Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536968
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 JUNE 2025 MUSIC Għaxaq Musical Festival 2025: World-class acts, local icons and unforgettable summer energy AFTER a string of unforgettable edi- tions featuring global icons like Ronan Keating, Julian Marley, Marco Masini, Brit Floyd, The Wailers, and many more, the Għaxaq Musical Festival is back this July for its 2025 edition—set to light up Malta's cultural calendar with two elec- trifying nights of music and community celebration. Taking place on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th July, the festival will once again transform Għaxaq's vil- lage core into a vibrant open-air stage of sound, soul, and summer spirit. Now firmly established as one of Mal- ta's leading music festivals, attracts thou- sands of locals and tourists alike, blend- ing top-tier international acts with the best of Maltese talent. Each year, the fes- tival grows in stature, drawing attention for its professional production, diverse musical programme, and the unmistaka- ble warmth of its village setting. DAY 1 – Thursday 17th July: Italian glob- al artist ZUCCHERO Headlines with his "Overdose D'Amore World Tour" The opening night of Għaxaq Musi- cal Festival 2025 kicks off in spectacu- lar fashion with Italian blues-rock icon ZUCCHERO, headlining as part of his internationally acclaimed Overdose D'Amore World Tour. With a catalogue of timeless hits like "Senza una donna", "Baila (Sexy Thing)", and "Diamante", Zucchero's soulful performance will de- liver a night of world-class music under the Maltese sky. Setting the stage before Zucchero is Chess Galea, Malta's powerful and in- ternationally touring singer-songwriter, who returns home after performing with The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Chess will be joined on stage by none other than Peter Borg, one of Malta's most celebrat- ed guitarists and musical producers, en- suring a standout live collaboration filled with energy, elegance, and talent. Warming up the crowd is the ever-en- ergetic local artist Pierre Cordina, deliv- ering an engaging and lively set. To close the night, festival-favorite DJ Mykill takes over with an explosive party set guaran- teed to keep the square alive into the ear- ly hours. DAY 2 – Friday 18th July: Grammy-Win- ning Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo – Back to The Origins Tour Day 2 of the festival keeps the momen- tum going with the legendary Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo, bringing their "Back to The Origins" Tour to Malta. With their unmistakable fusion of flamenco, salsa, and pop, and global hits like "Bamboléo", "Volare", and "Djobi Djoba", this perfor- mance by Grammy-winning artists will set the village square ablaze with rhythm and passion. Before the Gipsy Kings take the stage, Malta's beloved artist Kurt Calleja will lead a special showcase titled Kurt Calleja & Friends — an exclusive live collabora- tion celebrating some of the finest voices in the local scene. Sharing the stage with Kurt are iconic Eurovision star Chiara, genre-blending rapper and songwriter Owen Leuellen, pop sensation Brooke, and rising soulful vocalist Kirsten Gra- ham. Together, they'll deliver a dynamic and emotional performance highlighting the power, diversity, and unity of Malta's musical talent. Warming up the evening is Maltese mu- sic veteran Alex Grech, whose legendary status and timeless style will kick off the night in style. Closing out the 2025 edi- tion is none other than DJ Sue, bringing the beats and energy for an unforgettable final party. Tickets for these concerts are selling fast and can be purchased online at www. showshappening.com. Children under 12 can attend for free when accompanied by an adult, except for seated area, where a ticket must be purchased for the seat. Don't miss the chance to experience world-class performances by Zucchero and the Gipsy Kings in the heart of Għax- aq. Certain ticket categories are already sold out, so we strongly encourage every- one planning to attend to secure their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. In the spirit of community and inclu- sion, a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Embrace Diversity Organ- ization, supporting children and youths with disabilities. Almost €200,000 have been donated to charities and organiza- tions along the years. Important Visitor Information & Stay Connected For the convenience of all attendees, assigned parking spaces will be available for each event day. To stay updated on all daily announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, we encour- age the public to visit the official Għax- aq Musical Festival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ghaxaqmu- sicfestival. Don't miss this landmark edition of the festival — featuring the most high-profile lineup Għaxaq has ever hosted! The Għaxaq Musical Festival is proudly organised by St. Mary's Band Club Għax- aq and takes place under the patronage of the Minister of Culture and the Malta Tourism Authority.