The yearly rock concert held by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra lived up to President George Abela’s promise on Friday that “come rain or shine, we will rock the house”.

Throughout last week, thunderstorms had been forecast for Saturday but, despite the grey clouds looming over the island, long traffic lines could be seen headed to Ta’ Qali early in the evening.

Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Rockestra was raising money for the Community Chest Fund. More than 11,000 people cheered and sang along with the popular Maltese artists that accompanied some 65 musicians directed by Sigmund Mifsud.

This year, Ira Losco, Ivan Filletti, Pawlu Borg Bonaci of Fakawi, Matthew Borg of Red Electrick and Chiara were among the big names starring in the event as the orchestra adapted popular classics by Pink Floyd, Adele, Santana and Zucchero.

This was Mr Borg Bonaci’s fourth year participating in Rockestra but his first as artistic director.

The concert was supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation.