The list of preparations being overseen by the organisers, East to West Events, includes a stage designed to enhance the unique architectural features of the venue, a complex sound system geared to handle the variety of musical styles to be presented and a seating area designed for comfort.

“We have taken every measure to enhance the venue’s unique architecture and provide the audience with the opportunity to enjoy the best musical output. Special attention was given to the sound system due to the variety of styles on offer. Ultimately, the highlight is the music. We are bringing a new concept to the Maltese Islands with top quality artists in their field and the event will be held in one of the most unique places that exist here,” said Tolga Temuge, a foreign partner in East to West.

The parade grounds are also being installed with floodlights at selected points and the maintenance work carried out has served to enhance the venue’s rugged beauty. The set up for the festival has been designed to draw attention to the main architectural features of the area. Organisers faced a tough decision to limit audience numbers in order to build the stage around the exedra rather than using the entire length of the venue. The seating area is in close proximity to the stage and the seating capacity has been halved in order to offer seated viewers comfort rather than the typical cramming. Stage lighting is designed to be artistic and effective, drawing attention to the artists not away from them.

Production manager Omer Ipek joined the East to West team in Malta last week. He has worked with major artists as varied as Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Gloria Gaynor and Al Di Meola. He was struck by the beauty of the venue saying, “I have worked on productions in different parts of the world, but this is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have seen hosting an event of this kind. The artists lined up add to the qualities setting the pace for the Malta World Music Festival to establish a name on a global level. In that sense, Malta has a unique opportunity because of its particular history and geography. Malta will have difficulty establishing itself among top locations for rock or pop festivals, but the island is perfectly suited to capture the ongoing development of the world music scene.”

Non-governmental organisations Amnesty International and Din L-Art Helwa as well as the Fair Trade Cooperative will have booths set up and manned throughout the two nights of the Malta World Music Festival.

On both nights, audiences can also enjoy a selection of quality wines and bars stocked with all choice of beverages. Maltese food and Turkish cuisine will be served by top local restaurants.

On the first night of the festival in Malta, multi-percussionist Renzo Spiteri will be collaborating with Mercan Dede and the stunning whirling dervishes in a fusion of two different musical backgrounds, east and west. This will build up to Montreal-based DJ Arkin Allen playing world fusion tracks. His performance in Malta will launch his tour to the United States and Europe.

The second night will kick off with Transglobal Underground, featuring a multi-ethnic group of musicians. Their music fuses dance, ambient and ethnic styles.

A lot of dance acts use sampling to create some of the exotic instruments Transglobal Underground use, but the group prefers the real thing. Future World Funk will then present a panoramic perspective of world rhythms, also feeding the passion of latin music fans on the island.

General admissions tickets are available at all Maltapost branches, Juuls Wine Bar in Spinola, Veccja Wine Bar in Xemxija and Cilantro in Mgarr. Seated tickets are only available at the Maltapost branch in Valletta.

Gates open at 8pm and performances commence at 9pm.