The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, announced that this year's Fish Fest will be held over two days, on the 19 and 20 September, in Mellieħa and Marsaxlokk.

Fish Fest celebrates the fishing sector in Malta and gives support to the fishermen who spend long hours at sea, away from their families, while also raising more awareness about sustainable fishing and our maritime heritage, the government said.

Fresh Maltese fish, maritime culture, and the local community will be at the heart of this year's Fish Fest. The festival offers two days of entertainment for the whole family, featuring food stalls specializing in fish, educational activities, live music, Maltese crafts, and a dedicated space for children. Funds will be donated in aid of a charity.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said "Mellieħa and Marsaxlokk are two localities that have long been known for fishing across many generations. Once again this year, through Fish Fest, we are giving our fishermen the space to share their work with the public, while at the same time offering the community both an educational and entertaining experience."

The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the Ministry's events department and the Malta Food Agency for their collaboration in making this event a success, as well as the community organisations that will be participating. She encouraged families to attend for Fish Fest.

Director of Support Services at the Ministry for Fisheries, Agriculture and Animal Rights, Estelle Sant, explained, "Fish Fest 2025 is being organised as a way to honour Maltese and Gozitan fishermen, who work tirelessly to provide us with fresh and delicious products on our plates every day. We encourage everyone to attend these two events, which will be enriched with activities for the whole family."

Malta Food Agency's Chief Business Development Officer, Justin John Camilleri, stated "As an agency we are once again contributing to Fish Fest, a key event that promotes local fish, celebrates the work of our fishermen, and serves as a tool to educate consumers about this important sector and the vast benefits that come with choosing Maltese fish as part of our diet."

Aquatic Resources Malta will also be participating in this year's Fish Fest. During the Marsaxlokk Fish Fest on Saturday 20 September, Aquatic Resources Malta will once again be opening the gates of Fort San Luċjan for the public to visit, with guided tours of various facilities where research is being carried out on different aquatic species. Every hour, between 6:15pm and 9:15pm, limited groups of no more than 30 people each will be admitted. To visit the facilities at Fort St Lucian in Marsaxlokk, the public is requested to make use of the free transport that will be provided from the area where Fish Fest will be taking place on the Marsaxlokk seafront. Those making use of this transport will be granted access to visit the Fort facilities at the designated times each hour. The free transport will also return the public to the Marsaxlokk seafront, where Fish Fest will be held.

The local councils of Mellieħa and Marsaxlokk, together with a number of organisations and volunteers, are contributing their support so that Fish Fest continues to grow and attract more people each year.

Fish Fest will take place on Friday, 19 September in Mellieħa, and on Saturday, 20 September in Marsaxlokk, starting at 6pm.