Malta Day UK expected to be bigger and better

Nostalgic Maltese migrants living in the UK will be able to get a taste of home on September 13 when Malta Day UK is celebrated in London.

The idea for a Malta Day was conceived in 2001 by George Bonello Du Puis, Malta's High Commissioner in the UK, who wanted to celebrate all that was Maltese and Gozitan from food, music, the religious feast and an overall good time out.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, high commission counsellor Raymond Xerri said the activities would include a Maltese fair, a church service and street procession followed by a gala dinner and an all-night dance and variety show.

Mr Scerri said that last year they had about 12,000 visitors for Malta Day and they were anticipating more this year. About 500 people will also be flying to the UK from Malta to attend this year's event.

This year 35 companies have come forward to exhibit their wares at the one-day fair in London, compared to 25 exhibitors last year.

The stands will include Maltese delicacies, knitwear, Maltese lace, jewellery, crafts from Gozo, furniture, local literature and art.

The concelebrated Mass at the Brompton Oratory by Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi, will include hymns by Gozo's Laudate Pueri choir and a tribute by George Curmi il-Pusé.

The entrance procession will include the participation of the Knights of Malta, Maltese associations and other groups, other clergy and ministers.

The feast which has been chosen for the occasion is that of Our Lady of Victories because it marks Malta's victory over its enemies with the intercession of Our Lady.

There will also be a procession through a number of streets near the oratory with the statue of Maria Bambina accompanied by a brass band after Mass.

The fibreglass statue was commissioned and paid for by a Maltese migrant living in London, Dame Connie Vella. It was made by a Gozitan sculptor.

The evening will draw to an end with a gala dinner and variety show. Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami has been invited as the guest of honour.

Apart from the Malta Day UK event, the Laudate Pueri Choir will also be performing at a concert of sacred baroque music in the prestigious church of Martin-in-the-Fields in London, as well as at two other events in Cambridge and Westminster Cathedral.

Choir chairman Anton Tabone said 40 members of Laudate Pueri, under the direction of Prof. Joe Vella, will be flying to the UK for these events.

The chairman of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Joe Friggieri, praised the initiative and highlighted that baroque music was one of the island's best exports.