Hundreds of fireworks enthusiasts tonight will gather on the outskirts of Żurrieq to witness the firing of the largest ever petard manufactured in Malta.

The ‘shell of shells’ as it is known will be let off from a barge some three kilometres off the coast of Wied iż-Żurrieq at around 10pm. The event is part of the Valletta 2018 cultural events.

Manufactured by the St Catherine’s Fireworks Factory, of Żurrieq, the giant petard was originally scheduled to be fired at Grand Harbour as part of the Valletta Pageant of the Seas last June.

However, it was postponed in the wake of safety concerns.

Measuring 132 centimetres in diameter, the shell weighs about 500 kilos and is composed of 500 smaller shells each about 10 centimetres in diameter.

Despite assurances by the organisers that the site chosen to fire the shell had been chosen on the strength of studies and in line with best environmental practices, BirdLife Malta criticised the decision.

In a statement, the NGO said the blast would negatively impact Natura 2000 sites, particularly seabirds inhabiting Filfla – Scopoli’s Shearwater and the Mediterranean storm petrel. In view of this it called on the Environment Ministry to publish the environmental impact studies carried out.

In its reaction, the ministry noted it had received assurances by the Environment Resources Authority that the event was in line with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations.

The ministry noted that from an impact assessment it transpired that there would be no significant effect on the natural environment of the area, in particular fauna.

The assessment outlines that the predicted sphere of influence would be of 500 metres from the point of lift-off, which was located 3.6km from Filfla. 

Nonetheless, an environmental monitoring report has been requested to be compiled after the event to ensure the applicant follows the conditions enlisted in the nature permit, the ministry said.