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NOW that Victoria has been selected as European Capi- tal of Culture 2031, attention turns from the bid to what it actually means for people liv- ing in Gozo. The Victoria31 bid book does not only promise a year of cultural events. It sets out a programme running into 2031 and beyond, with specific pro- jects, infrastructure, budgets, deadlines and programmes. Some of the most visible changes are supposed to hap- pen well before 2031. A new Gozo Museum One of the headline infra- structure commitments is the Gozo Museum in Victoria, with €12 million allocated in the capital investment pro- gramme. The bid says the museum is to be opened and fitted out as part of the preparations for 2031. Essential cultural infra- structure is expected to be completed and operational in 2030, allowing it to be tested before the title year. For resi- dents and visitors, this means one of the most tangible leg- acies of the bid is a new mu- seum facility in the heart of Victoria. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER 2026 • ISSUE 113 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Il-Hagar Museum calls for new volunteers IL-ĦAĠAR Museum in Victoria, Gozo, is appealing for new volun- teers to join its front desk team as it seeks to maintain its daily open- ing hours. The museum, which is run entirely by volunteers, said its front desk team plays a key role in keeping the cultural hub open eight hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. CONTINUES PAGE 7 LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt What Gozitans can expect from Victoria 2031 With Victoria officially named European Cultural Capital 2031, GozoToday takes a closer look at the bid book to see what's in store for Gozitans CONTINUES PAGES 8-9 Il-Ħaġar Museum in Victoria, Gozo, is appealing for new volunteers to join its front desk team as it seeks to maintain its daily opening hours Victoria was official selected as European Cultural Capital 2031 on 23 September 2026 (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)