22 Visiting Għajn Tuffieħa's World War II Sites

WHAT'S ON

1 October NOTTE BIANCA Valletta

Every first Saturday of October, the Valletta cityscape lights up with a spectacular celebration of the arts that is open to the public free of charge. The festival includes around 50 different events happening during the same night. Valletta’s streets, piazzas, churches, state palaces and museums are transformed into venues for a

myriad of live performances and concerts, while many cafés and restaurants extend their opening hours. The entire city of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St Elmo, comes alive for Notte Bianca guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

1 - 2 October JIMMY CARR LIVE Intercontinental Arena and Conference

Centre, St Julian’s

One of Britain's most famous faces of

comedy is making his grand return to Malta after four years. Jimmy Carr is back on the islands with his classic dark humour for

two exclusive shows. Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

1 - 2 October ECO MARKET: MARINE LIFE FAIR Malta National Aquarium

This two day event is being organised with the intention of raising awareness about ocean plastics, beach pollution, the several endangered marine species and the importance of the fragile underwater ecosystem and how to protect it. There will be several activities discussing environmental topics, including Malta's sea creatures and the dangers of plastic. There will also be a selection of exceptional Eco Market brands showcasing their ecofriendly and sustainable products. There will also be plant-based food and drinks, cruelty-free and vegan body products, home accessories and decor, toys and games, sustainable fashion, accessories, books, and many beautiful gift ideas.

1 - 10 October WILLIE APAP COLOUR AND LIGHT Il-Ħaġar | Heart of Gozo Museum, Victoria, Gozo

In what promises to be a landmark event in Il-Ħaġar’s cultural calendar of 2022, this exhibition is thought to be the largest ever presentation of Apap works at one exhibition and will be a display of his genius and versatility; oils and inks of portraits, landscapes and still- life’s, dancers, human figure, sacred and ethnic works. Visit visitmalta.com for more information.

2 October CONCERT BY JOSÉ CURA Teatru Manoel, Valletta | 19:30

Internationally renowned Mro José Cura, accompanied by pianist Sofia Narmania, will perform a wide range of songs from his homeland Argentina, as well as one of his own compositions, a song cycle based on Pablo Neruda’s poetry. Written between 1995 and 2006, Si muero, sobrevíveme! (If I die, survive me!) will also feature renowned Maltese actress Jane Marshall who will bring Neruda’s wife Matilde Urrutia to life.

Get your tickets from teatrumanoel.com

Willie Apap Colour and Light Exhibition

6-27 October ESSENCE: EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

The exhibition will feature a collection of

contemporary realistic works by Christine Porter Lofaro. Observations. Emotions.

Narratives – Christine Porter Lofaro’s work

strives to present our transitory presence in this world, its intensity and how much it

matters. The artist has always been sensitive to things of a delicate nature and to things that require special observation. Sentiments stemming from different life experiences give meaning to our existence. Christine considers this to be the essence of being human and this is what connects us all

once the frivolity of our material existence is put aside. Through an exploration of objects and figures Porter Lofaro’s work seeks to offer a space where such fragile instances are brought to the forefront of our consideration. At the core of her work

is human connection as a compelling and inescapable emotive bond.

8 October MUSIC SPEAKS: CONCERT BY ALESSIA BONNICI AND FRIENDS Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Valletta | 20:00

Alessia Bonnici, a 17-year-old pianist on the autism spectrum will be collaborating with a number of creative partners that have influenced her musical trajectory. of freedom in local artistic expression while promoting the importance of social inclusion. The concert will include solo

pieces by composers like Chopin, Satie and Gershwin interpreted by Alessia on the piano. A delightful selection of quattro mani from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals

will be performed with Gabi Sultana, as well as participation from soprano Mariette Borg, baritone Miguel Rosales and composer/ musician Jess Rymer. Get you tickets from www.visitmalta.com

8 October THE EWFONIJA GRAND OPERATIC CONCERT Cittadella Ditch, Victoria, Gozo

A classical music concert featuring the Ewfonija choir and orchestra under the musical direction of Mariella Spiteri Cefai. It include famous operatic arias, choruses, overtures and 'ballabili' (dance music from operas). Entrance is free. Book by sending an email to info@ewfonija.com

8 October DISORDER: FUNCTION Liquid Club, San Gwann

Legendary cult techno figure Function returns to liquid club after a 4 year absence. Hailing from New York, he was seduced by techno when Jeff Mills held residency (as well as his own first) at Limelight in the early 90s. Producing from the mid-90s onward, he released his first 12"s on Damon Wild's Synewave and his own Infrastructure imprint. A chance meeting in 1996 brought him together with Regis (Karl O'Connor). The two worked as Portion Reform, releasing uncompromising music on Downwards, making him the only non-Birmingham producer to appear on the label. He later moved to Berlin in 2007, still working with Regis, and now Silent Servant (Juan Mendez), putting his focus on Sandwell District. Since, the label come collective, skyrocketed into cult status - decentralizing the artist ego, blurring the lines between the artist, label and dj; re-arranging the DNA of modern dance music.

Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli

Fjakkolata

8-16 October ŻEŻA TAL-FLAGSHIP Teatru Manoel, Valletta

This local classic comedy, written by Mikielang Borg early in the last century, is based in Balzunetta where the famous Żeża used to work as a barmaid. Outgoing, lively and cheeky Żeża was not only the British sailors’ favourite entertainer, but also amongst the Maltese of all social classes. Trouble looms when aristocrats

are caught in saucy adventures. What happens when Zeza pretends to be the wife of the aristocrat Dr Anakleto? To top it all Anakleto’s uncle arrives from Tunis and is

mesmerized by the beauty and liveliness of Żeża. Borg’s original script has been adapted into this new version by Joe Gatt with also a list of new songs which will be played live by the orchestra and sung by the actors. A show not to be missed!

Get your tickets from teatrumanoel.com

9 October FJAKKOLATA Għar Ilma Hill,Gozo

Hundreds of fire torches will light up Għar Ilma hill in Gozo. This is a sight to behold from various points on the island, while down in the main square of Santa Luċija, one will be able to indulge in food and music in a traditional setting.

12-16 October THEY BLEW HER UP Theatre Next Door 14-16 October KITE AND WIND FESTIVAL San Dimitri Chapel, Għarb , Gozo

They Blew Her Up goes straight into the heart of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the political earthquake it unleashed. Scriptwriter and journalist Herman Grech gained access to some of the main players in the field to stage a gripping and hard-hitting one-act play. Originally co-produced with Spazju Kreattiv, They Blew Her Up has been staged in Malta, Belgium and shortly in Italy and won Production of the Year at this year's Arts Council's Premju ghal-Arti. Get your tickets from www.tnd.com.mt Feel at one with nature as kites of all shapes and sizes soar the skies over Għarb, Gozo. The festival will feature traditional

and professional kite flyers while also providing room for visitors to come out and experience what it is like to fly a kite. The area near San Dimitri chapel, out to the north of l-Għarb, will see a flurry of activity with food stalls, entertainment, and games complementing the main activities.

15 October

13 October GOLDEN BUCKLE BARREL RACE MFCC, Ta' Qali

The largest barrel race in European history will arrive in Malta at the MFCC, which will be transformed into a barrel racing arena. If you, your children, friends or family enjoy looking at beautiful horses, this is the perfect event to see hundreds of them! Barrel racing is one of the most prominent equestrian sports in the United States. Love for the sport grew from the love of horses and has grown quickly throughout the world in the past decade. Throughout the event, you will watch competitors of all ages competing in their specified categories–Junior, Youth, Ladies and Open Barrel Racing.

14 October SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS Santa Luċija Square, Gozo

The music by the Saint Gregory Band accompanied by fireworks and light spectacle, amid the candles and torches in the square will evoke a magical atmosphere in the main square.

Kite and Wind Festival

OBSCENE | MARCEL FENGLER Liquid Nightclub, San Gwann

Over the last two decades, Fengler developed a versatile and dynamic style of DJing that made him one of the first resident DJs of Berlin’s infamous Berghain / Panorama Bar in 2005. With his impressive intuition for the very moment,Fengler is capable of changing pace, atmosphere, and energy reacting to the mood on the dance floor: whether

industrial-drenched hardness, broken beats, gloomy dubs or melodic and funky grooves – next to his inimitable instinct, Fengler draws from a varied repertoire.

Seek new horizons.

DISCOVER A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY, CONVENIENCE AND RELAXATION.

The Shoreline, o ering an unparalleled mix of luxury accommodation, superb views and community amenities right outside your door.

*Scheduled to be completed by 2023.

