Gozo Summer Events

MUSICAL EVENTS EVERY DAY, AN D MORE JULY - SEPTEM BER 2022

Summer in Gozo A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of its people – Mahatma Gandhi Gozo’s rich cultural heritage is without doubt one of our most precious assets. The Ministry for Gozo is well aware of its importance and does its utmost to cultivate, support and encourage its preservation and continuity.

Our distinctive heritage is what differentiates us from other peoples – it is the fabric that unites and gives us our unique identity and makes us stand out as Gozitans and Maltese. Our rich history is reflected in the multitude of artistic expressions and cultural events.

Preparations for Summer kickstarted early and the Ministry for Gozo worked tirelessly to draw up an extensive calendar of events that we are pleased to offer you throughout the summer months. Gozo offers more than just sea and sun. This programme is a showcase of Gozo’s talents. Gozo shimmers with cultural events ranging from art exhibitions to concerts, from the traditional village feasts to the annual Agricultural and Craft Exhibition that is organised in August at the popular Villa Rundle Garden in Victoria.

Our aim is to keep our ancestral roots alive and inject new cultural trends into the mix so that the old and the new complement and enhance each other. This concept helps strengthen our firmly established talent and encourages and promotes new blood thus ensuring continuity and sustainability.

We invite you to join us through this journey and participate in another Gozitan cultural experience brought to you by the Ministry for Gozo.

GUIDE This is a programme of live performances happening in Marsalforn every Monday from the 4th July until the 19th September 2022.

Various spots around Marsalforn will be hosting artists who will help you shrug off your Monday blues. All live performances commence at 9:30pm.

All performances start at 9:00pm. City Tuesdays will feature artists performing live at St George’s Square, Independence Square & St Francis Square in Victoria, alternatively, every Tuesday from the 5th July until the 20th September 2022.

Qala Wednesdays is a programme of events happening at the Qala village Square. Every Wednesday from 9:00pm onwards, from the 6th July up till the 21st September 2022, Qala will be hosting local performers for what promises to be a midweek treat for music lovers.

The bustling Xagħra Square will be hosting a programme of live entertainment every Thursday. The programme kicks off on the 7th July and closes on the 22nd September 2022. All events start at 9:30pm.

All performances start at 9:30pm Every Friday, Mgarr Harbour will be hosting live music events, covering a broad spectrum of genres. These events will be starting from the 1st July until the 16th September 2022. A great way to kick-off your weekend!

Every Friday, music performances start at 8:00pm at the Visitation Square in Għarb. These musical events will start on the 8th of July and will have its last performance on the 16th of September 2022.

Enjoy your Saturdays at 8:30pm down at the beach where music, feasts and the annual summer-long fjakkolata will follow. Starting from 2nd July and ending on the 17th September 2022.

A programme of events happening in Xewkija, just in front of the famous Rotunda. These events include live performances as well as an International Food Festival. All live band performances start at 9.00pm from 9th July and ending 29th August 2022.

Unwind at Nadur’s main Square every Sunday from 3rd July until 18th September from 8:00pm onwards.

These events will be organised all around Gozo with different commencement times. For more information, changes to the original programme and other unlisted events it is best to check out www.visitgozo.com a few days before the event date.

OTHER EVENTS

JULY EVENTS July - August Iljieli Sajfin (Summer Nights) - 8:00pm – Lady of Loreto Square, Għajnsielem Għajnsielem center will be turned into a pedestrian area every Saturday and Sunday throughout the months of July and August with a series of activities such as traditional games, quiz, tombola, musical concerts by local bands, bmx-events, open-air cinema nights and walking tours. Visit www.ghajnsielemlc.com/iljielisajfin for the calendar of events.

1st July Pianoforte Duet | Natascha Chircop/Marco Rivoltini – 8:00pm – Malta/Italy - Mgr G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria 1st July Charles Buttigieg in Concert – 8:30pm - St Luċija Square, Kerċem 1st July Mġarr Fridays – The Stents – Gozo – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 1st July & 18th July Organ Concerts – 8:00pm – St Margaret Parish Church, Sannat Two concerts on the pipe organ in celebration of the restoration of the same organ.

2nd July I Love Xlendi – Divine Sinners – 8:30pm – Xlendi 2nd July Evviva Wine & Dine - Ġnien Blankas, Xewkija A wine festival with a difference. There will be folk music, prominent local bands, traditional Maltese food and sweet stands.

