Final preparations were under way yesterday for the eighth edition of the International Ground Fireworks Festival, which promises a spectacle of colour over Grand Harbour today and tomorrow.

The festival, which will be judged by a jury of three foreign pyrotechnic experts, will mark the sixth anniversary of Malta's EU accession.

Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Mario de Marco, who visited the firing site yesterday, said this was a celebration for all Maltese and Gozitans, marking the start of the festa season. "It will be a special attraction for thousands of tourists who are here with us to celebrate the sixth anniversary since Malta joined the EU," he said.

Dr de Marco said nine local and two international fireworks factories would be taking part. This enhanced competition.

He said a world pyrotechnics conference would be held in Malta in 2012.

The opening display, by the Independent Fireworks Factory of Qrendi will be held today at 9 p.m., followed by a grand pyro-musical display by Italy's Orzella Fireworks Company at 9.15 p.m. This will be followed at 9.45 p.m. by three competitive fireworks displays by Lourdes Fireworks Factory of San Ġwann, St Nicholas Fireworks Factory of Siġġiewi and La Stella Fireworks Factory of Gudja.

The night will finish off with a pyro-musical display by Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory of Żurrieq at 10.30.

Tomorrow, the opening display will again be performed by the Independent Fireworks Factory at 9 p.m. At 9.15 p.m., a grand pyro-musical display will be given by the Santa Marija Fireworks Factory of Mqabba.

The second set of competitors - St Mary Fireworks Factory of Mġarr, St Bartholomew Fireworks Factory of Għargħur and St Mary Fireworks Factory of Għaxaq - will battle it out at 9.45 p.m. The closing show, a grand pyro-musical display by Italy's Parente Fireworks Factory, will be held at 10.30 p.m.