Lights out!

The fourth edition of Birgu By Candlelight, an offshoot of the Historic Cities Festival, is scheduled for October 12, building on past successes and counting on the active and heartfelt involvement of the residents, said Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.

Among its innovative aspects is the World War II theme that is running through the entertainment around the event, said its artistic director Mary Ann Cauchi.

Artistic and cultural activities, including the three-hour show on a stage in the main square, are being linked to the subject, featuring post- and pre-war tunes, dance and projections, she said.

The footprint is being extended beyond the heart of the town, towards Grand Harbour Marina, with the cooperation of the Vittoriosa Waterfront outlets, to cater for the large numbers that attend the event.

Vittoriosa, which has already benefitted from a facelift over the years, takes on magical charm when the lights are out and the narrow, winding streets are illuminated by flickering candles.

The cooperation of residents, who switch the lights of their own homes off and open their doors to the thousands who flock their streets to share their heritage, further enhances its evocative image.

The element of interactivity is a crucial ingredient of the event, which is yet another magnet for tourists, apart from attracting locals, who have never ventured to the Three Cities.

Short music, theatre and dance performances will be held on the streets, offering an element of surprise, said Ms Cauchi, while visitors can also experience a discovery tour around the town.

A ghost tour, as well as tours of Vittoriosa and its military fortifications are being organised.

The event which is firmly anchored in the country's cultural calendar, and is being held from 7 p.m. till midnight, includes historical re-enactments.

The date of the event was postponed so that it would coincide with an international conference, Avec, which is being held in Vittoriosa that weekend and is hosting 30 delegates from Europe, including five mayors, Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall said.

The number of candles made available by the Tourism Ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority to light up the town were doubled - and even trebled - by the residents, such was their enthusiasm.

Public transport arrangements will be announced at a later stage.