Tower of Light fireworks spectacle lights up Mqabba skies

Aug 15 2022

Celebrating on the eve of the Feast of Santa Marija, the night sky above Mqabba was lit up with an absolute spectacle of pyrotechnical skill and colour.

Attendees of the event were absolutely dazzled by the best of what the island’s fireworks professionals created.

Among the sights was the Tower of Light, a tower which stands at a height of around 55 meters, becoming one of the many highlights of the ninety minute aerial fireworks program set up by the Santa Maria Fireworks Association on Sunday evening.

The preparations date back a year ago, with workers and a large amount of volunteers picking up pace in lieu of the feast’s eve. They had to make sure the fireworks were not only in safe and expert condition but that the spectacle was synchronised to the music played throughout the event.

This is the ninth time the spectacle was put up in Mqabba, and following two years of COVID induced hiatus, all those passionate about such gems of Maltese culture were undoubtedly expecting a big return. And it definitely did not disappoint!

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Photo Source: Alex Agius Saliba FB

Maltese DJ Edd to play at 3 of the biggest clubs in Ibiza

Aug 15 2022

Local DJ talent Edd is set to make his mark in not just one, but three of Ibiza’s biggest clubs, further extending the reach of Maltese artists out into the world.

The local disk-jockey is set to play for some massive names in the DJ world, including the likes of David Guetta and Armin Van Buuren.

That’s right – Edd will be bringing his bangers to ‘Hi’ on the 19th of August for giant David Guetta in the Wild Corner, rated as the number 1 club in the world on DJ Mag this year.

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A post shared by Edd (@edd.wav)

But that’s not all as on the same night we will be playing at the same prestigious club for Armin Van Buuren. Here, he will have a 5 hour set in the world famous Wild Corner again (WC – and yes, there is a club in the toilets!)

The following day, Edd will make his way to Ushuaia, which also made the list of the top clubs in the world to play for other massive name of Ants.

This is yet another massive deal for a Maltese artist, especially considering he will be the first one from the island to do so at the age of 22.

Such an achievement will surely pave the way for more local creators to strive for more as this is proof it’s all possible.

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UK schools considering three day weeks to combat energy and salary costs

Aug 15 2022

Several schools across the UK are considering a bold move to a three-day week in the autumn term as they struggle with rising energy cost and teacher salary payments.

Several heads of schools are holding crisis meetings with boards of governors as the summer holidays progress and they need to plan ahead for reopening classrooms next month.

The costs are rising faster than school budgets can possibly allow, with teacher pay rises set to add another burden as they are expected to be awarded in September.

With some schools reporting an expected rise by 300 percent, they have also been facing a good amount of pressure as funding per pupil has dropped by 9% between 2010 and 2020.

An unnamed chief executive of the leading academy trusts in the country said that shorter school days, fewer after school programmes and draconian restrictions on energy usage will ‘become a reality for all trusts.’

Others are planning to cut back on maintenance work or will forego resources such as textbooks, whilst other schools have survived by going into their financial reserves.

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Scotland first country in the world to provide free period products

Aug 15 2022

Scotland is set to become the first country across the globe to introduce a law to safeguard the right to free period products.

The Period Products Act will come into force Monday, and councils as well as education providers will be legally required to ensure free sanitary products are available to anyone in need.

The legislation was unanimously approved by the Scottish Parliament in 2020 after it was proposed by Labour MSP Monica Lennon. Having campaigned to end period poverty since 2016, she described the bill as practical and progressive.

“I’m proud to have pioneered the Period Products Act which is already influencing positive change in Scotland and around the world,” she said.

“This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make.”

Scotland’s councils will each decide what exact arrangements are put in place, but they will all be legally obliged to give anyone who needs them access to a range of products.

At present tampons, pads and some reusable products are funded in schools, colleges and universities across Scotland. Ever since 2017, up to £27 million were spent to provide access in public settings.

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