Traditional Maltese musical culture will be celebrated during Għanafest that aims to keep the country's customs alive and relevant among the young generations.

The festival will include traditional folklore singers performing with young Maltese artistes such as hip-hop band No Bling Show and the Dominic Galea quartet.

Apart from the strong national element, the festival, to be held between June 4 and 6 at Floriana's Argotti Gardens, will also celebrate the music of other cultures. Musicians from Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Egypt will also be sharing the tunes of their countries.

Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco welcomed the festival, first held 13 years ago to pay tribute to Malta's għana that is known to date back to the 18th century, at least.

Apart from the various performances, the festival will include activities for children and workshops to help people understand Malta's traditional instruments.

Dr de Marco said the festival had become an important event in the Maltese cultural calendar and it was estimated that over the past two years about 2,300 people had attended the three-day event.