The festival, organised by East to West Events, is “designed to enhance cross-cultural dialogue through music, with the aim of ending prejudice between east and west,” said Caroline Muscat, one of the organisers.

She went on to say that the venue was not chosen at random, but has a message embedded within it. This was where the film Midnight Express was made.

Ms Muscat said this film incited prejudice against Turks and this is therefore an opportunity to break those barriers down.

“Art can create or end prejudice,” she said, “And with this festival, the lower part of Fort St Elmo can show another face of Turkey.

The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry is endorsing the event and the minister, Erkan Mumcu, will also be present.

The fort has been identified as one of the most important cultural elements that is crying out for restoration, said Ms Muscat, and this festival can be considered the first step towards that goal.

Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett spoke of the restoration work that is needed on this part of Fort St Elmo. Later this year, the cabinet committee on national projects will be drawing up proposals on how the area can be used, in the long term.

A development brief has already been drawn up, he said. This acts as a catalyst for the restoration work that will eventually be undertaken.

The focus must be on diversity, said Mr Mugliett. The expansion of the war museum has already been mentioned, together with heritage walks, cultural activities and possibly also a hotel that will work in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre, he said.

The result will not be immediate but the work being done in preparation for this festival can serve as a preliminary investment, the minister continued. Basic restoration work, the propping up of dangerous structures and the cleaning of the area will be a step in the right direction.

The Malta World Music Festival will offer a multi-cultural repertoire including a blend of traditional and contemporary music ranging from ethnic instruments to modern electric beats, said Ms Muscat.

A total of 20 artists, from Istanbul, Montreal, Malta and London, who have played European festivals like Glastonbury and Womad World Music Festival, will be performing at the festival.

Tickets for the event will be limited due to the sensitive nature of the venue and will be on sale as from 4 June at Maltapost branches.

For more information visit www.easttowestevents.com.