The country will be making history tomorrow when the main political figures come together to mark Malta’s 50th anniversary of independence, according to Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.

“As a united country we’re celebrating this anniversary together.

“We should offer this celebration as thanks to the father of independent Malta George Borg Olivier, to Dom Mintoff, who fought for Malta’s freedom, and to Eddie Fenech Adami who continued to build on the country’s independence,” Dr Bonnici said.

The minister was speaking at the launch of a programme of events that will be held at Grand Harbour tomorrow between 7pm and 11pm. The celebration will begin with an aeronautical display by the Italian Pioneer team.

We should offer this celebration as thanks to George Borg Olivier, Dom Mintoff and Eddie Fenech Adami

Later, Prince William will join Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at the Upper Barrakka in Valletta and their speeches will be projected on Fort St Angelo and Ta’ Liesse.

A group of 14 local firework factories and the award-winning Italian Pyroemotions will at around 8.30pm give a display followed by a gun salute at the Saluting Battery.

A spectacle of synchronised performances across Cottonera and Valletta overlooking Grand Harbour will follow and an audio-visual display on independence will be projected on St Angelo and screens at Ta’ Liesse.

Malta’s 50th anniversary celebrations organised by the Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjoniet Nazzjonali will come to an end with a stage performance at Ta’ Liesse at 11pm.

Police superintendent 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, the ferry, or to park at Blata l-Bajda, Floriana or Belt is-Sebħ.