<i>Notte Bianca</i> organisers learn from the past

Crowds flocking to this year's Notte Bianca will be treated to the largest and most varied programme to date, according to creative director Peter Busuttil, who has dedicated the past two months to ensuring that the cultural and social extravaganza is a resounding success.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pack Valletta on Saturday night for the third annual Notte Bianca, with over 100 events scheduled across the capital.

The festival will run till at least 4 a.m., with activities going on through the night.

For the first time, all Heritage Malta museums and sites in Valletta will be open to the public free of charge.

Mr Busuttil hopes that this will not only encourage tourists, but also the Maltese to learn more about the country's heritage.

Mr Busuttil says that organisers have learnt the lessons of the previous two festivals and have planned this year's accordingly.

To avoid having excessive concentrations of people in certain areas of the city centre, this year's Notte Bianca has been extended to cover the area from City Gate to Auberge de Baviere.

Mr Busuttil says that whichever access point people decide to enter the city from, they will be greeted by a performance or activity to entertain them, which will limit the number of people immediately flocking to central landmarks.

To avoid confusion about events taking place, Maltese-language event programmes will be posted to 160,000 households in Malta and Gozo before the festival. A further 25,000 English-language event programmes will be distributed during the festival.

Performances at the Manoel Theatre, the old Opera House and other venues will be repeated throughout the evening to ensure that they can be viewed by the maximum number of people. There will also be a number of looped costume theatre performances taking place at roaming locations on the streets of Valletta.

In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion around Valletta, a park and ride system will be in operation and organisers are attempting to create new parking spaces. However, Mr Busuttil urged people to use public transport.

The organisers have attempted to ensure that the festival creates a lasting legacy for Valletta residents, some of whom are not happy that their locality is hosting tens of thousands of people in one night.

The event will attempt to breathe new life into old buildings that were once the hub of Valletta life. For example, the old market area will be transformed into a traditional tavern and crafts area for the evening.

Nearly all the streets will be adorned with the decorations of Valletta's parish feasts. Residents will also receive a 10 per cent discount at certain restaurants during the festival to encourage them to embrace it.

A 'Clean-Up Valletta' campaign will ensure that the capital is looking its best for the festival and that life returns to normal as soon as possible afterwards.

"This is one way of saying thanks to residents, who will be hosting the whole of Malta and Gozo," Mr Busuttil said.