Fires, football, the first-ever privately funded migrant rescue ship, the Malta Arts Festival, fleeing the troubles in Libya, Angelina and Brad's film set, and more - A selection of the best photos taken over the past week by Times of Malta photographers.

A scrapped Volkswagen Beatle survives a blaze that destroyed about 25 cars in a scrapyard fire on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA scrapped Volkswagen Beatle survives a blaze that destroyed about 25 cars in a scrapyard fire on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Firefighters tackle a large fire in a scrapyard in Lija on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaFirefighters tackle a large fire in a scrapyard in Lija on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Two firefighters look at a fire that broke out in a scrapyard in Lija on July 16.Two firefighters look at a fire that broke out in a scrapyard in Lija on July 16.

A volunteer fireman, one of the first to arrive on the scene of a huge fire that took place in a scrapyard in Lija, is treated for smoke inhalation on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA volunteer fireman, one of the first to arrive on the scene of a huge fire that took place in a scrapyard in Lija, is treated for smoke inhalation on July 16. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina
 

Regina Catrambone of Italy speaks to the Times of Malta at her home in Madliena on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Malta-based Christopher and Regina Catrambone told the media that they felt compelled to act following an appeal by the Pope after several hundred African migrants drowned off the Italian island of Lampedusa in October 2013. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiRegina Catrambone of Italy speaks to the Times of Malta at her home in Madliena on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Malta-based Christopher and Regina Catrambone told the media that they felt compelled to act following an appeal by the Pope after several hundred African migrants drowned off the Italian island of Lampedusa in October 2013. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A shipyard worker casts a rope to a colleague on a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA shipyard worker casts a rope to a colleague on a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A shipyard technician works at the stern of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa, on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA shipyard technician works at the stern of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa, on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A shipyard technician works beneath a helipad for drone helicopters at the stern of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA shipyard technician works beneath a helipad for drone helicopters at the stern of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Technicians works in the engine room of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiTechnicians works in the engine room of a 43-metre ship, the Phoenix1, at the Bezzina Ship Repair Yard in Marsa on July 10. A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy the ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The film set for a movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie starts to take shape at Mgarr ix-Xini Bay, Gozo on July 14. Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe film set for a movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie starts to take shape at Mgarr ix-Xini Bay, Gozo on July 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Two civilian Puma helicopters prepare to land at Malta International Airport after leaving Mitiga Airport in the outskirts of Tripoli, Libya after evacuating several of its employees on July 15. Photo: Matthew MirabelliTwo civilian Puma helicopters prepare to land at Malta International Airport after leaving Mitiga Airport in the outskirts of Tripoli, Libya after evacuating several of its employees on July 15. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A civilian Puma helicopter makes its final approach to land at Malta International Airport, after evacuating several employees from Libya on July 15. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA civilian Puma helicopter makes its final approach to land at Malta International Airport, after evacuating several employees from Libya on July 15. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Armed Forces of Malta personnel greet a civilian Puma helicopter after it evacuated several employees from just outside Tripoli, Libya on July 15. Photo: Matthew MirabelliArmed Forces of Malta personnel greet a civilian Puma helicopter after it evacuated several employees from just outside Tripoli, Libya on July 15. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Foreign Minister George Vella addresses a news conference at his office in Valletta on July 16. Referring to the ‘tense and uncertain’ situation in Libya, he said there is no immediate need to evacuate the Maltese there. Photo: Jason BorgForeign Minister George Vella addresses a news conference at his office in Valletta on July 16. Referring to the ‘tense and uncertain’ situation in Libya, he said there is no immediate need to evacuate the Maltese there. Photo: Jason Borg

A Caracal, also known as the desert lynx, sits in his cage at the Animal Park at Montetkristo Estates in Luqa on July 15. The park has been served with warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA Caracal, also known as the desert lynx, sits in his cage at the Animal Park at Montetkristo Estates in Luqa on July 15. The park has been served with warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

One of the squirrel monkeys hangs on to his cage at the Animal Park at Montekristo Estates in Luqa, on July 15. The park has been served with at least two warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOne of the squirrel monkeys hangs on to his cage at the Animal Park at Montekristo Estates in Luqa, on July 15. The park has been served with at least two warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A lion sits on a wooden bench in its cage at the Montekristo Animal Park in Luqa on July 15. The illegal zoo is open to the public and has been served with at least two warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA lion sits on a wooden bench in its cage at the Montekristo Animal Park in Luqa on July 15. The illegal zoo is open to the public and has been served with at least two warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals are kept in. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca steps out of an AFM helicopter shortly after landing at Luqa Barracks on July 16. The President dropped in on all AFM units at their various facilities, including Safi Barracks and the Maritime Squadron in Hay Wharf. Photo: Chris Sant FournierPresident Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca steps out of an AFM helicopter shortly after landing at Luqa Barracks on July 16. The President dropped in on all AFM units at their various facilities, including Safi Barracks and the Maritime Squadron in Hay Wharf. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca inspects an AFM Guard of Honour at Luqa Barracks on July 16. Photo: Chris Sant FournierPresident Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca inspects an AFM Guard of Honour at Luqa Barracks on July 16. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Police officers take part in a parade during which President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the force with new colours in Valletta’s St George’s Square on July 12. Photo: Jason BorgPolice officers take part in a parade during which President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the force with new colours in Valletta’s St George’s Square on July 12. Photo: Jason Borg

