Updated 8.05 p.m.

The Labour Party beamed its slogan Malta Taghna Lkoll across Grand Harbour onto the Senglea bastions this evening ahead of a rally at Valletta Waterfront.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat told the supporters during the activity that Labour wanted to transform the enthusiasm within it into new energy for the country.

Standing in front of supporters waving US-election-style placards with the campaign logo and theme, 'Malta for all', and 'Muscat 2013', the Labour leader traversed Malta's political history from Manuel Dimech's dream of nationhood to EU membership in 2004.

Dr Muscat said he wanted to humbly recall the Sette Giugno victims, the achievements of Nationalist Party founders Fortunato and Nerik Mizzi, the day Maltese football supporters sang the national anthem in 1954 - immortalised by poet Ruzar Briffa, Independence, - the republican constitution of 1974 and the departure of the last British forces in 1979.

He insisted that each of the political milestones was achieved by the people. "They belong to no one but the people," he said.

At no time during his 30-minute address did Dr Muscat refer to the Labour Party by name, extolling instead a sense of nationhood by urging his supporters to look ahead towards "a better Malta".

"These achievements have no colour. Malta does not belong to politicians, one party or another," he said to rousing applause.

He said the coun try was now yearning for a change of direction. He urged people not to fear change, inviting them to be part of this political project and not be mere spectators.

His speech was followed by a three-minute feature film showing young people discussing their country's history with an elderly man.