Sixty-five cultural activities organised by local councils will be financed by the government in the New Year.

The funding will be within the framework of the initiatives and activities scheme, which is running into its fourth year. It is estimated that the government has, so far, invested €1.2 million into more than 200 cultural activities held in various towns and villages.

Details on the activities receiving funding under the scheme next year were given by Mario de Marco and Chris Said, parliamentary secretaries for tourism and local councils respectively.

The events are designed to promote the identities and historical heritage of the localities, to attract more visitors, generate more commerce and offer additional space to artists to showcase their talent.

Fifteen new events will be held including the Fontana Fireworks Festival, Mqabba Through The Ages and the Malta Pop Star Talent Special in Birkirkara.

The 50 events in Malta and 15 in Gozo include Festa Frott, organised jointly by Attard and Balzan while the Gozo Regional Committee will be assisted to hold activities to mark Jum Għawdex.

Dr Said noted that the scheme proved to be successful, with a substantial number of events being held in winter and attracting strong interest.

Such activities injected life into Maltese traditions and cultural heritage while improving and spreading the tourist product, Dr de Marco said.

They also beefed up a cultural calendar, with some activities becoming annual events.