Over 6,000 people turned up to pay their respects and enjoy Malta’s tribute to Michael Jackson, an event organised by XFM 100.2 at the Valletta Waterfront.

Malta’s biggest performers all took part to make this event a unique and memorable success with all artistes singing live, accompanied by a live band and 25-piece choir. Performing on the night were Ira Losco, Melissa from Chasing Pandora, Niki Gravino, Kristina Casolani, Brendan from Eve Ransom, Errol From Airport Impressions, Matt from Red Electrick, Sophie, Nick and Sarah from No Snow No Alps, Chris and Jeff from Cable 35, Indigo and the Reactive Dance Company

Not only was the event a celebration of Michael Jackson’s life and music, but a night raising money for two deserving charities, the St Lazarus Foundation and The Muscular Dystrophy Group.

Sound checks for the Saturday night gig had just finished when freak weather conditions hit Valletta at around 3.30pm. The stage was battered by rain, hailstones and 70mph gusts of wind resulting in the destruction of three large screens, which had been set up at the back of the stage.

After running repairs were made Mark Grima, director of Xfm 100.2 said: “It was touch and go whether the concert would have to be cancelled - we took advice from the experts who indicated that the freak weather storm had blown away as quickly as it had blown in to the Maltese islands.”