BJ’s owner Philip Fenech said that during the past 14 editions, the music marathon had raised over Lm90,000 for several charitable institutions. As in the past three years, proceeds will be donated to Wishing Others Well (WOW) – the social arm of the Millennium Chapel in Paceville.

The non-stop music marathon runs for a week and will end on 19 April.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, who was present for the start of the marathon, praised the musicians for putting on a show for charity and the organisers for using live music to raise funds for the Millennium Chapel, which is proving popular among revellers in Paceville.

Dr Zammit Dimech also commented about the work currently under way in Paceville, which was recently compared to a war zone, and said that the work, now in its advanced stages, is well on track.

Dr John C. Grech said the structural work on the Millennium Chapel has been completed and efforts were now concentrated on the inside. Just over half the estimated amount – Lm200,000 – has been collected so far in donations.

Although there is a programme of events, there are times when the floor will be open to any musicians who want to take part.

Donations can be made at the door or on the following SMS numbers (both Vodafone and Go Mobile):

Lm1 – 5061-7369

Lm2 – 5061-8079

Lm3 – 5061-8929