The Malta Independent on Sunday
Għaxaq Music Festival celebrates 25 years of musical excellence
The Għaxaq Music Festival is proud to announce its 25th anniversary celebration, a spectacular event spanning five days across two venues. This milestone festival will feature a starstudded line-up, including Grammy Award winner Julian Marley, international superstar Ronan Keating, the World’s Premiere Pink Floyd show Brit Floyd, with special guest Harry Waters, the world-renowned Bootleg
Beatles and Malta’s beloved band Tribali.
Għaxaq Music Festival to groove with reggae on 24 July at Għaxaq Grounds
The Għaxaq Music Festival is set to kick off with a sensational night of reggae on 24 July headlined by 2024 Grammy Award winner, Julian Marley & The Uprising as part of their Colours of Royal tour.
Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, will bring genuine reggae rhythms and vibes to the stage, immersing the audience in the true essence of reggae music. Fans will have the chance to hear live renditions of songs from Julian’s latest award-winning album. This new material showcases his evolving artistry and deep roots in reggae. Alongside his new tracks, Julian will perform timeless classics from his father’s repertoire. Songs like One love, Redemption song and No woman, no cry are sure to resonate deeply with the crowd, bringing a sense of nostalgia and connection to Bob Marley’s enduring legacy.
Known for his vibrant and energetic stage presence, Julian will deliver a dynamic performance that engages and captivates the audience, making for an unforgettable night. Julian is known for his interaction with the audience, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Fans can expect singalongs, call-and-response moments and a palpable sense of community throughout the performance. The festival will also showcase a special supporting act by Fakawi, one of Malta’s most cherished bands. Fakawi’s dynamic performances and beloved singalong tracks are guaranteed to delight the crowd and infuse the evening with local flair.
The night will kick off with an energetic warm-up set by DJ Mykill, setting the perfect tone for a night of musical excitement. To conclude the festivities, Malta’s star JJOY will host a vibrant closing party, ensuring the festival ends on a high note.
An unforgettable night of sing-along songs on 27 July
Headlining the second day of the festival will be pop icon Ronan Keating. Renowned for his exceptional career both as lead singer of Boyzone and as a solo artist, Keating has performed in front of thousands of fans around the globe. His captivating performances have graced iconic venues and festivals worldwide, from London’s O2 Arena to Australia’s Sydney Opera House, leaving an indelible mark on audiences with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
Fans in Malta can look forward to a memorable setlist featuring classics like If tomorrow never comes, Life is a rollercoaster and When you say nothing at all. Keating’s engaging and energetic performances ensure that every concert is a unique and exhilarating experience, making this a highlight of the summer.
Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature a special supporting act by Shaun Farrugia, one of Malta’s shining stars. His talent as a solo artist has secured him features with Martin Garrix on singles Starlight and If we’ll ever be remembered, as well as being an in-demand writer for the likes of Mimi Webb, The Script and Sigala. Following on from a successful 2023, which saw the release of his debut EP Heaven like mine, endorsement from Future Pop Radio 1, and opening for Robbie Williams in Malta, Shaun is gearing up for an incredible night to this much-anticipated concert.
An electrifying warm-up set by Pierre Cordina will create the ideal atmosphere for the rest of the night. To wrap up the event on an exhilarating note, Malta’s favourite DJ Sue will lead a dynamic closing party, guaranteeing a spectacular finish at Għaxaq Grounds
Once-in-a-lifetime experience on 31 July at Għaxaq Grounds
World’s Premier Pink Floyd tribute band, Brit Floyd, along with special guest Harry Waters, on 31 July.
For the first time in Malta, Brit Floyd are celebrating 30 years of P·U·L·S·E, their biggest and most spectacular production to date. A celebration and faithful recreation of Pink Floyd’s legendary final Division Bell tour, complete with a stunning laser and light show, iconic circular screen, inflatables and theatrics. The threehour show features classic tracks from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums, including the Dark side of the moon, The wall, Wish you were here, Animals, The division bell, Meddle and much more.
Taking to the stage to perform note for note renditions of all these classic Pink Floyd tracks is the band of musicians that audiences have become to love and respect worldwide over the years, featuring longtime guitarist/vocalist and musical director Damian Darlington, who has performed well over 2,500 Pink Floyd music-related concerts throughout his career. The band also features Ian Cattell, Edo Scordo, Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, Malta’s very own Chess Galea and all the other expert musicians that have joined the ranks of Brit Floyd over the course of the last decade.
