The organisers of the feast of San Giljan said that as from this year they will no longer be using balloons as part of the celebrations.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the Banda San Giljan 1927 said that in the past some 1,000 balloons were used – black, yellow and red – but most of these ended up in the sea once they were let go.

The group said that, instead of balloons, flags will be used to generate the colourful atmosphere.

“This is a small gesture from our part towards the environment and the beautiful sea around us,” the group said.