The visit to Malta by Prince William, a spectacle of synchronised performances along Grand Harbour and an audio visual on independence projected are the highlights of Malta’s 50th anniversary celebrations, being organised by the Fondazzjoni Celebrazzjoniet Nazzjonali on Saturday.

Launching the programme, which will kick-off with an aeronautical display at 7.20pm, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici noted that this was the first time that the country was united in the commemoration of Malta’s new birth 50 years ago.

“As a united country we’re celebrating this anniversary together... We should offer this celebration as thanks to George Borg Olivier, the father of Independent Malta, Dom Mintoff, who fought for Malta’s freedom, and Eddie Fenech Adami who continued to build on the country’s independence.

Supt. Stephen Mallia, who is in charge of traffic, said that since masses are expected to attend the celebrations, part of the Valletta ring-road - from Crucifix Hill to the Mediterranean Conference Centre will be closed to traffic between 7pm and midnight. He urged the public to use public transport or to park at Blata l-Bajda, Floriana or Belt is-Sebh.

Meanwhile Valletta local council in a statement in the afternoon regretted that it was not consulted about the arrangements being made for the events in Valletta.

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