MTV concert 'may not be the last'

Tonight's Isle of MTV concert may be the final in a series of four, according to the contract with the major music television network, but it is not necessarily the last, said Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco about "Europe's largest free outdoor concert".

Discussions are under way to enter into another contract and he said he was looking forward to future events.

Meanwhile, a "much more modern, digital and linear" stage than previous years has been moulded for tonight's anticipated show at the Floriana Granaries, in keeping with the "rock act" it is hosting.

Isle of MTV has, in fact, moved away from the predominantly pop feel of the last years, and the platform has developed in that direction too, with an "exciting new look" for the line-up, according to executive producer Jane Fraser.

She has been around - and behind the scenes - for the previous concerts and always looks forward to the Malta event.

The stage is expected to look huge as a result of lighting effects, changing colours and LED panels that are creating false perspectives and depths, Ms Fraser anticipated.

A 110-strong crew, involved in major international events for the MTV network, including the Europe Music Awards, has been working on the stage in a 10-day build-up to tonight's concert, which is being filmed by 10 cameramen from strategic positions.

"Being such an important production for the network, we bring the best team down here," Ms Fraser said, listing director of photography Eugene O'Connor, who has worked with the likes of U2.

"We have the usual shots from the church's bell tower, which are fantastic," she said, pointing out that the footage from the Malta concert was "amazing" due to the "energy of the huge crowd" it attracts, and would be used as much as possible by the network.

The end result is scheduled to go on air across the European network by the beginning of September, when the viewership is higher, before going global, Ms Fraser said.

Isle of MTV, which kicks off at 8.30 p.m., is showcasing top band Scissor Sisters, Brit Award winner Kelis, American star Kid Rock and French Grammy-nominated DJ David Guetta.

"The appeal has broadened," she said, singling out Kid Rock for putting up a "fantastic" live performance and offering something for everyone.

Three years down the line, managers and record labels were aware of the Malta event that has made its mark on the summer music calendar, and approached MTV to propose their artistes.

"Their enthusiasm to perform at this event adds to the other assets, including a welcoming atmosphere and good weather," Ms Fraser said. "What is there not to like?"

Touring the venue yesterday, Dr de Marco said Isle of MTV was expected to attract an even bigger audience than last year, which although packed, was held under the cloud of swine flu.

A substantial number of foreigners are also expected to attend, the Malta Tourism Authority having promoted the concert overseas in the run-up.

The Isle of MTV concert stemmed from the need to have "a better blend of tourists and to move away from the image of the pensioners' island" - and it seems to be working, Dr de Marco said.

While hoping that everyone would enjoy what he described as a "great line-up and a great concert", he appealed to the public to respect Floriana residents - the concert is being held in an urban area - and to use public transport, which has been extended into the night.

Traffic arrangements

Sarria Street, Floriana, will be closed to all traffic and cleared from parking until tomorrow at 5 p.m. St Publius Street will be closed to all passing traffic and cleared from parking until Friday. Traffic is to go through St Anne Street, or E.S. Tonna into Vincenzo Bugeja streets and past Police Headquarters and the Curia.

Buses will operate an extra schedule from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with the price of tickets in that time being €1.16 to all locations. The bus lane from Pieta' to Valletta is to be kept clear tonight, and the area in front of the APS Bank in St Anne Street is the designated drop-off point for those travelling to the concert on buses, or coaches.

Buses will be driving through St Anne Street into Nelson Avenue until tomorrow at midday.

The park-and-ride service will operate normally, but extra shuttles will be organised, depending on demand. Cars should make use of the park-and-ride as much as possible.

Entry to the Granaries is from the back end, via E.S. Tonna Street, or through the Mall in Floriana. There will be no entry into Sarria and St Publius streets from Great Siege Road. Exits will be from Sarria and St Publius streets into Great Siege Road.

Two medical posts are being set up in the area around the Granaries: next to the Catholic Institute and near the Independence Monument.