Tourism authorities are hoping the 14th Malta International Fireworks Festival will attract thousands of visitors to the island this month.

The annual event, which includes displays by both Maltese and foreign pyrotechnic companies, has previously attracted competitors from Italy, Austria, Portugal, Spain and the UK.

Some have even come from as far as Australia, Canada and Venezuela in previous years.

As the Maltese are well-known for their love of fireworks, with the craft of pyrotechnics going back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St John, the festival will provide tourists with extra entertainment and examples of the traditional pastime.

Repeating the opening event last year, the first night of displays will take place in Marsaxlokk on Saturday.

The festival is spread over a full week, with another night in Valletta’s Grand Harbour on April 30 and the closing event on May 2 in Buġibba, which will host a pyromusical show.

The festival is spread over a week, with events in Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Buġibba

This year, international participants will be Thailand Fireworks, from Thailand, and A.P.E. di Parente Romualdo from Italy.

The local competitors will include: St Mary Fireworks Factory from Għaxaq; Lourdes Fireworks Factory from Qrendi; St Andrew’s Band Fireworks Factory from Luqa; St Mary Fireworks Complex from Mġarr; and Soċjetà Piroteknika 15 ta’ Awissu from Mosta.

Winners will receive a special trophy according to their ranking, while the other participants will receive commemorative trophies.

Seven local factories will take part in a ground fireworks display on the final night of the festival.

Last year’s winners, Pyrotex from England, have been invited to provide a closing spectacle.

PyroEmotions from Italy shall also be performing a pyromusical show in Grand Harbour to end the night on April 30.

Live music will be performed each night.

For more details and recent updates about the events, visit www.maltafireworksfestival.com.

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