Valletta gears up for New Year's Eve concert, with UK artist headlining

New Year’s Eve celebrations are returning to Valletta’s St George’s Square this year, with merrymaking kicking off more than three hours before midnight.

UK artist John Newman, known for global hits like Love Me Again, will headline the night.

Hosts Ron Briffa, Jamie Cardona, and Taryn Mamo Cefai will begin the event at  8.45 pm. Anyone who doesn't want to brave the weather can watch live on TVM and other local TV stations. 

Throughout the night, some of Malta’s best-known singers will perform, including Miriana Conte, Denise, Gaia, Glenn Vella, Karin Duff, Keith Zammit Mintoff, Klinsmann, and Aidan Drakard.

As the clock ticks down to midnight, DJs Denzel, Jo Armani, and Wayne will continue to energise the atmosphere with the best dance tracks of 2025, before Newman takes centre stage just after the New Year’s countdown.

A 30-minute fireworks display in the grand harbour will follow the stroke of midnight. 

The evening will close with a performance by DJ Gabii. The celebrations will conclude by 2 am.

Valletta Ferry Services will operate until 1 am, while bus services will be extended across 16 routes and five night-service routes, operating until 2 am and slightly later. The service is free for anyone with a Tallinja card, and costs €3 per trip without a card.

Malta Public Transport has published the bus route details on its Facebook page.

On Tuesday afternoon, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici visited the stage set-up as sound engineers carried out soundchecks for the artists.

“Events like these are important because they provide the Maltese and Gozitan people with the opportunity to welcome the New Year as one united people,” Bonnici said.

City mayor Olaf McKay and Valletta Cultural Agency chair Jason Micallef accompanied Bonnici.

The National New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Valletta are organised by G7 Events. Alongside the VCA, the Malta Tourism Authority is also funding the event.