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The 2013 edition of the L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival will be held on April 20 next year.

Now in its 37th edition, the festival will once again be held at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University in Msida.

Local musicians and bands have up to February 18, 2013, to submit songs to be considered by the annual event’s organising committee for inclusion in the festival. As has been the case for several years now, those songs making it to the final must be performed live on the night.

While no specific theme has been set for the entries, songs addressing social issues are encouraged.

A special prize for the song with the best social theme will be awarded.

Lyrics are considered as important as the music, and the subject chosen should reflect the thoughts, sentiments and desires of the Maltese people in the context of today’s world.

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the interest in songs sung in Maltese by local musicians, and L-Għanja tal-Poplu is dedicated to giving such artists a platform to showcase their songs.

As it is not a commercial festival, no monetary prizes are given, but the writers of the winning songs are offered opportunities to expand their experience in the musical field, by giving them the chance to take part in similar festivals abroad where artists can meet like-minded musicians and expand their network of industry contacts.

The prizes are sponsored by the committee behind L-Għanja tal-Poplu and the World Association of Festivals and Artists. The festival is supported by the Malta Arts Fund in collaboration with Wafa chairman Norman Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.ghanjafest.com or log on to www.facebook.com/GhanjaTalPoplu.