The 24 contestants of the Malta Song for Europe Festival will tomorrow start warming up their vocal chords as rehearsals begin for the festival.

The singers of this year's two-day festival, which kicks off on Friday, will also have the chance to get accustomed to the brand new stage under the huge marquee in Ta' Qali.

Maltasong chairman Charlò Bonnici said the contestants were last night briefed on the final details.

After years being held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, it was decided to move the festival to bigger premises. Sign-It Limited were awarded the contract to set up a marquee which can take 4,000 people.

With a span of 40 metres, the marquee is fully climate-controlled so guests should not fear the cold.

Mireille Bonello and Gianni Zammit host the show.

Though the two have never worked together they have already established a good rapport and the chemistry between the two should keep guests entertained.

"I'm very happy with the fact that there is an unconventional script by Jean Pierre Magro. I would not have been able to present the festival if it had retained its usual format," Gianni said.

"I can't remember more than three things at once and when I feel uncomfortable in a situation I tend to be rude," he joked.

Gianni's alter ego, the phantom journalist Ali Bubaker will also make a guest appearance.

Mireille is also looking forward to hosting her first big event and despite initial nerves, she is thrilled that she is hosting the show with the "fun-loving" Gianni.

Mr Bonnici said Friday's event would be peppered with local and international entertainment, including the popular Belgian dance act Ian Van Dahl.

Meanwhile, Saturday will be dedicated to a performance by last year's winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, Marie N, and Ira Losco.

Mr Bonnici also announced that Israel's contestant for this year's Eurovision, Lior Narkis, will be coming to Malta to sing his winning song, 'Many words for love', on Saturday.