Labour MEP Alfred Sant has nominated the Malta Band Clubs Association for the European Citizen’s Prize 2016. 

Dr Sant said he was making this nomination in recognition of the Malta Band Clubs Association's achievements, and to honour the contribution of all band clubs in the Maltese islands to popular culture and social cohesion. 

The nomination has been co-signed by MEPs Miriam Dalli and Marlene Mizzi. 

Dr Sant said that across local communities in Malta, band clubs developed over the last 150 years. They originated from two activities prevalent in Malta’s traditional society: participation in church music and in the bands of British regiments stationed in Malta. Band clubs promote a popular appreciation of European classical music while encouraging locally created works. 

“Typically a club has centrally located premises run by volunteers, with activities focusing on the band. It plays for the village festa, celebrations of the Catholic liturgy, and concerts. Other activities include the organization of music lessons and musical archives, and the commissioning of new works. Clubs are vital institutions in community life.”  

In 2014 there were 90 band club with 37,100 members, of which 11.4 per cent were band players. They organized 1,177 musical programmes – a formidable contribution to popular culture.” said Dr Sant.