Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1469874
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 JUNE 2022 7 CULTURE The Valletta Pageant of the Seas returns for its fourth edition TH E Valletta Pageant of the Seas will return to the Grand Harbor on Saturday 25 June with a varied show paying homage to the 80th anniver- sar y of the Santa Marija Con- voy's arrival on August 15 1942. This biannual event, which has now found its place firm- ly in the Grand Harbour's calendar, was announced to- day at a press conference by the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, together with the Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agen- cy Jason Micallef. For the first time since the pandemic, the public is invited to watch the live show in the Grand Har- bour from Quarry Wharf, Valletta. "It is wonderful to host such events and keep the culture alive. After a two-year gap, we can revitalise our Maltese cultural heritage and contin- ue promoting our national identity," stated Minister Ow- en Bonnici. Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef stat- ed that "The Valletta Pageant of the Seas returns on a grand scale with a special focus on the Santa Marija Convoy. This biannual event is now a part of the summer cultural calendar, and we urge every- one to attend and follow the programme which will take place on land and on sea from Quarry Wharf." Events will begin at 8:00pm with Tellieqa Telliqun, an entertaining competition in the Grand Harbour between a number of teams who will be racing their homemade sea crafts without the use of traditional oars and engines. Each vessel will be named for British naval ships that were present during World War II. The show will continue with a concert of popular music led by Maestro Paul Abela with the participation of The Palace String Orchestra un- der the musical direction of Ryan Paul Abela, and lighting effects that will take the audi- ence back in time to the for- ties. Meanwhile, a special edi- tion of the regatta by night, with the participation of six clubs from around the Grand Harbour, will follow. The main performance will consist of a theatrical and au- dio-visual experience under the direction of Lee N Abela, that will explore the circum- stances of the Maltese dur- ing those difficult times, by means of projections on Fort Saint Angelo and with the participation of Moveo Dance Company and a diverse cast of prominent local actors in- cluding Theresa Gauci, Paul Portelli, Charlotte Grech, Cassandra Spiteri and many others. The evening closes with a fireworks installation at sea and a grand pyrotechnic dis- play. The Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2018