Second Notte Bianca for October 6

The second edition of Notte Bianca - Lejl Imdawwal, a feast of culture, will be held on October 6, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech announced yesterday.

Mary Ann Cauchi, Notte Bianca's artistic director on behalf of the Tourism and Culture Ministry, said the event had been launched three months before the actual date so that it could be marketed abroad to attract tourists.

But it was also a call for artistic proposals, sponsors and personnel.

Yesterday's launch was an invitation for suggestions and comments, as well as to a wide spectrum of artists who might like to be involved in this manifestation.

Notte Bianca, which is held in various European cities, was a major event that required complex logistical preparations and resources, including a professional team, Ms Cauchi said.

She appealed to volunteers to come forward and take on the role of stage managers, for example.

A Malta Tourism Authority survey has shown that 80,000 people attended the event last year, she said, adding that a call for tenders for various services would be issued in the coming days.

Patrons would be encouraged to use public transport, which they had taken up successfully during Notte Magica and which had been efficient and fast.

The problem of the concentration of crowds in the hub of Valletta would be addressed with the area of activities expanded and opened up to bring to light other interesting angles of the city, Ms Cauchi said.

The Notte Bianca concept as opposed to similar large-scale events that followed in its footsteps, Dr Zammit Dimech said, was based on culture and contemporary art, offering the public the possibility to discover Valletta's history and heritage through all-night access to museums and churches, among other activities.

The programme of events would be announced at a later stage.

Anyone interested in joining the team of organisers, sponsoring the event, participating from an artistic point of view, or simply giving feedback can do so on info@nottebiancamalta.com or by calling 7959 3832.