This year, for the first time, SmartCity Malta will host L-Istrina mill-Qalb at its premises on the 26th December from 12.00 noon to 18.30 hrs, opening its doors to the public for a day full of fun and entertainment. The opening ceremony will kick off at SmartCity Malta with the grand opening by The President of Malta. This will be followed by a line-up of some of the best musicians on the island including Animae Gospel Choir, Battle of the Brothers, Footprints, Red Electrick, Scar and The Versatile Brass together with fun activities for all the family. The events programme at SmartCity Malta will be presented by TV personalities Miriam Dalli and Matthew Bonnett.

The event promises to be a unique and exciting family experience including a multitude of fun activities, live performances and an all-round electrifying atmosphere. And it will be a particularly fun event for children who will be entertained with balloon twisting and face painting activities.

“As well as being a great outreach opportunity to individuals in our community, L-Istrina at SmartCity Malta will surely be a high-energy event for the whole family to enjoy. We promise to deliver a colourful and exciting array of activities and a wealth of musical local talent,” said Mr Fareed Abdulrahman, CEO of the SmartCity Malta project.

The Animae Gospel Choir is already warming up its vocal cords in preparation for a performance which promises to keep the crowd swaying to a varied repertoire. The international-standard vocal ensemble is well-known for singing Gospel songs together with other original tunes, making it one of the finest musical groups in Malta.

Battle of the Brothers, is a band consisting of two brothers, Wayne Micallef and Richard Edwards. The talented brothers are no strangers to the stage, and have participated in the Malta Song for Europe several times both as solo singers and together. And now they will be performing again during L-Istrina 2012 at SmartCity Malta.

Maltese Christian band, Footprints, will surely be giving another of their rockingly splendid performances. The band has been much sought after by parish priests to animate mass in various churches and venues around Malta.

Red Electrick has been firing up the Maltese airwaves in recent years with a brace of singles and has also won the Screamer and Best Band Awards at the Bay Music Awards 2012. Red Electrick will surely be giving one of its signature, charged live performances at L-Istrina 2012 at SmartCity Malta.

Formed in mid-2001, the veteran band, Scar is another band participating in the festivities at SmartCity Malta. Apart from various local and some foreign TV and radio appearances, Scar have played in most of the pubs and clubs on the Maltese islands. The band was also nominated for Best Band and Best Song at the Bay Music Awards 2012.

The diversity of musical talent at SmartCity Malta is guaranteed to provide something for everyone. The Versatile Brass is a dynamic big band of not less than 17 top notch professional musicians boasting a very vast repertoire that ranges from Classic to Pop, Jazz, Swing, Latin, Bossa Nova, Standars, Motown, Raggae, Twist, Rock ‘n’ Roll and its trademark DJ Braas Fusion. Throughout a number of years, it has performed in many prestigious events both in Malta and abroad, including the Vatican Square in Rome for Pope Benedictus XVI. The Versatile Brass also annually performs at the August Moon Ball for the President of Malta, Dr George Abela and his distinguished guests.

“It is a pleasure to welcome such a wonderful mix of talent at L-Istrina mill-Qalb 2012 at SmartCity Malta. With a great artistic vision and talent, these gifted artists also have an admirable charitable spirit. Their performances at this year’s marathon will certainly entertain everyone joining us at SmartCity Malta as well as the rest of the Maltese and Gozitan community watching from home,” said Mr Fareed Abdulrahman, CEO of the SmartCity Malta project. “Lending a helping hand to people in unfortunate circumstances is a top priority for SmartCity Malta and we are therefore, working very hard to ensure that the event is a great success. We guarantee the public an enjoyable afternoon at SmartCity Malta and we encourage everyone to come down, join us and give their support,” added Mr Abdulrahman.

So be sure to visit SmartCity Malta on the 26th December and join in the Christmas family fun and many activities taking place at L-Istrina Mill-Qalb 2012. We promise you a rocking good time!