Liam Payne Fans Gather in Valletta for Emotional Tribute

Oct 27 2024

Last night, Valletta’s Laparelli Gardens became a sea of emotion as hundreds of fans gathered to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne.

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Originally set to take place at Triton Fountain, the memorial event was relocated to Ġnien Laparelli, with the announcement made via the event’s social media page. The poster encouraged attendees to bring items that reminded them of the beloved singer, and many did just that, arriving with charts, frames, candles, and pictures to commemorate Payne’s legacy.

As Payne’s music echoed through the gardens, fans sang along to his iconic songs, creating a heartfelt atmosphere of unity and remembrance. The tribute event was a testament to Payne’s enduring impact, as fans came together to celebrate his life and mourn his unexpected passing earlier this month, which shocked thousands worldwide.

In addition to honouring Payne’s memory, the event also aimed to support mental health causes, raising funds for The Richmond Foundation. Attendees were encouraged to donate through Revolut or BOV Mobile, with all proceeds going toward the foundation’s initiatives. The night was a touching display of how Payne’s music and spirit continue to resonate deeply with fans in Malta and beyond.

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Giant Buffon Sculpture Unveiled at Hamrun Chocolate Festival

Oct 27 2024

Football and chocolate fans alike were in for a treat at the 14th edition of the Hamrun Chocolate Festival, held on Saturday, 26th October.

One of the highlights of the event was a life-size sculpture of legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, crafted entirely from chocolate. Thousands flocked to St. Joseph High Street and its surroundings, enjoying a night filled with sweet delights and entertainment.

The stunning chocolate sculpture was the work of Maltese chocolatier Tiziano Cassar, renowned for his jaw-dropping creations. Cassar, who has previously impressed with chocolate renditions of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from Gladiator and Johnny Walker, did not disappoint with this year’s masterpiece. Buffon’s likeness, meticulously sculpted in rich chocolate, captured the essence of the football icon,

The festival, a beloved event in Malta’s cultural calendar, featured not only chocolate sculptures but also a variety of exhibitions, performances by local and international bands, singers, and other attractions.

Following the event, the Hamrun Local Council took to social media to thank everyone in attendance, pledging that it will continue to strive to make the festival a unique and sought-after event in the country’s cultural calendar.

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Another Gozo Channel Bomb Threat

Oct 26 2024

The Gozo Channel ferry service was temporarily suspended on Saturday following its second bomb threat in two days.

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) responded to the threat by inspecting all four Gozo Channel ferries and both the Ċirkewwa terminal in Malta and the Mġarr terminal in Gozo. Bomb disposal officers worked across the islands, with divers also inspecting the undersides of the vessels.

The disruption affected travel, with passengers on the 3:30 pm ferry asked to disembark, and significant traffic buildup reported along Mġarr Road as people waited for updates.

The AFM expects to clear the vessels for safe operations by around 7 pm, allowing ferry services to resume.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri addressed the issue on social media, expressing confidence that those responsible for the hoaxes would be identified and brought to justice. Malta’s laws impose heavy fines on anyone convicted of issuing false bomb threats.

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Residents and Organisations Rally Against Villa Rosa Development at St. George’s Bay

Oct 26 2024

Earlier today, residents, Local Councils, and organizations such as Moviment Graffitti gathered at St. George’s Bay for a press conference to address concerns surrounding the Villa Rosa development scandal.

The event began with strong criticism of the government’s claims that this project is in a “consultation phase,” calling it an insult to the public’s intelligence.

Many believe the Local Plan revision has been manipulated to benefit contractor and developer‘ Tal-Franċiż’, enabling a massive project to proceed under the guise of consultation.

Speakers warned that allowing business interests to dictate laws and regulations threatens democratic values.

Appeals to “brands” and “tourism” were dismissed as attempts to justify overdevelopment, commercialization, and the unchecked spread of economic interests into public spaces.

According to Moviment Graffitti, the proposed Villa Rosa project would introduce dust, noise, traffic, and excessive commercial activity, affecting the surrounding valley, bay, and residential areas. Local residents vowed to oppose this development, defending both democracy and quality of life.

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