2nd July Victoria International Arts Festival Recital – 8:00pm – Mgr G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria Violin and Pianoforte Recital by Heidi Schmid/Joseph-Maurice Weder – Switzerland

3rd July Nadur Sundays – Mel Xkejfa & Danny Magro – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 3rd July Festa Infiorata – Parish Church Parvis, Għarb A carpet made of fresh flowers petals and leaves cut into small pieces and arranged together to form various thematic designs.

4th July Marsalforn Mondays – BrassTubes – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 4th July Victoria International Art Festival Duo – 8:00pm – St Francis Church, Victoria Violin Duo by Emese Tóth/David Lang – Serbia

5th July City Tuesdays – Roundhouse Kick – 9:00pm – St Francis Square, Victoria 5th July Victoria International Arts Festival Recital – 8:00pm – St George’s Basilica, Victoria Viola and Pianoforte Recital by Peter Fenech (Viola)/Tomas Matos (Pianoforte) – Malta/Portugal

6th July Qala Wednesdays – Rubberband – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 6th July Victoria International Arts Festival Quartet – 8:00pm – Bishop’s Curia Courtyard, Victoria Auric Saxophone Quartet by Sam Corkin, Sally MacTaggart, Alistair Penman, Jennifer Louise Watson – England

6th July The Imperial College Choir at the Cathedrals – 12:30pm - Gozo Cathedral, Victoria Schola Cantorum Jubilate will present the Imperial College Choir from the United Kingdom. The choir will sing various sacred pieces and will be under the direction of Colin Durrant.

6th July Giubileo d’Argento – 9:00pm - Pjazza Orvieto, Kerċem A concert consisting of various musical pieces in celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

7th July Xagħra Thursdays – StraitAhead – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 7th July Victoria International Arts Festival Recital – 8:00pm – Mgr G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria 8th July Għarb Fridays – Stranded – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 8th July Mġarr Fridays – Rubberband – 9:30pm – Manoel de Vilhena street, Mġarr 8th July Victoria International Arts Festival Recital – 8:00pm – Mgr G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria Piano Accordion Recital by Djordje Gajic/Bernice Sammut Attard – Serbia/Malta

8th July Ħondoq by Night – 8:00pm - Ħondoq Bay, Qala The Gozitan bay and its surroundings will be illuminated with traditional flaming lanterns and special light effects, transforming it into a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy!

9th July Victoria International Arts Festival Trio Recital – 8:00pm – Mgr G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria

The Walthew Trio by Roberto Meoni (Clarinet), Simon Twigge (Horn), Neil Taylor (Pianoforte) – Italy/England

9th July Summer in the Square – Jolene Samhan – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 9th July Festival of figs and Maltese traditional food – 9:00pm - Victory Square, Xagħra A festival for all the family including various stands with Maltese traditional food accompanied by live music.

9th July I Love Xlendi – DCapitals Big Band – 8:30pm – Xlendi 9th July Flames Across The Meadows – 11:00pm – Triq il-Kalandrijiet, Kerċem A firework show with a replica of the Statue of Liberty made from recycled wood and other material.

10th July Nadur Sundays – The Lost Tourists – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 11th July Victoria International Arts Festival Closing Orchestral Concert – 8:00pm – St George’s Basilica, Victoria

Concert by Andrea Gajic (Violin), Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (Marcelline Agius – Leader), Philip Walsh (Conductor)

11th July Marsalforn Mondays – Sarah & Band – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 13th July Qala Wednesdays – BrassTubes – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 14th July Xagħra Thursdays – Rebecca & The Passengers – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 15th July Għarb Fridays - Għana Tradizzjonali – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 15th July Mġarr Fridays – Divine Sinners – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 16th July Summer in the Square – The Tramps – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 16th July I Love Xlendi – BrassTubes – 8:30pm – Xlendi 17th July Nadur Sundays – Rubberband – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 18th July Marsalforn Mondays – DCapitals Big Band – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 19th July City Tuesdays – Gabriella & Mario – 9:00pm – Independence Square, Victoria 19th July Malta Philharmonic Orchestra - Malta Summer Festival - Soirée à Chambray - 8:15pm Fort Chambray, Għajnsielem.

