On the island of Gozo, sultry summer evenings are simply made for al fresco events. Throughout the season, piazzas, beaches, and streets transform into unique backdrops for concerts, recitals, and a variety of cultural happenings. We browsed through the events happening in June and July and picked our very favourites – while some have cemented their place in Gozo’s cultural calendar, others will be delighting spectators for the first time.
Lejl Imkebbes – Festival of Lights – Sat. 14th June, 19.00
The Gozo Cittadella. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes
As night falls and visitors drift away, the paths and passageways of Gozo’s fortified city – the Citadel – generally fall silent. But on the 14th of June, the habitual hush will be replaced by music, merriment, and the lively buzz of crowds gathering for the Festival of Lights. Illuminated by 25,000 candles, the Citadel will transform into a magical open-air stage for roaming performers and reenactments that will allow you to relive important moments of the island’s history. The entrance to the museums housed within the Citadel will be free for the night.
For updates about the event, click here.
The Phantom of the Opera (Screening) – Thu. 19th June, 20.00
Masquerade and Angel of Music will just hit different at this free screening of The Phantom of the Opera on the island’s narrowest street, which, perhaps unsurprisingly, goes by the name Narrow Street. Narrow Street is part of a maze of streets and alleys that surround Saint George’s Basilica. Another musical – this time Singin’ In The Rain – will be screened here on the 24th of July, starting at 20.00.
Shearwaters & Stars – Tue. 24th June, 19.30
Enjoy an evening that will combine nature, a spot of adventure, and an opportunity to learn. The starting point of the evening will be the rooftop of the Dwejra watch tower, where two engaging talks about astronomy and seabirds that call Gozo home will set the stage for the rest of this night-time adventure. As dusk turns into night, keep an ear pricked for the calls of the Scopoli’s Shearwaters, as they communicate with potential partners at the peak of their breeding season. With Dwejra being a Dark Sky Heritage Area, you will also be able to marvel at the velvety star-studded night sky.
If this sounds like the perfect evening, pack a pair of sturdy walking shoes, cross your fingers for a cloudless night, and waste no time in registering your interest here as places ae limited.
Royal Conservatoire Brass – Sat. 28th June, 20.00
Catch a performance by the Royal Conservatoire Brass under the baton of John Logan on the rooftop of Gozo’s Il-Ħaġar museum – a location that will allow you to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Victoria. This performance is one of a bonanza of musical and artistic performances taking place between June and July as part of the twenty-eighth edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival (VIAF) – the islands’ longest-running festival of its kind.
Discover the full programme here.
Ħondoq by Night – Fri. 4th July, 21.00
Always a highlight in the Gozo summer calendar of events. Photo: Hondoq by Night Facebook page
A must-attend event for the young and the young at heart, this festival has become a highlight of Gozo’s summer calendar. A line-up of local DJs and the islands’ very own pop queen, Ira Losco, are set to keep the crowd dancing until midnight, as Ħondoq Bay transforms into an open-air concert venue for one night only. The evening will be made all the more magical by lanterns dotting the bay and special light effects.
For more information about this event, including transport to the bay and tickets, watch this space or drop an email on hondoqbynight@gmail.com.
Requiem for the Living – Sat. 5th July, 20.30
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Gozitan choir, Schola Cantorum Jubilate, will be joining forces with KorMalta, the islands’ national choir, and Italian orchestra Sacro Monte to perform the five-movement choral work: Requiem for the Living. The exquisite music and exceptional talent of the performers will be further amplified by the beauty of the location itself – the amphitheatre atop Ta’ Għammar Hill. With the sun setting on Gozo’s rolling hills as the first musical notes permeate the air, this concert is set to be a unique and uplifting experience.
While the event is free, optional transport, both uphill and downhill, can be booked here. For more information, you can contact the event organisers on info@scjchoir.com.
Xwejni Music Fest – Sat. 26th July, 20.30
The Xwejni Battery, which was built by the Knights of Saint John, will provide the backdrop for the third edition of the Xwejni Music Fest. The event, which is firmly establishing itself as one of the summer season’s best outdoor festival, is free.
More information is being uploaded here.
Posted in Activity, Cultural activities, Fun, Music, Nightlife, Summer, Things to do
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