Pres press case

The unsuccessful bidders for the celebrations marking Malta's entry into the EU believe its line-up has what it takes to guarantee a grand show.

Composer Mike Oldfield, artistic designer Robbie Williams and Jeff Wayne, the creator of the War of the Worlds musical, were in the Pres consortium's team for the celebrations, a spokesman for the consortium said.

Welcomeurope, the winning consortium, has on its part managed to entice former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters to premiere 15 minutes of his long-awaited rock opera, when Malta celebrates its EU entry on the night of April 30. Welcomeurope have also brought on board artistic director Gert Hof and designer Ross Ashton.

The contract awarded to Welcomeurope is currently being evaluated by the appeals board of the Contracts Department, following an objection raised by the Pres consortium.

A spokesman for Pres said their event would have culminated at midnight with Mr Oldfield interpreting Ode to Joy from a floating stage on the Grand Harbour. This would have been synchronised to a light and sound spectacle focused on Fort St Angelo.

Mr Oldfield is world-renowned for his inspirational and uplifting Tubular Bells albums.

Mr Williams had also confirmed his participation as the production's technical director. His portfolio includes the Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations and the Millennium Dome Opening ceremony. He was to be joined by Mr Wayne, composer of The War of the Worlds, a highly popular soundtrack.

Apart from the European Broadcasting Union, Pres has sought other interested television operators to transmit between 30 minutes to an hour of the event. Among the interested parties is Oasis TV Eutalset, according to Pres.