"If a nation does not preserve is heritage and culture, it has no identity," he told the news provider.

People who have been lucky enough to take a luxury holiday in Jordan in the past may have come across Jerash, which is one of the most famous Roman provincial cities in the world.

It has been extremely well preserved and the old ruins are a sight to behold. Some of the old Roman amphitheatres, including the North and South Theatres, as well as the Artemis Temple will be the main focal points of the festival, which is due to start in July.