Notte Bianca is set to light up the cityscape of Valletta on Saturday, October 1 with a spectacular nocturnal celebration of people, culture and arts. 

State palaces and museums will open their doors patrons well into the night and there willbe a wide range of visual art exhibitions and theatre performances. The  streets and piazzas will showcase some of the finest local and international musicians and dancers.

 Artistic director Peter Busuttil told a press conference that around 500 artists will be taking part in the 6th edition of the festival.

There will be 75 different attractions and places of interest

Artistic director Peter Busuttil said that Notte Bianca was an opportunity for Maltese artists to reach a bigger audience.

He said that the number of applications to take part had been overwhelming.

Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco, who is responsible for culture, said the event had two main purposes, namely to help local artistes, and to provide a showcase to help Maltese people appreciate and understand the country's heritage.

Dr de Marco added that one of the biggest challenges when organising Notte Bianca was how to make the event different every year.

One of the main attractions this year will be two outdoors cinemas, one at St. John's Cavalier near Hastings garden, and one in the area of the old market place in Merchants' Street.

Theatrical performances will also take place in the ruins of the old theatre. The Lascaris war rooms will also be open.

There will be two Zumba instructors leading interactive classes.

Valletta's two band clubs, namely the La Valletta and King's Own clubs, would be taking part for the first time.

Both Dr de Marco and Mr Busuttil urged shops and restaurants to remain open.

Negotiations with Arriva on the provision of public transport are still being finalised.

More information on:  www.nottebiancamalta.com