20th July Qala Wednesdays – Upper Lip – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala

20th July Annual Symphonic Concert – 9:00pm – St Margaret Square, Sannat St Margaret Band presents its Annual Symphonic Concert - a special edition commemorating the band’s 25th Anniversary.

21st July Xagħra Thursdays – Mae – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 22nd July Għarb Fridays – Novel – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 22nd July Mġarr Fridays – The Lost Tourists – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 23rd July I Love Xlendi – Rubberband – 8:30pm – Xlendi 23rd July Summer in the Square – StraitAhead – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 23rd July Xwejni Music Fest – 8:30pm – Qolla l-Bajda Battery, limits of Xwejni, Marsalforn A summer music festival with fireworks synchronized to live music performed by local artists: Ron Briffa, Cheryl Balzan, Ivan Grech & Band followed by DJ Ryan Spiteri and Micimago.

24th July Nadur Sundays – Jolene Samhan – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 25th July Marsalforn Mondays – Cash & Band – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 26th July City Tuesdays – Mel Xkejfa & Danny Magro – 9:00pm - St George’s Square, Victoria 26th July 1551 Commemoration – 8:00pm – Cittadella, Victoria 27th July Qala Wednesdays – Stranded – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 28th July Sweet Music – 8:30pm – Narrow Street, Victoria 28th July Xagħra Thursdays – Roundhouse Kick – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 29th July Għarb Fridays – The Tramps – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 29th July Mġarr Fridays – Cash & Band – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 29th July Summernight Across the Meadows – 8:00pm - Għadira ta’ San Raflu, Kerċem A musical festival in the gorgeous ambience of the Għadira ta’ San Raflu.

29th - 31st July Summer Fest - Daħlet Qorrot, Nadur 30th July I Love Xlendi – StraitAhead – 8:30pm – Xlendi 30th July Summer in the Square – The Stents-Gozo – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 30th July DCapitals Live@Cittadella (7th Edition) - 9:00pm - Cittadella Ditch, Victoria This year, renowned Spanish Rock-Opera singer Cristina Ramos will perform together with the band’s resident singers.

31st July Nadur Sundays – Cash & Band – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur

AUGUST EVENTS 1st August Opera Vs Pop Under The Stars – 8:30pm - Ministry for Gozo courtyard, Victoria A concert of classical and operatic songs and arias, followed by an array of lighter pop arrangements from soundtracks and musicals in the second part.

1st August Marsalforn Mondays – Novel – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 2nd August City Tuesdays – MICHELA – 9:00pm – St George’s Square, Victoria 2nd August Qala Band 25th Anniversary in Concert – 9:00pm - St Joseph Square, Qala An attraction for the locals during summer and the season of parish feasts in Gozo and for the foreign tourists visiting the island of Gozo.

3rd August Qala Wednesdays – Rebecca & The Passengers – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 4th August Xagħra Thursdays – DCapitals Big Band – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 5th August Għarb Fridays – The Lost Tourists – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 5th August Mġarr Fridays – Stranded – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 5th - 6th August International Food Festival – 6:00pm - St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija A perfect festival to discover new tastes, followed by a special set of live musicians performing outside the Xewkija Parish Church.

6th August I Love Xlendi – Rebecca & The Passengers – 8:30pm – Xlendi 6th August Shades of Light – 11:30pm - St Joseph Square, Qala A light show in relation to St Joseph’s Feast.

7th August Nadur Sundays – Sarah & Danny – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 7th August Gozo Ceramics Festival – 5:30pm – Xlendi A night full of ceramics, art, music and entertainment. Both local and international ceramic artists will come together to showcase their magnificent talents in sculpting, hand modelling and more!

8th August Marsalforn Mondays – Mae – 9:30pm - Marsalforn 10th August Qala Wednesdays – Cash & Band – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 10th August Regina in Coelum Assumpta – Akkademja Mużikali - 8:00pm - Gozo Cathedral, Victoria A concert of Marian music and music that can be found in the vast archives of the Gozo Cathedral.

12th August Għarb Fridays – The Stents-Gozo – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb

12th August Mġarr Fridays – Upper Lip – 10:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 12th August Semprevivo Concert – 9:00pm - Victory Square, Xagħra A musical concert performed by an orchestra along with bands and singers with the aim of celebrating life together.

