Sarasota County, on the Gulf Coast, is known as The Sunshine State's 'Cultural Coast'. Sarasota welcomes cultural enthusiasts from across the globe to the fifth annual Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) held in October. RIAF is a unique four day event showcasing a variety of dance, music, and theatre presented in intimate performance venues at the stunning John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

The Festival's Opening Night, RIAF Inspires, kicks off the festival on Wednesday 9th October at 5.30pm with a drinks reception prior to a selection of dance and musical performances in the 500-seated Mertz Theatre, followed by a delicious dinner in the decadent galleries of the Venetian Gothic inspired Ringling Museum of Art.

The star of RIAF Inspires and the four day festival, is Spanish dancer and winner of Spain's National Prize for Dance; Rocío Molina. Molina is a world-renowned Flemenco dancer and promises a fascinating performance integrating Flamenco, classical, Spanish classical or the "bolero", and traditional popular dance, promising an unforgettable and unique performance.

Theatre enthusiasts will not be disappointed at RIAF; The Belarus Free Theatre presents the controversial Minsk 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker a dramatization of people's erotic lives in the Belarusian capital amidst the shadow of a country grappling with Europe's last remaining dictatorship, currently banned in its native country. The Leev Theater Group of Iran stages Hamlet, Prince of Grief; a humorous and unusual rendition of William Shakespeare's Hamlet abbreviated into a 40 minute performance.

As well as a vibrant selection of international theatrical and musical performances, the festival boasts the nightly Jazz Sunsets on the Bay. Couples can step back in time to the 'roaring' 1920s and dance until the sun goes down to live jazz music being played in the grounds of the 66 acre Ca' d'Zan Mansion, overlooking the bay.

The memorable four day event is brought to a dramatic end on the Saturday night with the RIAF Closing Night Party. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food and wine served in the picturesque Courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art, with fireworks on display throughout the evening to end their 'Culture on the Coast' holiday with a bang.

Tickets range from $30 to $40, excluding Opening Night.

For further information on RIAF please visit http://www.ringling.org/Events2.aspx?id=14726

Seven nights at Hyatt Regency Sarasota costs from £1,199 per person based on two people sharing a double room. Including return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa and car hire, based on travel on 7th October 2013.

To book visit http://www.vacationstoamerica.com/ or call 01582 469777.

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Visit Sarasota County is located on the West Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Tampa and just one and half hour's drive from Orlando. The area has beautiful, white sand beaches, wildlife and a string of unspoilt natural islands, comprising what many refer to as 'hidden Florida'.

For further information on Visit Sarasota County please visit www.visitsarasota.org

For further press information contact: Antonia Robinson, Gosh PR, Tel: + 44 (0)20 73676745. Email: antonia@goshpr.co.uk