The Floriana local council yesterday announced the first national festival of mechanised fireworks (locally known as Nar ta’ l-Art) which will be held at the Granaries on Saturday, 21 April, on the eve of the feast of St Publius, Floriana’s patron saint.

Fourteen fireworks factories will compete for the final prize, a shield that will be held by the winners for a year.

The competing factories are: St Bartholomew’s, Gharghur; St Mary’s, Ghaxaq; Tac-Cintura, Gudja; St Joseph’s, Kirkop; Union Band Club, Luqa; St Mary’s, Mosta; Tal-Gilju and St Mary’s, Mqabba; Victory Band Club, Naxxar; Our Lady of Lourdes, Qrendi; St Paul’s, Safi; Tad-Duttrina, Tarxien; St Joseph’s, Zebbug; and St Catherine’s, Zurrieq.

The factories of St Bartholomew’s of Gharghur, St Mary’s of Ghaxaq and St Mary’s of Mqabba will also compete for the most original piece.

Although entry is free, the public may wish to book chairs by contacting the festival coordinator, Noel Castillo, by sending e-mail to [email protected] or by calling on 7940-8607.

Floriana local council thanked the Malta Tourism Authority for sponsoring the event and the Works Division for providing the posts for the fireworks.