Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545873
GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 DEPUTY EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 17 JULY 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Victoria Mayor Brian Azzo- pardi said the strategy recog- nises the contribution of the many organisations and individuals who have shaped Victo- ria's cultural identity over the years. "Victoria has al- ways stood at the centre of Gozo's cul- tural life. This strat- egy gives us a clearer framework to support the city's cultural develop- ment in a structured and long- term way, while strengthening the people, organisations and communities who make our cultural life so rich," Azzopardi said. The document was developed following a consultation pro- cess involving residents, cul- tural organisations, voluntary groups, educators, public au- thorities and other stakehold- ers. It also reviewed existing local, national and European cultural policies. The strategy is built around four strategic priorities: im- proving cultural governance and coordination; increasing participation and audience en- gagement; strengthening the sustainability of the cultural sector through investment in skills, venues and infrastruc- ture; and preserving cultural heritage while expanding na- tional and international cultur- al partnerships. According to the council, the strategy aligns with the broader objectives of Victo- ria2031Għawdex and the city's bid to become European Capi- tal of Culture in 2031, with the ECoC process helping identify opportunities for long-term planning and growth within the cultural sector. The framework will remain in place until 2035 and will be reviewed every three years to assess progress and update pri- orities. The strategy was commis- sioned by the Victoria Local Council and developed with the support of ARC Research & Consultancy, led by Samuel Mallia, together with a team of researchers and international consultant Cristina Farinha. Reporting by Laura Calleja Victoria cultural strategy aligned with city's European Capital of Culture 2031 bid Malta and Gozo to reach 40°C this weekend as Met Office issues heat warning TEMPERATURES are ex- pected to climb to 40°C this weekend, with the Malta Me- teorological Office warning of extreme heat conditions ex- pected on Saturday and Sun- day. The weather warning, valid until Sunday 19 July at 6pm, states that the maximum tem- perature is expected to reach 40°C, with the heat expected to be accompanied by clear skies and strong sunshine. Saturday and Sunday are fore- cast to be the hottest days of the week, with temperatures reaching 40°C and feeling like 40°C. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain high, with minimum tempera- tures of around 28°C. The Malta Meteorological Office forecast describes the coming days as hot and sunny, with temperatures remaining close to 40°C into Monday be- fore gradually easing later in the week. The UV index is expected to remain very high, reaching 10 on several days, meaning ex- posure to direct sunlight may pose a risk, particularly during peak hours. The public is advised to take precautions during the hot- test parts of the day, includ- ing staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and taking extra care of vulner- able groups such as children, older persons and people with health conditions. Inset: Victoria Mayor Brian Azzopardi The public is advised to take precautions during the hottest parts of the day, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun