Applications for the long-awaited third edition of the Maltese Islands Festival (MIF’19) are now open, with the next round of this popular event to take place between 23 and 27 January 2019 at St James Cavalier, Valletta. Whether it’s dancing, singing, acting or playing a musical instrument, the Maltese Islands Festival is offering a 15 per cent early-bird discount for performer applications until 5 November.

Since its foundation in 2016, the MIF has become a well-established event that has seen hundreds of talented performers – from age four to 18+ – showcase their skills before a panel of professional international judges. As part of the Spazju Kreattiv programme, this unique opportunity helps both young and adult performers cultivate an appreciation for artistic standards, and helps them to grow as artists.

The festival consists of multiple competitions with all participants being given personalised feedback from expert judges, while the best performers receive awards. The categories include a mixture of group and solo performances from both classic and contemporary areas within the four classes of drama, dance, music and singing. MIF’19 also includes the recently-introduced Musical Theatre solo section alongside the other drama categories, which give actors freedom to choose from mime, physical theatre, poetry, film or devised drama.

MIF forms part of the British and International Federation of Festivals, which creates performance opportunities for children and young people, so that they can be assessed and encouraged by expert judges, and can learn by doing. The festival is endorsed by the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

The final deadline for applications is 3 December, with an early-bird 15 per cent discount applicable until 5 November. Late applications may be accepted against a fee of €10 until 10 December. To apply, or for a full list of categories in each department, please visit www.themalteseislandsfestival.com