This year, the variety charity show L­-Istrina, on Boxing Day, will be held in Gozo at the Astra Theatre. The Committee of the La Stella Philharmonic Society, the Malta Community Chest Fund and the Office of the President of Malta have long been hard at work preparing for the show that will include a special performance by the popular songstress Ira Losco and the La Stella Band. On this occasion the band will be playing under the direction of La Stella Band’s assistant conductor Maestro Sigmund Mifsud. The show will be intermittently televised live during the L-Istrina 2013 marathon.

Other performers will include the popular bands The Tramps, Cash & Band, Melanie & Band and a variety of dance school performances, amongst which: Yada Dance Company, Centre Stage Academy, Powerhouse and Dance Cradle. The Choir LaudatePueri, choir Piccolo Stelle – a children’s choir – and the La Stella Dramatic Company shall also be performing.

Starting at 3 pm at the Astra Theatre, there will be ongoing activities including entertainment for children and a Mini Christmas Market. The variety show will be four hours long, starting at 5pm.  A life size crib, crafted by the Gozitan artist Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, will be an additional attraction visitors to the Astra Theatre will be able to enjoy.

Entrance to the show is free of charge. The aim of this noble initiative, which is being organised in collaboration with the Community Chest Fund, is to raise funds for distribution among a number of organisations and people who have special needs. The Astra Theatre Management encourages all Gozitans and anyone in Gozo on Boxing Day to drop by the Astra Theatre. Apart from enjoying themselves by participating in the many activities that will be taking place during the evening, they will be helping to make the initiative a success.

For more information visit www.lastella.com.mt or www.l-istrina.org