13th August Summer in the Square – BrassTubes – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 13th August Xlendi Sunset Festival – 8:30pm – Xlendi A wine festival, where one can enjoy the spectacular Xlendi sunset and a jam-packed line-up featuring the most popular local artists.

13th August Echoes from the Sea – 9:00pm – 10th December Square, Għajnsielem The Travellers and Novel performing live at Għajnsielem where music will reverb deep from the echo of the valley.

13th August - 8th September In-Nadur, Drawwiet, Arti u Kultura – 10:00am - Dar Dun Franġisk Grima, Triq it-Tiġrija, Nadur

An exhibition set in a typical Gozitan town house showcasing the work of local artists and exhibits from private collections.

14th August Nadur Sundays – Roundhouse Kick – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 14th - 15th August The Gozo Traditional, Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition – Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria

Enjoy the colourful atmosphere, the range of local agricultural and craft produce, livestock, plants and local food.

15th August Marsalforn Mondays – Divine Sinners – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 16th August City Tuesdays – Kurt & John Duo – 9:00pm – St George’s Square, Victoria 17th August Qala Wednesdays – Sarah & Band – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala

17th August Assumpta Fest...eku Mużikali - 8:30pm - Assumption Square, Żebbuġ An open-air musical and vocal concert as part of the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. The Santa Marija Band will be performing with the participation of guest singers.

18th August Xagħra Thursdays – Ricky & Co. - 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 18th August GħajnsielemFest - 8:00pm - Lady of Loreto Square, Għajnsielem The annual festival offers a platform for various local talented singers and dancers.

19th August Rock Legends – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 19th August Għarb Fridays - Krejon – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 19th - 21st August Gozo Film Festival – various times – Cittadella, Victoria A three-day long event promoting local and international filmmakers. Feature films, short movies, and documentaries are all part of the programme, which will surely satisfy all cinema lovers.

20th August I Love Xlendi – The JoyGivers – 8:30pm – Xlendi 20th August Dawra Durella Lura fiż-Żmien - 7:00pm - Triq Bernini, Kerċem Keeping past games alive, such as ‘passju’, ‘tria’, ‘tal-karretta’ and ‘tal-ħabel’. Live music from local bands and traditional food will also be available.

20th August Summer in the Square – DCapitals Big Band – 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija 21st August Nadur Sundays – Mae – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 22nd August Marsalforn Mondays – Upper Lip Unplugged – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 23rd August City Tuesdays – Upper Lip Unplugged - 9:00pm – St Francis Square, Victoria 23rd August St Joseph Band in Concert – 9:00pm – Lady of Loreto Square, Għajnsielem A selection of classical and contemporary musical pieces by the St Joseph Band of Għajnsielem under the direction of Mro Frankie Debono.

24th August Qala Wednesdays – StraitAhead – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala

25th August Xagħra Thursdays – Sarah & Band – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 25th August Sweet Music – 8:30pm - Narrow Street, Victoria 26th August Għarb Fridays – Jolene Samhan – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 26th August Mġarr Fridays – The JoyGivers – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 26th - 29th August Fior D’Argenta - 9:00pm – St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija A showcase of folk & traditional activities such as traditional folk music known as ‘l-Għana’, cutting of ‘Torta talBajtar ta’ San Ġwann’ and the traditional bonfire known as ‘Il-Ħuġġieġa ta’ San Ġwann’.

27th August I Love Xlendi – The Lost Tourists – 8:30pm – Xlendi 27th August A Muse – Cittadella Ditch, Victoria Dance show by Angelo Bonello celebrating the beauty of life itself whilst exploring the essence of the human condition

28th August Nadur Sundays – Divine Sinners – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 28th August VIII Settembre (Otto Settembre) - 9:00pm – in front of Kola Windmill, Triq ilMitħna, Xagħra

A musical on the origin of the feast of the Nativity of our Lady, and what this day holds for the Maltese people as it recalls the end of two historical sieges made on the Maltese archipelago.

29th August Cantata – Visitation Square, Għarb A vocal composition structured in an atmosphere of outdoor singing and acting, with a dialogue between singers and actors.

