This year’s Hondoq by Night event will be the first major plastic-free event in the Maltese Islands, Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri said on Thursday.

The event is one of the biggest held in Gozo. This year it is being held on 5 July. 

Not only will single-use plastics not feature at the event, but even water will be served in paper cups, Camilleri said.

He spoke about the recently launched Marine Litter Scheme, adding that almost half of marine litter was made up of single-use plastics that are improperly disposed of.

While seabed cleanups are positive initiatives, we must also do our part to prevent marine littering, Camilleri said.  

The event is being organized by the Qala Football Club. Club president Noel Mizzi said Hondoq Bay and its surroundings will be lit up with traditional lanterns and other lighting effects will give a magical atmosphere to the area.

The event starts at 8pm with a live concert by Ira Losco and Michela Pace, followed by music by DJs Darco, Ziggy and Micimago.