We are striding quickly and warmly into summer in Malta, which some might think is a time for rest and sunbathing, right?
“Not on your nelly!” as a good London cockney will tell you. Summer in Malta and Gozo are filled with music, food, fun and some of the best festivals you’ll find anywhere.
The only problem? You might need to stay awake 24/7 to do it all!
Here are a few highlights not to miss in July.
The Isle of MTV Festival features international performers. Photo By Anthony Harvey
Isle of MTV
The Isle of MTV, an annual music festival organized by MTV, is a key fixture in Europe’s festival calendar and is held annually on the Floriana Granaries in Valletta
Attracting nearly 50,000 people for one night of music, the popular music extravaganza returns to Malta on 16th July with multi-award-winning RAYE, global superstar DJ Snake, and international chart-topper Nelly Furtado headlining the event.
In years past, appearances have been made by the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dog, Paloma Faith, and many other international stars.
Malta Jazz Festival
The Malta Jazz Festival will be held from 8th to 13th July in two locations: open-air performances at Ta’ Liesse on the Valletta waterfront and indoors at the City Theatre.
Performers will include Chief Adjuha from the US, the Walter Smith III Quartet, Something Else, Trio Grande, Monica Salmaso and The Tom Ollendorff Trio. There will be jam sessions led by Leo Montana and his guests on the 9th and 11th of July and the Philippe Soirat Quartet will perform at the City Theatre on the 10th.
The Festival is Government-sponsored through Heritage Malta and VisitMalta. Pre-bookings are highly advisable.
Cheers to Music and Beer at Farsons Beer Festival
Farsons Beer Festival
Wine, beer and alcohol have hardly ever been in short supply in the Maltese islands. It was introduced by the Phoenicians hundreds of years BC, completed by Roman Rule, stood still by the brief sojourn of the Ottoman (Muslim) rule, and then back with a burst during the time of the Knights.
An explosion of beer and alcohol marked the 150-year occupation by Britain, whose love of beers and pub culture prompted the Maltese Farrugia Family to establish their own brewery on the island, which eventually became Farsons, with popular lagers such as CISK, Blue Label and Hop Leaf.
For visitors, a 10-day Farsons Beer Festival celebrates Maltese suds, and this year’s unfurls from 25th July to 3rd August at the Malta National Park at Ta’ Qali. With its beautifully renovated surroundings and lively atmosphere, Ta’ Qali National Park provides the perfect backdrop for this summer festival, featuring live music performances and a diverse selection of beers.
Best of all, admission is free.
The island of Gozo may be small but the 40,000 inhabitants are certainly not faint-hearted. The entire month of July in Gozo and even pushing into August means daily events to celebrate music, song, dance, and food.
An international food festival in Gozo introduces hungry visitors to local and international specialties. (Photo by By Kikku33 – CC BY-SA 4.0)
Merchant Taylor Girls School Choir
The JP2 Cultural Foundation will host three concerts by the Merchant Taylor Girls School Choir, performing on Monday 1st July at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Għajnsielem, Gozo. The second performance is on Tuesday 2nd July 2024. It will take place at the Annunciation of Our Lady Parish Church, Ħal Balzan, while the last performance will take place on Wednesday 3rd July 2024, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basiica, in Valletta.
Malta International Food Fest
Prepare to tantalise your taste buds with new flavours at Malta’s most sought-after food event, The Malta International Food Festival, held on the 12th & 13th of July in Gozo. Food stalls will dish out tastes from around the world including authentic Asian cuisine, sizzling South American favourites, and, of course, genuine Maltese delicacies.
Malta does summer festivals in a big way (Photo by Jonathan Borg Zigli – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)
There’s much more on the calendar so check local listings and tourism offices.
And don’t complain to me about any lack of sleep. I did warn you.
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BeSeeingYou In: Malta
Good To Know: Tickets should be booked in advance where possible
WOW! Factor: A summer calendar full of daily events
Tip: Pace yourself to avoid exhaustion
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Author bio: Albert Fenech
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