This year’s edition of Notte Bianca combines some old favourites with a fresh vision and exciting new concepts that encourage possibilities and imagination – this combination will transform Valletta into a fairytale fantasy.

Attracting more than 60,000 people to Valletta each year, Notte Bianca is the largest cultural event in the capital. This year, more than 1,000 participants will present a variety of performances, including street and performing arts, literature, fairs, live music and food.

For the first time this year, Notte Bianca will also have an official opening, complete with coloured smoke and in guardia troops firing cannons from all around Valletta. This year, the programme is broadly split into two: the main programme, which includes festival commissions and projects, and Atmosfera (atmosphere), a programme of ancillary events inspired by the energy running through the capital on the night.

This year’s edition of Notte Bianca will also pay tribute to the notion of legacy. An elevated stage will be built in St Lucy Street for Misraħ il-Mużika, with a programme of classical, opera and brass band music playing live throughout the night in various locations.

Valletta will be a hive of activity. To help you find your way around the city, a Notte Bianca app is also available. After downloading the app, tap on the glowing light at the bottom of the screen to access the Notte Bianca light writing tool. Grab a camera, or look out for an official Notte Bianca photographer, follow a few easy steps and start painting the streets of Valletta with light. Submit your photos on the official Notte Bianca website www.nottebianca.org.mt or post them and tag the Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Notte Bianca is being held on Saturday, October 5. For more information e-mail info@nottebiancamalta.com or visit www.nottebiancamalta.com.