The anticipated massive Żurrieq petard failed to light up the heavens last night, to the dismay of many firework enthusiasts.

The so-called “shell of shells” was set to be let off from a barge some three kilometres off the coast of Wied iż-Żurrieq at around 10pm. The event formed part of the Valletta 2018 cultural events.

Manufactured by Manwel Gauci and the Żurrieq St Catherine’s Fireworks Factory, the firework had an astounding diameter of 135cm, surpassing the current record of 96.5cm.

But the largest ever petard manufactured in Malta seemed to have exploded before it hit the sky, fireworks enthusiasts believe.

The organisation Malta Records, which monitors national records, thanked the organisers and people who turned up to the event.

Birdlife Malta had criticised the site chosen to fire the shell, saying it would negatively impact Natura 2000 sites.