Stretta Festival 2014 hopes to get straight As from the public

Once maligned as the seedy red light district of Valletta known as “the Gut” by British servicemen, Strait Street’s colourful history will be celebrated in the STRETTA Festival 2014, which will take place from the 5 to the 8 September this year.

Chrysander Agius on behalf of the Straight Street Organisation Committee told reporters that the events will feature live music, artistic installations and re-enactments, amongst other things. In a nod to its “glory days”, the street will be lit up in red and will feature four stages with musical performances by soloists and duets. 

A small cinema setup, showing PBS archive footage and an artisan market are also planned for the events.

Agius thanked the main sponsors, Marsovin, Vodafone, M.Demajo and Sons, Farsons and V18 Chairperson Jason Micallef and the Valletta Local council for their assistance in the organising of the festival.

Addressing the press, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici commended the initiative, which was mostly privately funded, expressing his confidence that the festival will grow in the years to come.

Shops and restaurants in the street will be opening extra hours and will officially be open from 7pm till 11pm during the festival.