Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Valletta Cultural Agency Chairperson Jason Micallef switched on this year's Christmas lights in Valletta this evening.

The lights were switched on in Republic Street and Merchants Street during a press conference held for the occasion.

"The lighting up of these prominent streets in Valletta which both see numerous amounts of people on a daily basis has become a yearly anticipation for those who have the festive season at heart. It is through such various initiatives that we work towards strengthening Valletta's cultural product", said Minister Owen Bonnici during the ceremony.

VCA Chairman Jason Micallef said that, "the VCA has continued to work where the Valletta 2018 Foundation left off, ensuring that Valletta starts feeling the Christmas spirit early on with a specially prepared programme of celebrations, including the switching-on of a spectacular set of Christmas lights year after year".

This is the first among the VCA's initiatives for 'Christmas in the City', a programme of events for Valletta taking place during the festive period. The public is invited to visit Valletta on Monday 25th November at 17.30 for the switch-on of a Christmas tree in Castille Square, which will remain on site for the coming weeks.

"Christmas in Valletta offers a unique, religious, cultural, shopping & festive experience, that only our Capital City Valletta can offer. I cannot imagine Christmas without Valletta", said Mayor Alfred Zammit.

Photos: Alenka Falzon