A week-long programme of activities is being drafted to mark the re-opening of the revamped St George's Square in Valletta on December 6.

Works on the historic square, which for years has served as a car park, began about six months ago. Since then, it has been repaved and is being refitted with lamp posts, benches and water jets. Should the need arise, the street furniture can be removed and the fountains covered, while wiring can now be routed through underground tunnels.

The trees and the monument that occupied the lower corner will be relocated elsewhere.

Event coordinator Mathieu Cilia said the highlight of the reopening of St George's Square, or Palace Square, will kick off with an acrobatic exhibition based on the elements of light, water and space on December 6 at 8.45 p.m.

The celebration is being choreographed by Jochen Schweizer, who was also responsible for the celebrations marking the restoration of the Brandenburg Gate and the opening of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Rockefeller Centre in New York.

Between December 7 and 12, the square will host a variety of activities for the family, including historical re-enactments, concerts, parades, displays and a festival of quality wine on December 11 and 12.

In total, the weeklong programme will involve over 1,000 performers and 400 children.

A detailed programme of the events will be mailed to each household and advertised in the media.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com