The inclement weather forecast for tonight will not hinder the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Valletta, so organisers are advising the public to dress up warmly and take along an umbrella.

The mercury should dip to 4°C tonight while showers and thunderstorms are expected to drench the islands.

The inclement weather was no excuse for the festivities to be called off, Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef said.

“We Maltese tend to be spoilt – abroad, other countries face snowfall and worse weather conditions and yet still continue with their outdoor activities and celebrations.”

Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli recalled that, last year, rain poured all day but the sky cleared up just before celebrations kicked off in the evening. Some 12,000 people had packed St George’s Square.

The celebrations would only be called off if the Civil Protection Department issued a severe weather warning, he told this newspaper.

The event is organised by the V-18 foundation together with the Valletta Local Council and G7 Events.

The show will get under way at 8pm, with local artists Red Electrick, Versatile Brass Bands, Pierre Cordina and Clint Bajada rocking the main stage.

Daniel and Sander will produce an end-of-year comedy show at the Pjazza Teatru Rjal while a children’s area will be set up in Pjazza de Valette.

The new year will be ushered in with a 3D architectural mapping projection show across the Grandmaster’s Palace coupled with a special countdown and stage pyrotechnics.

People are urged to use public transport, which will cost €3 for the entire day and will run until 2.30am. The Upper Barrakka lift will be in operation until 4am.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said the New Year’s Eve celebrations were an important part of Malta’s cultural diary since it was a national event which matched those taking place in capital cities around the world.

The budget for the national event has been topped up, totalling some €70,000.

There were some 12 pending applications for properties to be converted into apartments, hotels or boutique hotels, Dr Zammit Lewis said. While much more work was needed, such proposals would serve to attract quality tourists to the capital.

Cultural Minister Owen Bonnici said that according to a study, the name of ‘Valletta’ had more visibility among foreigners than ‘Malta’.

He said that the New Year’s Eve celebrations had a positive economic impact as all the Valletta restaurants are fully booked for the evening.