Valletta NYE party details released

The free street party to be held in Valletta this New Year’s Eve is to fill a gap in the market for people who cannot afford expensive parties and families who do not have babysitters on the eve of the New Year, Valletta mayor Alexei Dingli said in a press conference this afternoon.

"It is the kind of party we have been asked to hold for many years now and finally, in 2010, the party is going to take place. Foreign cities host parties like this on an annual basis. It’s about time that Valletta had its own New Year’s celebration.”

Entertainment on the night is to include a jazz band, a performance by local band Winter Moods, DJ Pierre Cordina will ring in the New Year, followed by a performance by Fakawi which will be held on the main stage in St George’s Square. A children’s area will be set up Presidential Palace courtyard including cartoon characters a Hannah Montana disco and balloon artists.

Food stalls will be open selling festive treats like mulled wine, chestnuts and mince pies. Bars and restaurants around Valletta will be open for business.

Dingli also said that although it is still too early to predict the weather for the occasion a little bit of rain should not dampen party spirits and encourages people to bring their umbrellas and join in the festivities. “If they manage to brave the rain, snow and ice in places like New York and London then we should manage an outdoor party in the mild 20 degrees.”

Public transport will be operating throughout the night and the park and ride service will also be available. Dingli appeals to people who are driving to car pool and come in as few cars as possible.

Cleaning up of the city will take place as soon as the party is over so that by morning the city is “spick and span, like nothing ever happened. ”

Government has financed the New Year’s Eve party with the sum of €10,000.