The second night of the Malta International Fireworks Festival which took place in Xagħra, Gozo on Saturday was a hit amongst the locals, the travelling Maltese and also foreigners. This was the first time that one of the Fireworks Festival events took place on the sister island. The Gozitan leg of this festival formed part of the International Pyro Musical Competition, with firework factories from Ukraine, Portugal and Malta taking part. The Ukrainian Factory Dance of Fire kicked off proceedings, followed by an impressive display by Macedo’s Pirotecnia from Portugal. The evening eventually drew to a close with a spectacular display by St Mary Fireworks Factory, which is based in Għaxaq, Malta.

From statistics provided by Gozo Channel, a total of 62 ferry trips were operated from Malta to Gozo on Friday and Saturday, carrying 18,797 people and 5,355 vehicles. This over 17% higher than the same weekend in 2015, when trips operated were just 52, carrying 15,958 passengers and 4,549 vehicles. This increase is definitely attributed to at least in part to the Fireworks Festival event on Saturday.

The MTA reports that feedback received from the general public, participants and all parties involved was extremely positive and augurs well for the possibility of holding similar Fireworks Festival events in Gozo in the future.

The Malta International Fireworks Festival draws to a close this Saturday 30th April in the majestic setting of the Grand Harbour, Valletta. The evening will start with the presentation of the overall winner at 21:30 by the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis. The event will conclude with a Grand Finale by Pyroemotions from Italy in collaboration with Lourdes Fireworks Factory from Qrendi.