The 8th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival has been launched. The Grand Harbour will again provide the perfect setting for the event, taking place on April 30 and May 1.

Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco told a news conference the festival would also serve as part of the commemorative events to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Malta’s European Union accession.

He said it was important that such events were held, not only on a national level, but also on a local level, to ensure that the tourism product on offer also built on the traditions and heritage of the islands.

MTA promoted this event – together with other events such as the P1 powerboat races and the Isle of MTV concert – with tour operators as well as online; as part of a calendar of events which was crucial for Malta’s promotion overseas.

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Josef Formosa Gauci said that on each of the two evenings, the festival would kick off at 9.30 p.m. with a 15-minute fireworks display, designed by a foreign pyrotechnic company. This would be followed by a set of fireworks displays from 11 local factories in a ‘one by one’ competitive series of displays. This was meant to involve, more than ever before, the local pyrotechnic enthusiasts. For each category, there was a trophy and prize money. A fireworks display synchronized to music would close the event on each evening.

Ta’ Liesse / Lascaris Wharf, as well as the upper reaches of the bastions that surround ed Malta’s capital, with their commanding views over Grand Harbour, were the best locations for viewing the displays.