The Malta International Fireworks Festival kicks off in Valletta today, promising four evenings of dazzling spectacle.
Unlike previous editions, the event is this year taking place mainly in Grand Harbour, except for one night in Nadur, Gozo. All shows start at 8pm.
The festival will feature traditional displays, non-competitive pyro shows, a pyro show competition and entertainment by various bands.
Fireworks factories from all over Malta and Gozo are taking part, while the competition will also see the participation of a number of foreign companies.
The best area to enjoy the magic in the sky and listen to the music and entertainment on stage is at Valletta Waterfront (Quarry Wharf Road). Limited seating will also be available there but seats need to be booked in advance here.
Here is a rundown of tonight’s programme:
Traditional displays
Kummissjoni Soċjetà Mużikali Beland, Żejtun
La Stella Fireworks Factory, Gudja
St Leonard Fireworks Factory, Kirkop
St Andrew’s Fireworks Factory (Unjoni), Luqa
Non-competitive pyroshows
Għaqda Piroteknika 11 ta’ Frar, San Ġwann
Għaqda tan-Mar Santa Marija Bambina, Naxxar
Għaqda tan-Nar Santa Liena, 18 ta’ Awissu, Birkirkara
Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonica Sagra Familja, Kalkara AD1897
Kamra tan-Nar Santa Marija, Ħal Għaxaq
Kummissjoni Nar Madonna tal-Grazzja, Żabbar
St Gabriel Fireworks, Tarxien
Our Lady of Consolation Fireworks Factory, Gudja
Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar, Birżebbuġa
Għaqda tan-Nar San Ġużepp, Kalkara
Santa Marija Fireworks Complex, Mġarr
Kummissjoni Nar Sancte Joseph, Msida
Pryo show competition
Art Eventia – France
Pyrotex Fireworx – UK
Għaqda Piroteknika 10 t’Awissu, Birgu
The festival will continue in Valletta on Friday, April 25, in Nadur on Saturday, April 26 and will culminate with a grand finale again in Valletta on Wednesday, April 30.
Will the finale also include a drone show as in the past few editions? The full programme has not been released yet, so check out the Malta International Fireworks Festival Facebook page for updates.
Note to drivers: Transport Malta announced that sections of Triq il-Lanċa, Triq il-Mediterran, and surrounding areas will be closed to traffic during the events at Valletta Waterfront.