People visiting Valletta on the evening of the Epiphany, Saturday 6 January, will be able to wander around the streets and enjoy the various activities that are being held on each of the seven stages that are specifically being erected in a number of streets and squares.

Retail outlets are also being encouraged to stay open for longer and offer customers special discounts for the evening’s event, which has been named Tre Re – Notte Magica in order to mark the feast of the Epiphany.

Announcing the programme of events for the night, Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said the organisers want the evening to be distinct from Notte Bianca – Lejl Imdawwal that was held for the first time on the night between 14 and 15 October.

Although the main intention remains that of bringing life to Valletta in the evening, the focus of Tre Re – Notte Magica will be contemporary and popular entertainment, and it will also “extend” the festive season, with the feast of the Epiphany being brought back to life.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that, following the success of Notte Bianca, more retail outlets are being encouraged to extend their opening hours. Another aim of the organisers is to encourage more people to use public transport in order to minimise the amount of traffic on the roads leading to Valletta.

The evening is being organised in collaboration with Nng Promotions, the Valletta Alive Foundation and Valletta local council.

Anton Attard from Nng Promotions said the setting up of various stages across the city is aimed at encouraging people to walk around the capital’s various streets.

“We will be paying particular attention to ensure the best possible accessibilty and we want to ensure that the public transport system runs as smoothly as possible,” said Mr Attard, adding that some minor traffic diversions will be announced nearer the date with this in mind.

He said that the main stage will be erected in Freedom Square, with others being at the Opera House site, in Palace Square, Great Siege Square, Merchants’ Street, St John’s Square and in the courtyard of the Auberge d’Italie. A number of popular local singers and performers will be performing on the night.

Some buildings, such as Auberge d’Italie, Auberge de Castille and City Gate, will also be specially illuminated during the evening, and street performers will add to the festive atmosphere.

In addition, visitors to the city will be given the opportunity to make free international calls from telephone booths set up for the purpose, that will be sponsored by Melita Cable plc’s Hello service during the event.

Valletta Alive Foundation president Alfred Zahra said that, following the successes of Streets Alive and Notte Bianca, the foundation had received a very positive response from shop owners and they want to benefit from this opportunity.

“Notte Bianca generated around Lm800,000, so Notte Magica also promises to be a positive activity for the commercial community,” said Mr Zahra.

Minister Zammit Dimech said that this activity will be an attraction not only for the local population, but also for tourists. He said that the numerous cultural activities being organised in Malta are making the country an excellent entertainment and cultural destination throughout the year.