The Ministry for Tourism and the Ministry for Gozo, together with the Malta Tourism Authority have launched the 15th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. This year part of the festival will also take place in Gozo.

The festival, also serves as part of the celebrations commemorating Malta's entry into the European Union which took place on the 1st of May 2004.

On the 16th of April the festival will be in Marsaxlokk, on the 23rd of April it will be in Xaghra, Gozo, and then the closing display will take place on the 30th of April in Grand Harbour.

This year's Grand Finale includes an expanded fireworks display by Pyroemotions of Italy in collaboration with the winners of last year`s edition Lourdes Fireworks Factory Qrendi of Malta.

The festival has rightfully earned the title "International," as over the years it has attracted foreign pyrotechnic companies from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Venezuela and closer to home such as, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo expressed his satisfaction that part of the festival would also be in Gozo, and thanked all those involved for their support. He said that the festival will attract many people, both local and foreign to Gozo. He added that fireworks are a Maltese tradition and an integral part of the culture of our country.

There will be an International competition and a National Competition, winners of the two categories will be awarded a special trophy. All participants will be given a commemorative trophy.

The programme is as follows:

Saturday 16th April- MARSAXLOKK

Pyro Musical Competition

9.30pm Pirotecnica Poleggi – Italy

10.00pm Hojen & Magic Fyrvaerkeri Aps – Denmark

10.30pm St George's Fireworks Factory – Qormi Malta

Thursday 23rd April – Xaghra GOZO

Pyro Musical Competition

9.30pm Dance of fire – Ukraine

10.00pm Macedo's Pirotecnia – Portugal

10.30pm St Mary Fireworks Factory – Ghaxaq Malta

Saturday 2nd May 2015 – VALLETTA Grand Harbour

9.30pm Presentation of winner

10.00pm Grand final by Pyroemotions of Italy in collaboration with Lourdes Fireworks Factory Qrendi

Further details can be obtained from the website.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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