time to explore with esplora
Watch the fireworks, sip champagne, on your sofa
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and every year, without fail, celebrations take place in St George’s Square in Valletta. This year, however, the celebrations will not be taking place and will instead, be televised live from Fort St Elmo. Why, we hear you ask?
Well, Valletta Cultural Agency chair Jason Micallef said, “after a number of discussions which have been taking place since summer, the Valletta Cultural Agency and the Culture Ministry have decided to still hold the ‘NYE Valletta Variety Show’, keep it close for the public and televise it live from Fort St Elmo.”
Not a fan of televised shows and would rather be there?
We feel your pain, but the fort can hold up to 300 people, all of whom will be the cast, crew, host and production team, which means that there will be absolutely no members of the general public.
Not to worry, though. The event, which kicks off at 10pm, will go on or three whole hours and will be broadcast on TVM, NET and One, till 1am. The show will be hosted by Ben Camille and Andreana Debattista and will be chock-full of music, dance, comedy and even some fireworks.
The line-up for the night also includes a Palace String Orchestra, accompanied by some of the islands’ top artists, including Aidan, Kevin Paul and Amber. Not to mention that special guests Ember Trio, Britian’s Got Talent 2020 semi-finalist, will also feature in some of Valletta’s most iconic locations.
Local comedy group Min Imissu will also be performing, as well as British comedian Michael McIntryre, who will be sending us all a New Years’ message.
Minister for National heritage, the Arts and local Government Jose Herrera said that the nation has indeed been brave and resilient throughout the year, an attitude that will help when looking ahead at 2021. “We wanted to find a way to celebrate this day, a day which is celebrated all around the world. In Malta, we will be celebrating it a bit differently, in the comfort of our homes with our family,” he said.
