Valletta's annual art festival Notte Bianca set for October 3

The 2015 edition of Notte Bianca, an annual event that lights up the cityscape of Valletta with a nocturnal celebration of people, culture, and arts, is set for Oct. 3, a Maltese minister said Monday.

Malta's minister for justice, culture and local government Owen Bonnici made the announcement at a press conference on Monday.

Notte Bianca (White Night) celebration, which drew over 60,000 participants in 2014, enters its 10th edition this year.

The streets and cultural venues in the Maltese capital play host to an assortment of entertainment. State palaces and museums open their doors, and visitors can see visual art exhibitions and theater performances. As well, streets and piazzas showcase some of the finest local and international musicians and dancers.

Bonnici said Notte Bianca was a unique opportunity for emerging artists and for the general public to see Valletta in a new light.

"The goal of the festival used to be to attract people to come to Valletta, but today people don't need any encouragement," he said.

Artistic director of the Notte Bianca, Sean Buhagiar, said