Speaking to The Malta Independent, BJ’s owner Philip Fenech said as the marathon passed the 130-hour mark of constant live music, the sum collected was satisfactory but appealed for more people to donate and support a good cause.

Yesterday morning, Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, whose name is synonymous with the Millennium Chapel in Paceville, said mass at the nightclub.

A father and son duo – Marvic Spiteri on the guitar and his nine-year-old son Robert on the drums, together with vocalist John Mark and pianist Christian, played during the Mass.

Mr Fenech said that even though the marathon was planned to come to a close in the early hours of this morning, donations will continue to be collected at the nightclub until the end of the month. The SMS numbers will also remain open for donations: Lm1 – 5061-7369; Lm2 – 5061-8079; Lm3 – 5061-8929

During the marathon, a number of distinguished guests paid a visit to pledge their support to the initiative.

Mr Fenech said he was pleased with the attendance and the overall success of the event. He said around 500 people visited the marathon every day and an average of Lm500 a day was collected. A total of around 200 musicians took part during the marathon, which is increasingly becoming a showcase of local music talent.

During the past 14 editions, the music marathon raised over Lm90,000 for several charitable institutions.