Valletta’s former red light district will return to the “good old days” during a festival celebrating its infamous heritage.

Organised by a group of 12 businesses situated along the narrow Strait Street, the Stretta Festival will see the area lit in red as impromptu performances and art installations celebrate its illustrious past as the island’s vice capital.

The festival will be held between Thursday and September 8 and will include artisanal markets and a number of “surprises”.

The festivities will not be limited to Strait Street and will spill into surrounding areas, with part of the law courts also used as a chill out area.

Clint Debono, one of the organisers, said the event would build upon a similar one that used to be held in the area.

“There was a similar event organised here and we hope to bring back some of that atmosphere. We will return to the good old days, with the exception of certain activities,” he quipped.

The event will not be limited to bars, as Mr Debono explained retail outlets and the Embassy cinemas would also be getting involved in the fun.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said although the event was a private initiative, the government fully supported it and hoped to see other similar attractions “bring the capital to life”.