Valletta ready to welcome 2014

As the sun shone after a heavy bout of rain, Valletta Mayor Alexei Dingli vowed that the good weather would keep on well into the evening... save for the occasional drizzle.

"People should wear warm clothes. It will be cold," Dingli warned, in preparation for tonight's New Year's Eve festivities in Valletta.

Flanked by Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Culture Jose Herrera, and V18 Chairman Jason Micallef, the mayor said tonight's event would be attracting thousands to the capital city.

He urged attendees to make use of public transport in order not to get stuck in traffic jams.

St Anne's Street in Floriana will be closed for traffic. Commuters are encouraged to used the Waterfront road to access Valletta via the Barakka Lift or drive through the Sa Maison roads en route to the police headquarters.

"For the first time, Malta will join other European countries by having its own projected end-of-year countdown in its capital city," V18 chairman Jason Micallef said.

Projections will be shone on the facade of the Grandmaster's Palace while bands and DJs will keep the audience entertained. "There will also be some last minute surprises that we've agreed in just moments ago," Micallef promised. The show will be aired live on TVM2 from 10pm onwards, with TVM and ONE joining in at 11pm.

Tonight's show will build on past NYE shows and add a dash of innovation to the mix. Ivan Pierre Cordina, Clint. Bajada and Martina Borg will keep the crowd entertained. After the stroke of midnight, the DJs will be play a fusion mix together with a brass band.

Big screens are set up outside the Law Courts building and in St John's Square so those who do not make it to St George's Square can still enjoy the show from other areas in Valletta. Stalls selling warm food and drink have also been set up along Republic Street.