5 thrilling reasons to visit Malta this month, from festivals to dance spectaculars

Sep 13 2021
Written by Sponsored

Joe Jonas of DNCE performs at the annual Isle of MTV Malta event at Il Fosos Square

Joe Jonas of DNCE performs at the Isle of MTV Malta event at Il Fosos Square, where Malta Rocks will take place this year. (Anthony Harvey/Getty for MTV)

With many of us having spent 18 months locked inside with nothing but a bottle of Kylie wine and endless repeats of The Golden Girls, it’s time to take advantage of relaxed COVID restrictions and soak up summer’s last few rays.

For those who like their idyllic views with a healthy serving of culture, there’s no better place than Malta. Renowned as a top LGBT+ destination, it’s topped the Rainbow Europe list of queer-friendly nations for five years in a row.

It’s worth noting that daily COVID cases remain extremely low in Malta, with safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of the virus and keep locals and welcomed guests protected.

Malta is, at the time of writing, on England’s green list, meaning travellers must only take a test before returning home and on day two after returning, with no quarantine unless there is a positive result.

UK travellers to Malta must be double vaccinated and hold a valid vaccination passport, with the NHS app certificate being accepted.

Here are five show-stopping reasons to visit the island for an unforgettable getaway.

1. Hit the dancefloor with DJ icon Pete Tong

DJ Pete Tong performs onstage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on 13 April 2019 in Indio, California. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)

Legendary DJ and dance music pioneer Pete Tong will be in Malta later this month for a special concert.

He will be joined by The Heritage Orchestra for a night of timeless tunes where dance music blends with classical production.

The concert is a standing event thanks to recent COVID protocol updates, meaning you’ll be up on your feet from start to finish as you relive the good old days and embrace your inner dancefloor diva.

The tour won’t be coming to the UK until much later this year, so don’t miss this chance to see the dance spectacular before anyone else.

Pete Tong Classics takes place on September 28 from 8pm.

2. Rock out at a music festival

Fosos Sqare. (Anthony Harvey/Getty)

Malta isn’t all history and sandy beaches – it’s also home to Europe’s newest music festival, Malta Rocks.

Celebrating the country’s finest musical talent, it’s set to take place in the enchanting setting of The Fosos in Floriana, the largest public square in Malta, overlooking the historic St Publius church.

It’s sure to be a thrilling evening of music and sunset views. Local artists performing at the festival include Destiny, Kantera, Kersten Graham, Lapes, Matthew James and Band, and many more.

Malta Rocks is on September 17 from 6pm through to midnight.

3. Embrace your inner queen, literally…

Queen's Freddie Mercury performs onstage during The Game Tour at Joe Louis Arena, 20 September 1980

Lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury, performs onstage during The Game Tour at Joe Louis Arena, 20 September 1980, in Detroit, Michigan. (Getty/Ross Marino)

It’s a Kind of Magic – The Queen Story will celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic bands of all time.

The 60-piece BBC Concert Orchestra and a dynamic rock band will tell the story of Queen through some of their greatest hits and unforgettable tracks by artists that inspired the group.

Vocal talent, including cast members of West End musical We Will Rock You, will perform tracks such as “Killer Queen”, “Somebody to Love”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “Under Pressure”, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and more.

80s pop legend Tony Hadley will host the evening and will lend his vocals to one of Queen’s most popular hits.

It’s a Kind of Magic – The Queen Story will take place at The Granaries, at 8pm on September 24.

4. Be in awe of Malta’s famous fireworks displays

(Pexels)

Malta is famous for its extravagant firework displays and travellers visiting the island this month are in for a treat.

Painting the sky with a feast of colour, The Malta Fireworks Special has been taking place across the island throughout September. The grand finale is set to take place on 20 September in The Grand Harbour, part of Malta’s stunning Valletta district.

Malta’s historic tradition of firework displays dates back for centuries, when they were used to celebrate the birth of a prince, the election of a new pope, or for national holidays.