29th August Marsalforn Mondays – Stranded – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 30th August City Tuesdays – Ricky & Co. Duo – 9:00pm – Independence Square, Victoria 31st August Qala Wednesdays – MICHELA – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 31st August Victory Band Musical Programme – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra The Victory Band’s annual music programme in aid of Feast Week. The Band will play a mixture of modern music, pop music and opera music.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2nd September Għarb Fridays - Relikc – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 2nd September Mġarr Fridays – Mel Xkejfa & Danny Magro – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 2nd September House of Blues Concert – 9:00pm - St Joseph Square, Qala 3rd - 4th September Delicata Classic Wine Festival – Various Times – Ġnien il-Kunsill, Nadur Two nights of live entertainment accompanied by wine tasting for those who purchase a glass.

5th September Marsalforn Mondays – Ricky & Co. - 9:30pm – Marsalforn 6th September City Tuesdays – Jolene Samhan – 9:00pm – Independence Square, Victoria 7th September Qala Wednesdays – The Stents-Gozo – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 9th September Għarb Fridays - Divine Sinners – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 9th September Mġarr Fridays – StraitAhead – 9:30pm – Manoel De Vilhena street, Mġarr 9th - 10th September Gozo End of Summer Music Fest – Gozo Heliport, Xewkija A Festival of music extended over the weekend featuring top performers in the music industry

10th September I Love Xlendi – Roundhouse Kick – 8:30pm – Xlendi 11th September Nadur Sundays – Upper Lip – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 12th September Marsalforn Mondays – Rebecca & The Passengers – 9:30pm – Marsalforn 12th September Stage and Proms On The Sea – 6th Edition - Mġarr Marina, Mġarr The concert will feature local pop singers interpreting various roles while special light effects will complement the evening.

13th September City Tuesdays – Mae – 9:00pm – St Francis Square, Victoria

14th September Qala Wednesdays – DCapitals Big Band – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 15th September Xagħra Thursdays – Rubberband – 9:30pm – Victory Square, Xagħra 16th September Għarb Fridays - Mae – 8:00pm – Visitation Square, Għarb 16th September Mġarr Fridays – Roundhouse Kick – 9:30pm – Manuel De Vilhena Street, Mġarr 16th September Fontana Wine Festival – 8:00pm - Fontana A unique festival featuring a vast selection of Gozitan wines cultivated locally by Gozitan farmers and produced by local wine makers.

16th - 18th September Qala International Folk Festival – 7:30pm - St Joseph Square, Qala A spectacle of dance, singing, music and folkloristic costumes by local and foreign folk groups. An International Folk Conference will also be taking place.

17th September Wine, Olive Oil & Honey – 6:30pm - Għasri Square, Għasri An evening full of live entertainment, featuring DCapitals Big Band, children’s area, olive oil and honey-based delicacies, and a pig roast.

17th September I Love Xlendi – Xlendi Folk Group - 8:30pm – Xlendi 18th September Nadur Sundays – Krejon – 8:00pm – St Peter & St Paul Square, Nadur 18th September Gozo Herbs Festival - Għarb A festival aiming to connect new and experienced herb lovers for knowledge-sharing, and to celebrate and share their experiences with plant beauty, plant medicines, and plant cooking.

19th September Marsalforn Mondays – Mel Xkejfa & Danny Magro – 9:30pm - Marsalforn 20th September City Tuesdays – Gabriella & Mario – 9:00pm – St George’s Square, Victoria 21st September Qala Wednesdays – The Tramps – 9:00pm – St Joseph Square, Qala 22nd September Xagħra Thursdays - The Joy Givers - 9:30pm - Victory Square, Xagħra 23rd September Memorji Vuċijiet Għawdxin - 8:00pm - St Francis Square, Victoria.

A tribute to Gozo’s artists and a nostalgic journey into the island’s musical past, featuring well-known songs from the last six decades.

23rd - 25th September Origami & Papier Mâché Festival - Għarb An international festival created for the very first time in Malta, based on the art of Origami.

24th September Maltinata | Serata ta’ kanzunetti Maltin - 8:00pm - Cittadella Ditch, Victoria A Music concert featuring Maltese popular songs.

29th September Sweet Music – 8:30pm – Narrow Street, Victoria Visit our website www.visitgozo.com or follow us on our Facebook page Cultural Heritage Directorate, Ministry for Gozo, for more information and updates on each event.