From Summerdaze to Isle of MTV and everything in between! It's been an eventful summer for Malta and the best is yet to come
Summer 2023 for Malta was one of its best-ever in terms of events! The summer has been filled with cultural celebrations, festivals and captivating spectacles that are leaving both locals and visitors enthralled.
From internationally acclaimed concerts to vibrant festivals, as well as niche cultural events, Malta is continuing to prove itself as a powerhouse of entertainment.
Let's look at the highlights of the events that have already graced the Maltese shores, and what lies ahead in the upcoming months.
The packed summer 2023 programme commenced in June with the Malta International Wine Festival, which offered a wide selection of Malta's finest wines, as well as exquisite vintages from all corners of the world. Hosted in the wonderful Argotti gardens in Floriana, the summer wine festival provided an informative, educational, and entertaining experience for the public with a wide range of different wines.
The prestigious Malta Fashion Week followed in early July, a week-long event showcasing cutting-edge designs and trends from both local and international designers, captivating fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
For music aficionados, an enchanting harmony graced Malta's historic Granaries, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of the filming industry capital of Hollywood, by the world-renowned BBC Concert Orchestra. The soul-stirring performances left the 12,000 attendees in awe, as the orchestra showcased music of famous productions including Titanic, Little Mermaid, Top Gun: Maverick, Armageddon, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Back to the Future, Pirates of the Caribbean and others.
Isle of MTV, the annual music extravaganza, took over the same Fosos Square as more than 30,000 people were treated to performances from co-headliners OneRepublic and Alesso, Tom Grennan, Mimi Webb, and special guest Delta Goodrem. A selection of local artists were also amongst the star-studded lineup As Europe’s largest free festival, Isle of MTV Malta is run in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority. The show gives fans the chance to witness show-stopping performances from some of the world’s biggest stars, with previous performers having included Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix.
Savouring the island's rich culinary heritage, the Malta International Food Festival delighted hundreds of attendees. Local chefs displayed their culinary finesse, presenting a tantalizing array of traditional delicacies alongside international flavours. This event, along with the aforementioned Wine Festival, fostered a sense of community, as locals and tourists bonded over their shared passion for great food and wine.
As we move into August, more remarkable events are on the horizon. Dance music enthusiasts experienced the eagerly awaited parties of Glitch and Summerdaze. Glitch, a cutting-edge electronic music festival, served as a haven for techno and house music partygoers, having featured global names such as Charlotte de Witte at Gianpula Village.
Meanwhile, Summerdaze lured revellers with its eclectic mix of musical genres, set against the backdrop of Malta's stunning landscapes of Rabat and Mdina thanks to the location at the Ta’ Qali National Park. Famous artists at Summerdaze included Black Eyed Peas, Zara Larsson and Paul Kalkbrenner.
The month closes off with what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable night of music and entertainment, as Robbie Williams takes the stage in Malta this coming Thursday. With his magnetic charisma and powerhouse vocals, the legendary British singer is sure to captivate the crowd, delivering hit after hit that have made him a global icon. From the infectious energy of "Rock DJ" to the heartfelt ballads of "Angels," attendees are sure to be swept away by Williams’ incredible talent and showmanship.
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the upcoming Euro Pride Valletta 2023 between the 7th and 17th September is set to bring the spirit of pride to Malta, enveloping the island in a riot of colours and affirming the message of acceptance and equality. The event is a testament of Malta's commitment in fostering an inclusive and open-minded society.
On the 23rd and 24th September we will witness another edition of the much-loved and awaited Malta International Air Show, a captivating spectacle showcasing breath-taking aerobatic displays by aeronautic display teams including the famed RAF Red Arrows from the United Kingdom. Families and aviation enthusiasts alike will be treated to an unforgettable show of skill, speed, and precision in the azure skies above St Paul’s Bay, whilst a static display of aircraft from different countries will take place at our very own Malta International Airport.
As Malta continues to embrace its position as a cultural hotspot, it remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable journey of music, flavours, and memories. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a food lover, an aviation aficionado, or an advocate for love and acceptance, Malta has something to offer everyone in this diverse and captivating year of festivities.