A field and an adjacent structure (defence post) which are currently under the responsibility of the Lands Authority, were transferred to the St. Peter’s Philharmonic Society, Birżebbuġa AD 1990 under a leasehold title for a period of fifteen years.
The main objective of this project is to provide more facilities connected to the pyrotechnic activity that takes place in the same area in connection with the annual festival. Since pyrotechnic activity is already taking place in this area and has been for several years, thanks to the field that is being rented and which has a size of 350 square meters, there will be improved spaces for pyrotechnics where the aerial fire is burned and therefore the safety for the pyrotechnics themselves will be increased.
The adjacent structure (defence post) will be restored and maintained by the same society and it will be prohibited to keep pyrotechnic material there.
The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, stated that this project is another confirmation of the Government’s confidence in Maltese festivals. “It is a clear commitment of the Government to continue to strengthen and support societies in carrying out their work in favour of Maltese culture and festivals which are now also a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site. The allocation of this new space is concrete proof of this commitment,” concluded Dr Bonnici.
The Chief Executive of the Lands Authority, Robert Vella, explained that this agreement reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to the sustainable use of public land for the benefit of the community. He added that through this project, a more adequate and safe space is being provided for pyrotechnic activities, while at the same time ensuring that existing structures are preserved and maintained as appropriate.
Alex Caruana, President of the San Pietro Banda Birżebbuġa Philharmonic Society AD 1990, said: “Through this transfer, the society is reassured that it now has adequate space from which to light the aerial fireworks. This will be done in a safer manner, as there will be more space, and from this location the fireworks will be visible from the square.”
The transfer was signed by the Chief Executive of the Lands Authority, Robert Vella, Alex Caruana as the President of the San Pietru Banda Birżebbuġa Philharmonic Society AD 1990 and the cashier Walter Pace.
