You may not have been aware of it, but every summer the sunny Mediterranean islands of Malta come alive with the sound of music! Combined with the fantastic climate and sheer abundance of things to see and do, we think Malta becomes a tempting option for a summer music festival. So to help you get your head around what you can expect, we’ve collated this handy guide to Malta’s unmissable festivals:

Malta Jazz Festival – Silver Anniversary Celebration

Kurt Elling – Image by COD Newsroom

What to expect: Back for its twenty-fifth year with an expanded four-day line-up in celebration of its silver anniversary, the Malta Jazz Festival prides itself on catering for all levels fans with an eclectic mix of jazz styles and musicians.

This year is proving to be no exception with a star-studded line-up featuring Grammy Award-winners Chucho Valdes, the Children of the Light Trio, vocalist Kurt Elling and acclaimed double bassist Davd Holland teaming with saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Eric Harland and singer Lionel Loueke.

When: Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th July
Where: Ta’ Liesse Church, Valletta

Malta Street Art Festival – Food, Art, Music and More!

JustINK (Malta Street Art Festival) – Image by Malta Street Art Festival

What to expect: Having spent two years in the town of Sliema, this multidisciplinary festival makes its way to the capital. This year a selection of the world’s top street artists will be in town, dead-set on using Valletta as their canvas, with musical accompaniment provided across the three days by a diverse selection of local DJs and bands.

When not enjoying the wondrous work on display at the Malta Street Art Festival, make sure you head over to the local merchants market to sample some of the local delicacies available to you!

When: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July
Where: Marsamxett, Valletta

Creamfields Malta – Big Style clubbing, Small Islands vibes

Image by Creamfields.com

What to expect: Debuting in Malta back in 2008, Creamfields has established itself as one of the biggest dance music events in the Med. Blending all the big names in dance with the stunning views found on the islands, it has become renowned as the hedonist’s festival of choice, offering 24 hours of techno and house-inspired mayhem in the warm glow of a Maltese sunset.

Moving back to its original home of Gianpula Fields just outside Mdina, Creamfields remains on the very cutting edge of dance music, attracting some of the best DJs that the clubs of London, Paris, Madrid and Stockholm have to offer. With headline sets from Paul Van Dyk, Alesso and Berlin’s techno sensation Seth Troxler on the bill, and lots more to be announced, 2015 already has all the makings of being a classic year.

When: Thursday 15th August
Where: Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta’ Qali

Bewildered Music Festival – Open-Air Indie Extraordinaire

Big Deal – Image via Big Deal

What to expect: The recently renovated open-air theatre Pjazza Teatru Rjal is the setting for the brand new Bewildered Music Festival planned in conjunction with the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

Headlined by up-and-coming indie dream-pop outfit Big Deal, the festival also will feature shoegazers Leave The Planet as well as sets from Malta’s very own Fastidju and Plato’s Dream Machine.

When: Friday 28th – Saturday 29th August
Where: Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta

Rockestra: Classic rock music gets Orchestral overhaul

Rockestra – Image via Rockestra.org

What to expect: Beloved by visitors and locals alike, Rockestra does exactly what it says on the tin. Led by Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, a line-up of local and international artists combine to play orchestral versions of classic rock favourites, with the likes of Toto, The Police, Queen, Aerosmith and Deep Purple all getting an orchestral reworking.

Rounded off with a spectacular light and pyrotechnic display, no one can argue that it’s not an explosive way end to the Maltese summer.

When: Saturday 12th September
Where: Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta’ Qali
So there you have it – no matter what kind of music you’re into, Malta’s summer of music definitely has you covered! Get booking your holiday now!

 

Front page feature image by Eva Rinaldi via flickr