Notte Bianca will return to Valletta in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 7 October with a carefully curated programme put together by the Notte Bianca team, together with Arts Council Malta, which draws from all the myriad facets of the creative sphere.

Festival-goers can expect to experience among the very best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literary events, as well as a continuation and expansion on last year's shift into the exciting emerging world of new and digital arts. Notte Bianca will also continue to use Valletta's streets and public spaces in innovative, creative ways thanks to a mix of roaming and site-specific projects.

Speaking during a press conference launching Notte Bianca, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Dr Owen Bonnici explained how this annual event builds upon one of government's priorities to make culture accessible for all, both through artistic exhibitions and entrances to historical sites. Above all, Minister Bonnici stated that this event is contributing economically while giving life to our capital city which has been undergoing regeneration during these recent years.

Parliamentary secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista noted how this will be the final Notte Bianca before Valletta takes on the role of European Capital for Culture, a fact which the organisers have surely kept in mind when planning this popular event. For one evening, the public will have but a taste of what will be taking place all over Malta and Gozo during the next year. Above all, this year's Notte Bianca programme also focused on interactive art, which includes the audience, also a characteristic which will be prominent during Valletta 18.

Parliamentary secretary for Local Government and Communities Silvio Parnis said that Maltese towns, in particular the capital city as well as Vittoriosa and Mdina, have different characteristics in comparison with other cities. He also said that when it comes to financial aid for cultural activities, the Secretariat has always given importance and helped these three cities. The parliamentary secretary also said that nowadays local councils form an integral part of the public administration and manage public funds to fulfil their responsibilities, and therefore, while embarking on an extensive reform of the local councils, the Secretariat chaired by the parliamentary secretary himself, will also be ensuring that local councils make good use of public funds.

Sean Buhagiar, artistic director of the festival since 2013, said that: "Notte Bianca continues to grow into a bigger platform for quality projects which entertain our different audiences while always treating Valletta as an open city of culture."

Festivals director Annabelle Stivala spoke about the importance of having a great variety of entertainment on offer: "All art forms take the spotlight during this annual popular major event. Notte Bianca is a unique programme celebrating performing arts and the city through free family activities and original discoveries in all corners of Valletta."

With the 2018 Capital of Culture just round the corner, the Notte Bianca team, in collaboration with the Valletta 2018 Foundation, have sought inspiration from the European Capital of Culture ambitions to make Malta a global platform for artistic excellence and community projects. Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef said that: "Valletta 2018 has always been deeply supportive of Notte Bianca and heavily involved in ensuring that it pushes the boundaries of creativity and collaboration further."

The Notte Bianca programme caters for all audiences, from electronic music to jazz and from international music to Maltese.

More information regarding the activities can be found on www.nottebianca.org.mt