A large-scale event for all the family is being held in the heart of Victoria on New Year's Eve.

Robert Tabone, mayor of Victoria, said that after numerous requests for an event for all the family celebrating the New Year, the local council decided to meet the challenge and organise, together with the bars within the area something similar yet distinctly different, to the activity put up for the Millennium.

"We will be staging the main attractions under a large tent which will be set up on Independence Square, however roping in Republic Street, St George's Square and Savina Square by using large screens projecting what be will be going on under the tent," Mr Tabone said.

He explained that the council's objective was twofold: "to involve as many bars as possible, and secondly to avoid jam-packed zones for the benefit of the families who would wish to join us and celebrate with us.

The Malta Tourism Authority, General Soft Drinks, Charles Grech Co. Ltd and Things are some of the confirmed sponsors. Dynamic Promotions and Gianni Zammit are helping with the logistics.

DJs will include Joe Cassar and Joe Spiteri (Calypso Radio), Simon Pisani, Malcolm B and Clayton J (Bay Radio) together with JayCee (Dynamic Promotions).

"The order of the day will be to create a mix of Sixties, Seventies, Eighties and Nineties music, and some contemporary commercial music for all to have fun and celebrate."

Winter Moods will give a concert and will lead the public through the last moments of 2006.