[WATCH] Ahead of tomorrow's Isle of MTV, Malta already planning next year's edition

Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of the Isle of MTV music festival, which has helped draw more young tourists to the islands

Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis tours Isle of MTV 2015 stage. Photo:Ray Attard
Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis tours Isle of MTV 2015 stage. Photo:Ray Attard
Ahead of tomorrow's Isle of MTV, Malta already planning next year's edition • Video by Ray Attard

On a tour of the final preparations for the annual Isle of MTV music festival, tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the festival, to be held tomorrow at the Floriana granaries, would be celebrating its ninth anniversary this year. 

"Preparations for next year's edition, which will mark the event's 10th anniversary, are already underway," he said. The event will be held on the 28 June 2016.

Quoting NSO statistics, Zammit Lewis said the festival was crucial in ensuring the high levels of tourism and expenditure the country was currently experiencing.

Zammit Lewis explained that the festival attracted a young age group, which was already on the rise in Malta with people under 24 now amounting to some 19.9% of tourist arrivals.

The minister described the synergy that existed between MTV and the country as promising and he explained that the festival also helped the government reach its aim of enhancing the Maltese product.

Explaining the country’s aims of increasing expenditure, Zammit Lewis said that the month of May had seen a 7.9% increase in expenditure, which was higher than the increase in arrivals rates for the same month, which stood at 5.5%.

“We have already announced the dates for next year’s festival so that we will be able to start preparing and marketing the event as best we can,” Zammit Lewis said.

He also praised the organizer’s fast reaction in securing an alternate artist when singer Jess Glynne had to drop out of the festival for health reasons.  

Russel Samuels, vice president of Creative Planning and Services for the event, said the festival was one of the greatest summer events in Europe and that it prided itself for showcasing both well known, established acts and for giving breakthrough acts a valuable opportunity.

“This festival attracts over 50,000 people every year,” Samuels said. “It allows for a unique opportunity for breakthrough acts and even Maltese acts to gain more exposure,” he said adding that this year would also see Maltese band Red Electrick and selected local DJs performing.

"This festival has seen some great acts in the past and this year is no exception," he said listing the line up for this year. Performer OMI will join Jason Derulo, Martin Garrix, Echosmith & Tori Kelly at the festival. 

Russels added that the event also hoped to promote Malta as a unique destination through the broadcast of the event over its networks.

“The Isle of MTV music festival is always a spectacular event, and as with all other music events organised by MTV, we always look for a stunning backdrop, which Malta so clearly offers,” Russels added.