The Malta Police Band takes part in a parade held as part of the 200th anniversary of the Corps in Valletta on July 12. Photo: Jason BorgThe Malta Police Band takes part in a parade held as part of the 200th anniversary of the Corps in Valletta on July 12. Photo: Jason Borg

The living and the dead - Addolorata Cemetery graves in the foreground with the town of Paola in the background on July 19. Photo: Chris Sant FournierThe living and the dead - Addolorata Cemetery graves in the foreground with the town of Paola in the background on July 19. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

A sculpture of Our Lady protrudes from a wall at the Addolorata Cemetery in Paola on July 19. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA sculpture of Our Lady protrudes from a wall at the Addolorata Cemetery in Paola on July 19. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

One of the buildings at SmartCity is all set and prepared for the official opening of the Laguna Walk on July 15. Photo: Jason BorgOne of the buildings at SmartCity is all set and prepared for the official opening of the Laguna Walk on July 15. Photo: Jason Borg

Students pass through an archway made of balloons in Old Theatre Street in Valletta on July 15. Photo: Matthew MirabelliStudents pass through an archway made of balloons in Old Theatre Street in Valletta on July 15. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Light winds provided ideal conditions for a paraglider over Madliena on July 14. Photo: Matthew MirabelliLight winds provided ideal conditions for a paraglider over Madliena on July 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A school of bogue swim near boat mooring lines in Msida Creek on July 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA school of bogue swim near boat mooring lines in Msida Creek on July 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A Chinese flag flies outside the China Cultural Centre in Valletta on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA Chinese flag flies outside the China Cultural Centre in Valletta on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Birkirkara’s Ryan Camenzuli celebrates scoring his side’s only goal during their 4-1 defeat to Diosgyor in their Europa League match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 11. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBirkirkara’s Ryan Camenzuli celebrates scoring his side’s only goal during their 4-1 defeat to Diosgyor in their Europa League match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 11. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Birkirkara’s coach Paul Zammit gestures to his players during their Europa League match against Diosgyor at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 11. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBirkirkara’s coach Paul Zammit gestures to his players during their Europa League match against Diosgyor at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 11. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Valletta’s Lateef Elford-Alliyu (right) and Qarabag’s Ilgar Gurbanov battle for the ball during their Champions League match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiValletta’s Lateef Elford-Alliyu (right) and Qarabag’s Ilgar Gurbanov battle for the ball during their Champions League match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Valletta’s coach Gilbert Agius shouts instructions to his players during their Champions League match against Qarabag at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiValletta’s coach Gilbert Agius shouts instructions to his players during their Champions League match against Qarabag at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on July 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Mavin Khoo (left) and choreographer Dorian Mallia) rehearse for their Malta Arts Festival performance Triple Bill: Duets in Motion, at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on July 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiMavin Khoo (left) and choreographer Dorian Mallia) rehearse for their Malta Arts Festival performance Triple Bill: Duets in Motion, at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on July 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Croatian cellists Stjepan Hauser (left) and Luka Sulic (right), known as 2Cellos, together with drummer Dusan Kranjc (rear), perform during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. The festival, which runs from July 14 to August 2, provides a mix of theatre, dance, music and visual arts. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiCroatian cellists Stjepan Hauser (left) and Luka Sulic (right), known as 2Cellos, together with drummer Dusan Kranjc (rear), perform during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. The festival, which runs from July 14 to August 2, provides a mix of theatre, dance, music and visual arts. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Croatian cellist Stjepan Hauser of the 2Cellos lies on the ground as he performs during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiCroatian cellist Stjepan Hauser of the 2Cellos lies on the ground as he performs during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Croatian cellists Stjepan Hauser (centre left) and Luka Sulic (centre right), known as 2Cellos, together with drummer Dusan Kranjc (rear), perform during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. Picture taken with zoom burst. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiCroatian cellists Stjepan Hauser (centre left) and Luka Sulic (centre right), known as 2Cellos, together with drummer Dusan Kranjc (rear), perform during the Malta Arts Festival at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on July 14. Picture taken with zoom burst. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

An enthralling performance by Joseph Marcell, probably best known for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is seen here during the great thunderstorm scene in the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s rendition of King Lear at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on July 16. This is the sixth visit of the theatrical group at the Malta Arts Festival. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAn enthralling performance by Joseph Marcell, probably best known for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is seen here during the great thunderstorm scene in the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s rendition of King Lear at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on July 16. This is the sixth visit of the theatrical group at the Malta Arts Festival. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

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