The Valletta Alive Foundation presented Bank of Valletta with the official logo of the upcoming BOV Valletta Streets Alive initiative due to kick off on 28 July.

The logo was presented by Alfred Zahra, Chairman of the Valletta Alive Foundation to Tonio Depasquale, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Valletta during a meeting to discuss the programme of events due to be officially launched over the coming days.

“We are extremely delighted with the preparations that are underway for the organisation of this colourful programme of music, culture and art which is set to enliven Valletta's streets this summer,” said Tonio Depasquale during the meeting with the organising committee. “Our support towards the BOV Streets Alive initiative stems from our commitment to support events that enrich our cultural and artistic talent as well as events that are conducive towards enhancing the cultural calendar linked to the reviving of our capital city,” added Mr. Depasquale. He said that BOV is taking an active role this summer by supporting a number of important cultural initiatives, including the Malta Arts Festival which BOV is sponsoring for the first year.

Mr Zahra explained that the Valletta Alive Foundation works in the interests of Valletta. One of its objectives is to contribute towards the regeneration of Valletta. “Culture is a strong vehicle for regeneration,” said Mr Zahra, who added that the BOV Streets Alive being organised by the Valletta Alive Foundation in association with Bank of Valletta will focus on on-street activity in the evening. It will complement the Malta Arts Festival which will be held between 28 July and 20 August at the Royal Opera House.

BOV Streets Alive seeks to extend the programme of the Malta Arts Festival into the streets of the city. The BOV Streets Alive programme will be held for four consecutive Fridays until Friday 18 August. The Streets Alive programme will start at 6.30pm until 9pm.

Mr Zahra said, “The main streets of Valletta will literally come to life with activities ranging from live musicians, visual artists painting spontaneously in the streets, children's entertainment, a classic car show and sport exhibitions. A select number of shops will also remain open for late evening shopping until 8.30pm and will offer special discounts on the four consecutive Fridays. Restaurants will also remain open to cater for the patrons of the Malta Arts Festival who will be encouraged to stay on in the city for after-performance dining”.