Visitors to Valletta will be able to get their first real glimpse of the revitalised ruins of the Royal Opera House next week when some of the hoarding will be taken down and its new roofless theatre hosts some Christmas entertainment.

The theatre can start to be used informally

Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt was on site yesterday, saying that the works, part of the €80 million City Gate project, were on budget and on schedule.

Standing in front of a sea of pea-green seats, Dr Gatt said the theatre would be officially opened in April or May but people could “partially benefit” from it in the build-up to Christmas.

The ministry has drawn up an entertainment programme called Christmas in the City for December 15-24. It includes folk shows, live concerts, gospel choir performances, face painting and Christmas parades with the participation of about 450 Maltese artists.

By then, Valletta will be more accessible, as the Upper Barrakka lift comes into operation and the Floriana car park in the football ground is opened.

This month, cars will not be charged under the CVA system for entering the city after 4.30pm.

The entertainment programme, put together by the ministry, will spill over into the new De Valette Square adjacent to the theatre. The New Year will be ushered in at the open theatre while national 2013 eve celebrations will be held at both De Valette and St George’s squares.

Dr Gatt said the business community in Valletta had welcomed the entertainment programme and the news that some of the hoarding around the theatre was to be removed.

At the theatre, the decking, the over 900 seats and the backstage area have been completed but the lights, sound and stage machinery still need to be installed.

“It made sense to have a soft launch of the theatre, which can start to be used informally,” Dr Gatt said, insisting this was not the official opening.