The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is promoting the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006 through a new advertising stunt.

A quad bike bearing a large, illuminated festival poster is currently located in the main street leading to the Trade Fair grounds in Naxxar, and is being used to distribute Malta Arts Festival flyers to visitors to the Malta International Trade Fair. In the coming weeks, the quad bike will be touring other areas such as Sliema, Bugibba and Marsascala.

“This additional marketing support is a boost to attract the public not only to the various events, but also to visit Valletta and feel the atmosphere through the exuberant festival setting and street entertainment,” said council executive director Paul V. Mifsud.

The festival will run from 28 July to 20 August and Valletta will be bustling with cultural activities for all the family.

One of this year’s new features will be a feast of animated activities in Freedom Square. At the weekends, there will be street entertainment and the wine bars and cafes of South Street and Strait Street will liven up the late hours of the city with music and entertainment.

Tickets for the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006 are available from the Malta Arts Festival information stand at Freedom Square, Valletta, the opening hours of which are as follows: weekdays from 8.30am to 1pm, and weekends from 10am to 1pm. As from 28 July, the opening hours will be: weekdays from 8.30am to 1pm and 5 to 9.30pm, and weekends from 10am to 1pm and 5 to 9.30pm.

Ticket prices range from Lm2 to Lm12 and further information is available on ticket hotline 9999-0145 or www.maltaculture.com

The launch of the Malta Arts Festival is being supported by a comprehensive marketing campaign featuring television, print, radio, and internet. The festival is sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta plc, Valletta local council, Bank of Valletta plc and The Westin Dragonara Resort.