Six arenas featuring over 100 artists will turn one of Malta's most visited promenades into a hive of activity this weekend as the Sliema Arts Festival returns for the fourth straight year. 

The stretch of promenade from above Independence Gardens up to Fond Għadir beach will host artists, musicians, a food and drinks court as well as an artisan market featuring more than 35 stalls. 

Christopher Gatt, the former director at St James' Cavalier, has been roped in to help direct proceedings for this year's event. 

Local bands will play at the Bay Stage in the Independence Gardens, while other stages such as No Sweat Productions' Rock the Beach will entertain pedestrians by Torri. 

Popular DJs Duncan F and Alex Thompson will be creating a chill-by-day and party-by-night atmosphere at their Surfers' Paradise stage between Torri and Surfside Lido, while JUULS Cafe will host the Reggae Pon Di Beach area. 

A theatre stage built on one of Independence Garden's ponds will host dances, theatre acts, puppet shows and live raps. 

Saturday night will see party organisers Perpendicular hosting an early evening party at Surfside beach, close to Fond Għadir beach.  

Tigne Point car park is offering €2 parking, including a park and ride service, between 8pm and 1am throughout the festival.

This year's festival theme is 'A Place Called Home' and in support of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station.

The emphasis will be to recreate the journey people undergo to leave their war-torn countries, and MOAS will have two interactive projects running through the festival: a project called 'The Gift' by world-renowned artist Alfredo Jaar - the father of DJ Nicolas Jaar - and an interactive activity titled 'The Journey'. 

The festival, which is organised by Sliema Local Council in collaboration with the Department of Local Government, will begin tomorrow 15 July and run until Sunday 17 July.