The increasingly popular fundraising Rockestra concert has been extended to two nights due to an overwhelming demand for tickets.

Running into its sixth edition, Rockestra takes place on September 27 as scheduled and an extra show would be held on September 28, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca told a press conference yesterday.

The organisers decided to hold another show after the tickets were quickly sold out and there was a huge demand for more. The concert will take place at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali.

This year, for the first time, there was a public call for artists who had never taken part and 118 applications submitted.

The theme of this year’s edition is ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and targets people suffering from a chronic disease or cancer, urging them to continue fighting and believe they can get cured.

It also reached out to singers who have not yet managed to make a career leap to not give up.

Sigmund Mifsud will be musical director and Pawlu Borg Bonaci is artistic director.

It is one of the few events where the National Philharmonic Orchestra performs for free because the proceeds raised from the shows will be in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The brainchild of former president George Abela, more than 65,000 people have attended the Rockestra concerts since he came up with the idea at the beginning of his term of office. Tickets are available from www.ooii.com.mt, the Palace in Valletta and San Anton Palace in Attard.

For more information on the event, visit www.rockestra.org.mt, call 2122 6226 or e-mail rockestra@gov.mt.