15 October AIDA Teatru Aurora, Gozo

Triumphant in all senses, Verdi’s everlasting masterpiece, the quintessential opera in so many ways, returns to the Aurora with heart-melting arias and rousing choruses that withstood the test of time, for the third time, after 13 years. Aida marks the opening of the 2022-23 theatre season in Gozo, being the very first opera in the post COVID-19 opera season in Gozo. It’s the opera known by those who don’t know opera at all. But it’s also the opera that has it all for whoever opera occupies the most tender share of his soul. It features a largerthan-life story in an exotic world. It asks for a chorus that can blow the roof out and

the house down. Yet it is potentially one of the most intimate operas ever written. Set in Ancient Egypt, with the best elements for lavish costumes and sets, Aida runs on some of the greatest music ever written. Get your tickets from www.teatruaurora.com

20 October VOX DULCIS CHORALE 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta | 20:00

Vox Dulcis Chorale are holding a concert to celebrate their fifth anniversary. The programme will include contemporary, ethnic and musical theatre songs.

21-22 October ALICE: THE MUSICAL City Theatre, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | 19:30

The nonsense of Wonderland is captured beautifully in this engaging, fast-paced and exciting production based on Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. It is visually appealing, humorous and has everything from high energy, catchy songs to touching tear jerkers. Get your tickets from www. showshappening.com

21-23 October OKTOBERFEST MONTEKRISTO Montekristo Estate

Oktoberfest is a family-friendly affair with over 70+ stalls catering for activities, food, and, of course, brews for the whole weekend. Apart from all the beer and other culinary advantages of Oktoberfest Montekristo, the event will be filled with entertainment, bands and some of the best local artists taking over two stages. There will also be a kids area to keep the little ones entertained!

21-23 October AURORA INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL Cathedral Square, Victoria, Gozo

The Aurora International Folk Festival

celebrates the traditional aspects of the Maltese islands and European countries. It showcases traditional and folkloristic

dance, music and celebrations which were commonplace in the past.

21-30 October LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Teatru Manoel, Valletta

This crowd-pleasing, rollicking and heartwarming musical about family, commitment, show biz and drag remains one of musical theatre's all-time biggest hits. After 20 years of partnered bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better or worse, get a bit of both when Georges' son announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the "family business": Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the star performer, "Zaza." Get your tickets from teatrumanoel.com

22 October SOUNDSCAPES: CONCERT BY HÅVARD ENSTAD Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta | 20:00

Norwegian pianist, cellist and composer with a passion for folk music, baroque music and musicals (and Eurovision…) performing his own works of contemporary piano music.

22 October ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE START Grand Harbour

A highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex

Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney - Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a "must do" race. Co-founded in 1968 by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the race has been running annually save for a break between 1984 and 1995. may be watched from any of Valletta's fortifications create a sight worth waiting for.

27 October TAJINE WORKSHOP Malta Culinary Academy, Triq l-Oratorju, Naxxar

Learn about the use of the tajine that delivers such fantastic flavours, ingredients, spices, as well as how it all comes together. The preparation of the tajine was typically reserved for celebration days, weddings and highlyesteemed guests. During this workshop, you will learn how to create your own representation of this famous North African dish. Reserve your space on www. mcamalta.com

27-29 October CARMEN - GEORGES BIZET Teatru Astra, Gozo

It has been said that the world of opera has many femmes fatales, but there is only one Carmen, with her vibrant sensuality as the gipsy cigarette girl with too great a capacity for love. This ever-popular opera is renowned for its cluster of magnetic melodic inventiveness that has captivated audiences worldwide. Teatru Astra offers

an ideal opportunity to introduce new fans to the thrill of operatic drama par excellence intertwined with the sensually endearing characters studding this spectacular opera. Get your tickets from www.teatruastra.org.mt

29-30 October MALTA COMIC CON 2022 MFCC, Ta' Qali

A two day event that celebrates comic creators, comic books, books, movies, TV series, table top games, video games, role playing games, cosplaying and virtually anything that is related to the comic culture. The event is both entertaining and educational and on both days there will be material specifically intended for children and material specifically intended for a mature audience. However, particular focus is always given towards providing a platform for creators to meet their fans. Get your tickets from www. showshappening.com

30 October FROM THE BEATLES TO U2 Aurora Opera House, Victoria,Gozo

Appearing with The Gozo Youth Orchestra and Cash & Band, will be the 7SPP choir under the direction of Dorothy Bezzina. In her own role of soloist Dorothy has given the most memorable of performances. She will be flanked by Maltese guest stars, Chris Grech, Neville Refalo and Ludwig Galea. The made-in-Gozo factor will

comprise John(Cash) Cassar and Keith Anthony – approaching legendary status on Gozo – as well as the formidable Sarah

Bonnici and the most recent addition, Kurt Cassar who follows in the family tradition of music and entertainment.

30 October SWEET TOOTH FESTIVAL Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria,Gozo

Rundle Gardens in Victoria will be

transformed into a beckoning candy land with sweets and dessert stalls. There will

also be a cake competition for the best decorated cake as well as an activity area for the little ones.