Aimed at children aged six months and upwards, the productions cover an eclectic range of performance arts, including theatre, puppetry, music, dance, film, opera, workshops and much more with performers coming from 11 different countries.

Speaking at the launch the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated that "since its inception ŻiguŻajg has grown steadily in size and quality to become a highlight of the cultural year in Malta; the festival is once again expected to welcome thousands of children and families.

"While the festival will mainly be focused in and around Valletta, it will again reach out to audiences in Gozo, this year placing two projects on our sister island," adds Minister Bonnici.

"For its eighth edition we will be presenting a unique celebratory experience with activities on the streets, interactive installations in main squares and other artistic works in over 20 different locations," says festival director Daniel Azzopardi. "During the year that we are celebrating the European Capital of Culture, Valletta will serve as the stunning backdrop for our programme, which seeks to strengthen the quality and excellence of the creative sector."

This year's edition of the festival will also focus on the professional development of some local theatre practitioners within the industry, while also developing an eco-friendly strategy to raise awareness among audiences and the creative sector on the importance of an environmentally sustainable plan.

ŻiguŻajg is now an awardee of the Premju għall-Arti, having won the Best Artistic Programme award. It has also received international recognition from the European Festival Association (EFFE) for being "...strong in artistic quality and scoring high in European and international engagement and community involvement".

 ŻiguŻajg is produced by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and will run from 16 to 25 November.

For more information visit www.ziguzajg.org