Having performed over 1,000 shows since its launch in Liverpool in January 2011, Brit Floyd have circled the world, sold out tours across Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East, and performed concerts at some of the world’s greatest venues, including London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall; the awe-inspiring Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and The Showplace of the Nation, NYC’s Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
Special Guest Harry Waters, son of Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, will add a distinctive touch to the evening. Known for his own musical prowess and familial connection to the band, Waters brings a personal and authentic element to the tribute, ensuring an experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The event promises not only a musical journey but also a visual feast, with state-of-the-art lighting effects and stunning visuals enhancing the immersive experience. This combination of audio and visual elements will create a truly unforgettable night under the stars in Għaxaq.
Tickets for these extraordinary concerts are selling fast and can be purchased online at www.showshappening.com.
The Għaxaq Music Festival is proud to also announce that a general standing area will be against a donation aimed at supporting the Embrace Diversity Organisation, a voluntary organisation dedicated to children and youths with disabilities. For the last three years, the festival donated over €50,000 to different charitable institutions.
Grand Finale at Għaxaq Square
The Għaxaq Music Festival is set to culminate its 25th anniversary celebration with a spectacular grand finale at Għaxaq Square, a historic and picturesque venue framed by the majestic baroque church of St Mary.
As the festival returns to its roots where it all began 25 years ago, Għaxaq Square will host two unforgettable evenings of music and celebration.
On 7 August at Għaxaq Square, world’s famous Bootleg Beatles, acclaimed as the ultimate Beatles tribute band and endorsed by The Beatles themselves, will headline the first night with their authentic renditions of the Beatles’ timeless classics. Audiences can expect an enchanting journey through the band’s iconic repertoire, from early hits to beloved anthems.
Formed in 1980, the Bootleg Beatles have spent over four decades perfecting their act, faithfully recreating the look, sound and spirit of the Beatles. From their early days at Liverpool’s Cavern Club to their revolutionary studio albums and iconic live performances, the Bootleg Beatles capture every era of the Beatles’ musical journey with astonishing accuracy and authenticity. Fresh from their performance at the world’s famous Glastonbury, the Bootleg Beatles will take audiences on a journey through the band’s groundbreaking albums and timeless hits. Whether you’re a fan of early Beatles classics like
Love me do, She loves you and
Hey Jude or prefer the psychedelic sounds of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and
Strawberry fields forever, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the music, the public can expect a visually stunning spectacle with authentic costumes, instruments and stage settings reminiscent of the Beatles’ era. The Bootleg Beatles’ attention to detail ensures a fully immersive experience that transports audiences back to the swinging 60s.
Our own DJ Steve Agius will warm up the crowd with his dynamic set, setting the perfect tone for an evening of extraordinary music and nostalgia.
8 August – Tribali live in concert
Tribali, known for their vibrant fusion of global sounds and infectious rhythms, will take the stage on the second night. They will debut their highly-anticipated fifth album, Anka, promising an evening of exhilarating performances and musical innovation. The band will also delight fans with classics from their previous albums.
A special return for Tribali
Tribali is thrilled to make a triumphant return to Għaxaq for a major concert! The band has fond memories of their previous visits in 2012 and 2014, where they delivered unforgettable performances to massive, enthusiastic crowds. Those concerts are still talked about for their incredible energy and high attendance. This year, Tribali is more excited than ever to reconnect with their fans and create another magical experience on Thursday, 8 August at Għaxaq Square. Tribali will undoubtedly offer a different spectacle with a unique setup that enhances the overall experience.
Carlo Gerada will kick off the night with his engaging DJ set, creating an exciting atmosphere for the grand finale.
Adding to the magic, the traditionally ethnic market will be set up during Tribali’s concert, offering a vibrant array of local crafts, food and cultural delights. Entrance for both events on the 7 and 8 August are free.
For all the events there will be assigned parking spaces. We encourage the public to visit the Għaxaq Music Festival Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/għaxaqmusicfestival for all the daily updates.
Don’t miss this landmark event with our biggest and most highprofile lineup yet!