From left to right, Deborah Grech – Vodafone Malta Limited Brand Manager,
Ray Grech – Chief Marketing Officer Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, Ivan Filletti – Field Marketing Manager Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

It’s that time of year to gather under the clear night skies and allow your cold pint of beer to wash down the dry, intensity of the hot summer weather. The much-awaited Farsons Great Beer Festival is round the corner and will be entertaining patrons from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, August 3 at Ta’ Qali Park.

Doors open at 8pm each night and entrance and parking is free of charge.

Sponsored by Vodafone Malta Limited, Malta Tourism Authority, Gasan Enterprises Limited and HSBC, the open-air festival has become an annual event since its first edition in 1981. Paying tribute to Farsons’ renowned brewing traditions on our islands, the festival is known to attract numerous locals and foreigners each year.

“This festival has become an annual tradition which the public has been looking forward to for the past 28 years. Since the festival’s humble beginnings in 1981 at Argotti Gardens, Farsons has introduced numerous beer brands to its portfolio, and is proud to have produced and served some of the best award-winning brews,” Ray Grech, Chief Marketing Officer at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc said.

A selection of award-winning lagers will be available at the festival, including Cisk Lager and the low-carbohydrate beer Cisk Excel. Other local brands include Farsons Traditional Shandy and Shandy Lager and Lime. Those who prefer ales will enjoy Farsons’ Classic Brews such as Hopleaf and Blue Label. Internationally renowned beers will also be available including Cisk Export, Budweiser, Carlsberg, Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale, Kilkenny, John Smith’s, Beck’s, Corona and Kronenbourg.

During the festival, one will also have the opportunity to taste local brews produced exclusively for export – Farsons Strong Ale, Cisk Red and Cisk Extra Strong.

All these will be accompanied by a great variety of foods in the food court area.

This year’s festival offers over 40 performances on two separate stages with some of the best in live entertainment that will appeal to the entire family. 

“A number of established and upcoming artists will be showcasing their talents on two different stages with different styles which are bound to attract people of all sorts,” said Ivan Filletti, Field Marketing Manager.

This year, a number of popular bands and artists will be performing in on the Main Stage, including Tribali who will surely captivate the audience with their ethnic rhythms. Ira Losco will also be attracting the crowds to the Main Area with her powerful stage presence.

The Main Stage, as in previous years will also feature mainstream artists including the Spiteri Lucas Band, Klinsmann Coleiro, The Residents, Joe Cutajar & Band, Big Band Brothers, as well as Cash Band with their Pink Floyd tribute. Morena, this year’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest, will treat the public to her powerful high notes and energetic numbers. Also entertaining the audience on the Main Stage will be Ray Calleja with his alter-ego Jozette.

The Rock Stage in the World Beers Area will feature various rock genres from classic rock artists such as Fire and Frenzy Mono, to alternative pieces from bands including Scream Daisy and upcoming band No Snow No Alps. Other bands performing on the Rock Stage include Bitterside, Rug, The Rifffs, Chasing Pandora, Sixth Simfoni and Eve Ransom.

“A major attraction this year will be the daily stunt shows to be performed by four stunt bikers, members of the Irish Trialstar trial bike and bicycle team. The Trialstar team has considerable experience in putting on displays of this kind and we are sure that they will wow the audience at the festival. Half hour shows will be held daily at 9.30pm at the Greek Theatre,” concluded Mr Filletti.

The kids’ area, once again hosted by Curtain Raiser, will ensure that children will enjoy the evenings with fairytale performances, hands-on workshops, arts and crafts and storytelling. A large number of activities have been prepared guaranteeing an enjoyable yet educational experience for young children. A games area will also be set up for the older children.

This year also marks the 80th birthday of Malta’s iconic beer Cisk Lager and the last night of the festival will be dedicated to this celebration. The evening will feature top performances by the inimitable Fakawi on the Rock Stage and Sigmund’s Band on the Main Stage. The public will be encouraged to participate in various competitions where fantastic prizes will be won. Special offers with Cisk branded merchandise will also be available throughout the night.

“Vodafone is happy to be part of the Farsons Great Beer Festival yet again. This annual event is much awaited by the general public and we look forward to being there with our latest offerings. It will also be a great opportunity to experience the best local entertainment and music,” said Deborah Grech, Vodafone Malta Limited Brand Manager.

Those who collect the official festival mug year after year will be able to purchase this year’s addition from the souvenir stall or any of the other bars. Those wishing to obtain a memento of their favourite brand will also be able to buy the item of their choice at the souvenir stall.

Other sponsors of the festival include Alert Communications, Wilkinson, Walkers, Algida, Fotoclassic, Mailbox, Tuc, Energizer and St John’s Rescue Corps. The Rock Stage is hosted by XFM.

For a full programme of the entertainment line-up please visit www.farsons.com/beerfestival.