Valletta's Streets Alive!

When BOV Streets Alive was launched last year, it was the first initiative of its kind that sought to create a series of evening events in Valletta with the objective of promoting the capital city for evening leisure and commercial activity.

Indeed, when we were approached by the Valletta Alive Foundation with the Streets Alive concept we were ready to lend our support without knowing whether the initiative would succeed or fail. It transpired that, thanks to the hard work and commitment of the Valletta Alive Foundation, BOV Streets Alive events were a success, attracting thousands to Valletta during every Friday evening in August last year.

Today, the second edition of BOV Streets Alive kicks off and we are once again looking forward to a series of events worth remembering.

Scheduled to run for six consecutive Fridays, until its closure on August 24, this year's BOV Streets Alive builds on the success of last year's first edition and introduces an extended, more varied and improved programme guaranteed to appeal to an even wider variety of tastes and interests.

Six different themes have been chosen for every Friday evening and a specific programme has been put together for each particular theme.

This programme includes art exhibitions, food exhibitions of local and international cuisine, historic exhibitions, architecture and fashion shows, as well as music and fun games.

One will also be able to participate in treasure hunts, guided tours and classical cars exhibitions. All events start at 7 p.m.

BOV Streets Alive promotes our capital city as an ideal location for evening leisure activities and commercial opportunities. To achieve this, Valletta will come to life through the various entertainment and cultural events that will take place. This will be actively supported by wining and dining venues, as well as by the opportunity to visit retail outlets outside the normal opening hours.

At Bank of Valletta we firmly believe we have an active role to play in enriching our cultural and artistic heritage. The revival of our capital city is in line with our commitment towards the communities within which we operate. Throughout the year, the bank is active in supporting a number of cultural initiatives and our strong ties with the Valletta Alive Foundation provide a good opportunity for us to extend this support.

However, we cannot do this alone and the participation of the public is essential for these events to be successful. Last year the response was outstanding. Thousands of people flocked to the capital and participated actively in the numerous activities that were put up. This year, the organisers have invested much more in terms of resources and effort in a bid to enhance on last year's experience.

The programme of activities includes something for everyone. Whatever your interests, BOV Streets Alive surely has something to offer that will make every visit to Valletta worthwhile. The invitation is open to everyone to participate and once again bring the streets of Valletta to life!

Mr Galea is head of marketing and communication at Bank of Valletta.