Valletta prepares for Notte Bianca with over 50 projects

Valletta will be transformed into an open-air hub for arts and culture on Saturday, 3 October, for Notte Bianca 2026, with more than 50 multidisciplinary projects taking place across the capital.

The programme was unveiled by Arts, Culture and National Heritage Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, who said more than 70% of this year's projects are new works created specifically for the event.

The programme will feature music, dance, theatre, visual arts and other forms of artistic expression across four main areas: the City Entrance, Castille Area, Hastings Area and St George's Area.

The evening will conclude in St George's Square with Minn Malta, a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra celebrating Maltese music.

Agius Galea said Notte Bianca was intended to bring culture closer to the public while providing opportunities for Maltese artists and cultural professionals to showcase their work.

The programme was unveiled by Arts, Culture and National Heritage Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea (Photo: DOI)

Festivals Malta chairman Aaron Zahra encouraged families and visitors to attend the event, while chief executive officer Frans Agius said preparations had been ongoing for months and involved the organisers, collaborators, professional conference organisers and disciplined forces.

The event's artistic directors, Rodney Camilleri Gauci, Yanis Azzopardi and Daniel Cauchi, said Maltese artists would be at the centre of this year's programme.

They said every project includes the contribution of a Maltese artist, including projects involving international collaborators, and described Notte Bianca as a platform for local artists to create, experiment and present their work to audiences.

Public transport services will be extended for the event. The Gozo Fast Ferry will operate later services, with the final departure from Mġarr to Valletta at 1.30am and the final Valletta to Mġarr service at 1.45am.

Valletta Ferry Services, including the Three Cities and Sliema ferry routes, will operate until 2am. Valletta will be closed to vehicles from 4.30pm on Saturday, although residents will be allowed access upon presentation of their identity card. The public is being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible.

The full Notte Bianca programme and an interactive map are available through the Festivals Malta website.