Famous names inspire bands at music festival

St Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra will be heaving to rock, club and folk music on Thursday night as Malta joins 105 other countries to celebrate World Music Day.

Organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, five different stages will be set up in various areas for Festa Muzika (Fête de la Musique).

The idea is to bring together the people who produce music, those that perform it and everyone who loves listening to it in a celebration of this art form.

The highlights of the evening are 1960s legends The Yardbirds and The Animals, even if both bands have seen revolving line-ups along the years. The Yardbirds once had among its ranks guitar virtuosos Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.

The Animals, who will be playing in Bugibba's Bay Square are widely known for classic songs like The House of the Rising Sun.

Bands, DJs and other performers hail from the UK, France and Malta. DJ Sonique will be spinning records while a number of tribute bands will entertain the crowds on other stages.

Killer Queen, often known as one of the best Queen tribute bands in the world, will play in Triq it-Turisti and Prodigy Tribute band Jilted Generation will play in Dawret il-Gzejjer. Other bands playing are Soasis (Oasis tribute band), Cold Place (Cold Play Tribute band) together with top local performers like Bitterside and DJ Joseph Armani.

This event, which originated in France and is well established around the world, is being organised in Malta for the first time.

The event will be celebrated annually in St Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra.

For more information phone the tourist information offices on 2369 6073 or 2123 7747 or visit www.visitmalta.com.