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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 JULY 2024 2 MUSIC Ghaxaq Music Festival celebrates 25 years of musical excellence ANNIVERSARY celebration, a spectacular event spanning five days across two venues. This milestone festival will feature a star-studded lineup, including Grammy Award winner Julian Marley, international superstar Ronan Keating, the World's Pre- miere Pink Floyd show Brit Floyd, with special guest Harry Waters, the world-renowned Bootleg Bea- tles, and Malta's beloved band Tribali. Ghaxaq Music Festival to Groove with Reggae on 24th July @ Ghaxaq Grounds. The Ghax- aq Music Festival is set to kick off with a sensational night of reggae on the 24th of July headlined by 2024 Grammy Award Winner, Julian Marley & The Uprising as part of their 'Colours of Royal' Tour. Julian Marley, son of the legend- ary Bob Marley, will bring genuine reggae rhythms and vibes to the stage, immersing the audience in the true essence of reggae music. Fans will have the chance to hear live renditions of songs from Ju- lian's latest award-winning album. This new material showcases his evolving artistry and deep roots in reggae. Alongside his new tracks, Julian will perform timeless clas- sics from his father's repertoire. Songs like "One Love," "Redemp- tion Song," and "No Woman, No Cry" are sure to resonate deeply with the crowd, bringing a sense of nostalgia and connection to Bob Marley's enduring legacy. Known for his vibrant and en- ergetic stage presence, Julian Marley will deliver a dynamic per- formance that engages and capti- vates the audience, making for an unforgettable night. Julian Marley is known for his interaction with the audience, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Fans can expect sing-alongs, call-and-re- sponse moments, and a palpable sense of community throughout the performance. The festival will also showcase a special supporting act by Faka- wi, one of Malta's most cherished bands. Fakawi's dynamic perfor- mances and beloved sing along tracks are guaranteed to delight the crowd and infuse the evening with local flair. The night will kick off with an energetic warmup set by DJ Mykill, setting the perfect tone for a night of musical excite- ment. To conclude the festivities, Malta's star JJOY will host a vi- brant closing party, ensuring the festival ends on a high note. An Unforgettable Night of Sing Along Songs on the 27th July Headlining the 2nd Day of the festival will be pop icon Ronan Keating, renowned for his excep- tional career both as lead singer of Boyzone and as a solo artist, has performed in front of thousands of fans around the globe. His cap- tivating performances have graced iconic venues and festivals world- wide, from London's O2 Arena to Australia's Sydney Opera House, leaving an indelible mark on audi- ences with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. Fans in Malta can look forward to a memorable setlist featuring classics like "If Tomorrow Never Comes," "Life Is a Rollercoaster," and "When You Say Nothing at All." Keating's engaging and en- ergetic performances ensure that every concert is a unique and ex- hilarating experience, making this a highlight of the summer. Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature a special sup- porting act by Shaun Farrugia, one of Malta's shining stars. His talent as a solo artist has secured him features with Martin Garrix on singles "Starlight," and "If we'll ever be remembered," as well as being an in-demand writer for the likes of Mimi Webb, The Script and Sigala. Following on from a successful 2023, which saw the re- lease of his debut EP 'Heaven Like Mine', endorsement from Future Pop Radio 1, and opening for Rob- bie Williams in Malta - Shaun is gearing up for an incredible night to this much anticipated concert. An electrifying warmup set by Pierre Cordina, creating the ide- al atmosphere for the rest of the night. To wrap up the event on an exhilarating note, Malta's fa- vourite DJ Sue will lead a dynamic closing party, guaranteeing a spec- tacular finish at Ghaxaq Grounds Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience on July 31st at Ghaxaq Grounds. Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Ghaxaq hosts the World's Premier Pink Floyd trib- ute band, Brit Floyd, along with special guest Harry Waters, on July 31st. For the first time in Malta, Brit Floyd are celebrating 30 years of P·U·L·S·E, their biggest and most spectacular production to date.A celebration and faithful recreation of Pink Floyd's legendary final Division Bell tour, complete with a stunning laser and light show, iconic circular screen, inflatables and theatrics. The 3 hours show features classic tracks from Pink Floyd's magnificent catalogue of albums, including the Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Divi- sion Bell, Meddle and much more. Taking to the stage to perform note for note renditions of all these classic Pink Floyd tracks is the band of musicians that audi- ences have become to love and respect worldwide over the years, featuring long time guitarist/vo- calist and musical director Dami- an Darlington, who has performed well over 2500 Pink Floyd music related concerts throughout his career. The band also features Ian Cattell, Edo Scordo, Canadi- an Idol winner Eva Avila, Maltese very own, Chess Galea and all the other expert musicians that have joined the ranks of Brit Floyd over the course of the last decade. Having performed over 1,000 shows since its launch in Liver- pool, England in January 2011, Brit Floyd have circled the world, sold out tours across Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East, and performed concerts at some of the world's greatest venues, including London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall; the awe inspiring Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colora- do; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and 'The Showplace of the Nation', NYC's Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. Special Guest Harry Waters, son of Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, will add a distinctive touch to the evening. Known for his own mu- sical prowess and familial connec- tion to the band, Harry Waters brings a personal and authentic element to the tribute, ensuring an experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcom- ers alike. The event promises not only a musical journey but also a visual feast, with state-of-the-art light- ing effects and stunning visuals enhancing the immersive experi- ence. This combination of audio and visual elements will create a truly unforgettable night under the stars in Ghaxaq. Tickets for these extraordinary concerts are selling fast and can be purchased online at www. showshappening.com.