Buses to get preference for Notte Magica

The Notte Magica, penned to take place on January 6 in Valletta, will not be another Notte Bianca as organisers have endeavoured to give such a night its own character, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said yesterday.

The organisers, namely the Ministry of Tourism, the Valletta Light Foundation and N&G promotions, have learnt from the success and experience gained from the Notte Bianca held last October and have sought to devise a better programme and make better traffic arrangements.

"It is estimated that about 22,000 people wanted to come to Valletta last October but turned back as they were disheartened by traffic jams. This year we are encouraging people to use public transport and there will be deviations to ensure that buses don't get stuck in traffic," Dr Zammit Dimech said.

Traffic arrangements would be announced closer to the date. Anton Attard, of N&G promotions, which is responsible for organising the entertainment on the night, said there will be a number of stages in different squares but the shows will not last all night as the aim is to get people moving from one part of Valletta to another.

He said there will be something for everyone, with top local talent such as Ira Losco, Winter Moods, Nadine Axisa, Ludwig, Scream Daisy, Gianni and friends as well as Zoo and bands from local band clubs. There will also be street entertainment with sword and fire eaters and stilt walkers.

Free overseas calls can be made from special booths that will be set up by Hello.

Dr Zammit Dimech said shops were being encouraged to remain open and make special offers to attract more clients.

It is estimated that some Lm800,000 were spent in Valletta in October's event, and shops that had remained closed on the day lost a lot of business, Dr Zammit Dimech said.