Valletta’s infamous ‘Gut’, a term used to refer to Strait Street, will be brought back to life again this year in a weekend festival of wine, music and art.

Called Strada 2013, the festival will take place between July 26 and 28 and involves all the operators and businesses in the street.

Organised by Kris Fenech Soler and Philip Zammit, the event will offer the public a quality entertainment and a unique atmosphere in line with the culture and history that Strait Street evokes.

“Strada has in the past been a game-changer when it came to bringing Valletta back to life and we are confident this event will be a celebration of this,” the organisers said.

We are confident this event will be a celebration of bringing Valletta back to life

The long narrow road, which will be lit up with flaming torches known as fjakkoli, will get a facelift with paintings hung on its walls and sculptures exhibited on the street as fire dancers light up the place with their tricks.

To turn back the clock and take visitors on a journey through the days when the street was a red light district, re-enactors will dress up as sailors and prostitutes.

Sculptors, artists and craftsmen will work from artisan stalls set up along the street and tables and chairs will allow the public to relax and enjoy their wine and delicacies.

This year’s event is bigger than in previous years and all the eating and drinking establishments operating from Strait Street or close by have been roped in to take part – mainly Trabuxu, Tico Tico, Jubilee, South Street, Wild Honey and Streat.