Some 40 artists, 20 bands and eight electronic musicians recently came together for three days of arts and fun at the Malta International Street Art Festival in Valletta. We bring you some of the highlights.

It was not just Valletta residents who flocked to the capital for a weekend of street art and music, as the creators of the Sliema Street Art Festival this year moved to the area around Marsamxett harbour, transforming it into an urban performance venue for the first Valletta edition of the Malta International Street Art Festival.

Body painting sessions.

But it was not just about visual art and music. Among the biggest attractions there was also a skate/MBX part, a kickboxing performance on the beach by Wu Shu Ky Kickboxing Malta, a Malta Comic-Con section and a projection mapping project by Toni Gialanze and German street artist Bond Truluy.

Leon Keer from Holland, arguably created the biggest stir with his 3D jelly beans going viral, getting featured on Huffington Post Korea and being seen by millions of people online. In the tradition of street art, political messages were not lacking with the rooftop painted by Tony Cuboliquido showcasing the perfect combination of excellent use of space delivering a strong message with respect to migration issues.

Another highlight was the 3D illusion painted over a corner by Odeith, which became one of the most photographed pieces of art. A four-metre wall by Wild Drawing (better known as WD) showcasing the beast from Beauty & the Beast, also gathered very positive reviews. WD spread his paints all the way to Marsascala, giving an ‘artistic refurbishment’ to some of the rooms in the building that housed the former Jerma Palace hotel.

Other works that came in for praise included those by Smug, Vera Bugatti, Alex Maksiov, Valentina Sforinzi, Mr Dheo, Pariz One, Kas Art, Tank, Chemis, Seapuppy, Cooker, Pauser, Sone, Katka, Antoine Stevens, Zag & Sia, Tim Timmey, Oder, Salla and Gesta Future.