Gert Hof, who will be creating the light display on the fort, gave the minister details about the equipment he will be using to create the light spectacle.

He explained that different lighting systems, made up of 70 space canons shining 70 kilometres into the sky, will be used, at three levels of the bastions. He said there are also five lasers – two on the upper part of the fort and three on the middle level.

Fireworks will be let off from the fort and two barges in Grand Harbour, he said. Yellow, blue, green and red flares, that are each as powerful as 50,000 candles, will also be let off along Grand Harbour, continued Mr Hof.

Fishing boats, each carrying a flag of one of the 25 EU member states, will be forming a circle at the centre of Grand Harbour, “getting together as one family”, said Mr Hof.

As he was touring the fort, Minister Zammit Dimech said that he appreciated Mr Hof’s concept of European unity. He said that the use of light is particularly significant since light represents the new beginning that Malta is on the brink of. The spectacle blends in with the architecture and history of the fort, he continued.

The Tourism and Culture Minister noted that the celebrations capture Maltese characteristics – the fishing boats, the fireworks and the bright colours to be used all carry the mark of Maltese vibrancy, he explained.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the government promises the EU accession celebrations will be a feast of the people.

The best seats in the house will be in the Grand Harbour area, around Valletta Waterfront or Senglea, he concluded.