Notte Bianca is just two days away, and the final preparations and logistical measures for the event have been announced. The night will feature over 50 multidisciplinary performances by both local and international artists across various locations in Valletta.

During a press conference, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici, along with Festivals Malta Chairman and CEO Aaron Zahra and Frans Agius, and Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay, encouraged attendees to use public transport, which will be extending its operating hours to help reduce traffic congestion during the event.

It was also announced that the ferry service from Sliema and the Three Cities to and from Valletta will operate extended hours until 2:00 AM. Additionally, the Fast Ferry service to Gozo from Valletta will add a trip at 12:30 AM.

Minister Bonnici expressed his satisfaction with this year’s edition of Notte Bianca, which will feature more than 50 artistic events and over 250 participating artists. “Notte Bianca is a vibrant festival full of color, activities, and art. It’s an occasion where local and international talents come together to breathe new life into Valletta through exceptional creative expressions,” said Minister Bonnici.

For those who prefer to travel by car, it was noted that on Saturday, 5th October, Valletta will not be accessible by vehicle after 4:00 PM, with car access limited to the ring road. Residents will be allowed entry by presenting their ID card. Transport Malta officials will be present to manage traffic.

The Ministry and Festivals Malta thanked the Valletta Local Council, the Malta Police, Transport Malta, LESA, the Civil Protection Department, Malta Public Transport, the Cleansing and Maintenance Department, and the Lands Authority for their support and collaboration in ensuring the successful organization of Notte Bianca.

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YMCA Malta has revealed that over the past 12 months, they have assisted 560 individuals facing severe financial difficulties or who found themselves in extreme circumstances.

Many of these cases involve people at risk of homelessness or struggling with unstable living conditions.

Speaking to NET News, YMCA also disclosed that approximately 43 people are receiving assistance each month due to being unhoused, with the majority of these individuals being Maltese citizens.

The organization continues to provide vital support to those in need, offering services to help them regain stability in their lives.

In a recent statement, YMCA outlined its efforts to work directly with the community, focusing on providing aid to those most in need. Over the last three months, the organization has carried out nearly 5,000 interventions and offered support to 180 individuals who turned to them for help. Of those, 110 were roofless, meaning they had no shelter at all, and 30 were classified as homeless, lacking stable housing.

YMCA also highlighted the positive impact of its programs, noting that 48 individuals have successfully reintegrated into society after spending time in one of the organization’s three facilities.

Through these efforts, YMCA continues to address the pressing issue of homelessness in Malta, offering both immediate assistance and long-term solutions to help people rebuild their lives.

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