Notte Bianca: don't get caught out during the Valletta-wide night of culture

Transport

Those attending this year’s Notte Bianca will once again be able to benefit from a special direct bus service that on the night will take them from Valletta back to their localities around the island, said Malta Publuc Transport.

On the night of 4 October, direct buses will be available from Valletta to various localities starting from 2300 until 0200. Round-trip day and night tickets for this special bus service are now on sale €3 each and will be valid for use on any bus during the day of 4 October as well as the special bus services after the event.

Passengers are encouraged to purchase their Notte Bianca special bus service ticket early on from one of Malta Public Transport’s ticket booths in Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema and the airport, or from one of Malta Public Transport’s bus-ticket sellers stationed at various localities around the island. On the day of the event, tickets will also be available for sale onboard buses.

Malta Public Transport will also be operating extended hours at the Floriana Park and Ride, which will remain open until 0200. Park and Ride mini-bus services will be operating frequent trips to Valletta Bus Terminus throughout the evening. Normal parking rates of €0.40 per vehicle will apply, including return transport for the driver and passengers.

Malta Public Transport urges patrons to use public transport to attend this event, thus avoiding the congestion and parking problems that normally affect such large-scale events on our islands.

Civil Protection Department

The Civil Protection Department will be operating and coordinating fire, rescue and medical units on location. Several units from the Civil Protection Department will be designated in strategic positions to render emergency assistance efficiently during the whole event.

Supporting the Civil Protection Dept will be the NGOs, the St John Ambulance and St John Rescue Corp, The Red Cross, Emergency and Rescue Unit (EFRU), the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL), the Civil Protection Volunteers and the Department of Health.

The Civil Protection Department highly recommends that densely crowded areas with limited egress are to be avoided and to bear in mind all emergency precautions.  It is to be stated that all venues have to ensure they have adequate access in case of emergencies. Thus it is highly recommended that these venues are not obstructed and are kept always accessible for all emergency service vehicles and so the CPD will be constantly keeping an eye on accessibility.

The Civil Protection Department highly recommends that children should have a tag or bracelet with their name and the parents/carers’ mobile number in case they are lost. In such cases, children will be taken to Valletta Police Station from where the parents/carer would be contacted to pick their children from unless otherwise agreed.  

Police

Although roads leading to inner Valletta will be closed for vehicular traffic except for residents, the Valletta ring road will remain accessible. Parkings available are Park & Ride Blata l-Bajda, Belt is-Sebћ, Floriana football ground, MCP car park.

Health

Medical services will be provided in the following locations:

• Republic Street, corner with St Christopher street
• 15, Palazzo Castellania, Merchant Street Valletta (Ministry of Health)
• Ordinance Street.

Each location will have a number of ambulances and trained members of the staff who will provide the necessary help. Medical services are limited to emergency care only and urgent transportation to Mater Dei Hospital should the need arise.

In case of a medical emergency:

• If possible, go to the nearest medical point as indicated above.
• Draw the attention of a roaming First aider, Police or Civil Protection personnel.
• Call 112 and clearly indicate your name, exact location, nature of emergency and contact number. 

Notte Bianca is organised by the Arts Council Malta. Visit nottebianca.org.mt for the full programme of events.