A study found that 51.6 per cent of Maltese still see local band clubs as relevant to society and showed that the clubs act as a source of cultural identity.

The results disprove the “common perception” that participation in band clubs can only be associated with certain strata of society, said Vincent Marmara, who published the study.

Those over 56 years spoke highly of band clubs, whereas those between 18 and 25 registered the lowest rate of interest, the study continued. Gozitans and people from the south showed the greatest appreciation for band clubs, it found. The finding attests to the strength of cultural appreciation in the communities, Dr Marmara insisted.

There is little doubt that the Maltese appreciate band clubs, with the majority (35 per cent) saying that they were unsure if they would change anything and a further 21 per cent insisting that they would make sure things remained the same.

But interest is facing a decline, as the study proceeds to find that people aged between 18 and 25 found band clubs not to be relevant to Maltese society.

The lack of interest in the younger generations is worrying

Speaking to the Times of Malta, the president of the Band Clubs Organisation Noel Camilleri said that while the study yielded positive results, more needed to be done to attract younger generations. Their lack of interest is worrying, Dr Camilleri conceded, saying that band clubs teach youth self-discipline and a sense of community.

But this sense of belonging does not seem to go unnoticed, with 45.35 per cent of respondents saying that the most positive thing about band clubs is the unity between members.

Arguments between rival clubs need to stop, however, in order to attract more members, 18 per cent of the respondents insist.

Band clubs do seem more popular than ever- with over 23,000 members nationwide.

People generally agreed more needs to be done to raise awareness of band club activities. As many as 51 per cent said TV is their main source of information on events around village feasts. The internet and social media are only popular for 18-to-25-year-olds, contrary to those over 56, who learn about activities through the radio or word of mouth.

The study also found 65.4 per cent were “unsure” about other activities that band clubs could organise. “This finding indicates the importance of creating a better marketing strategy about the work that is carried out by such organisations,” Dr Marmara said.

Some, 24.7 per cent of respondents said they do not dislike anything in village feasts, while six per cent said that dislike everything.

The top reason cited against feasts was “too much noise from fireworks.”