Chill out at Malta's music gigs, but choose your drinks wisely.
With the Isle of MTV, Malta, just around the corner on 11 July, and a lot more events coming up, we’ve some survival tips for those going to be out at music gigs in Malta this summer.
July in particular is jam packed with events. There’s something for everyone, even on a small island, ranging from pure nights of mayhem thanks to Sunglasses at Night by Fabric at Gianpula on the 11 July, Babylon by boat, a Raggae boat party hosted by Juuls on the 19 July, to Laura Pausini Live in concert on the 21 July and the Malta Jazz Festival (16,17,18 July).
So what are the essentials for a perfect night out?
1. Water is absolutely essential! On an island that is hit by over 35°C and very high humidity, keeping hydrated is of utmost importance especially if you are planning to have a little bit to drink.
2. Save cash on drinks:: If you don’t want to spend Eur3 on a drink take your own with you. Please note that some places won’t let you bring in anything of any kind. I am unsure if they have any legal right to do that, but it’s best to be forewarned.
3. Wet wipes are also a very important item to have, because a public toilet used by another 1000 people is not going to stay clean for long. Wet wipes will go some way to putting a barrier between you and some nasty bacteria that tend to breed in the heat and humidity.
4. Footwear: Maybe this is a no brainer but always wear comfortable shoes. Apart from the obvious fatigue reasons, comfy shoes help you negotiate uneven terrains and come to less harm if you get stepped on in the middle of the crowd.
5. Leave Valuables at Home: Malta is billed as a safe country, but things do sometimes go missing. Leave anything you can’t afford to lose at home and if you need to take any valuables keep them safely with you at all times.
6. Dealing with Claustrophobia: Some people don’t know they suffer from claustrophobia until they are in the middle of 5000 people. And in the kind of heat we have now, trying to get out of a crowd isn’t going to be fun. So stay close to your friends – you might need their help – and if you’re feeling unwell, step back. Better to enjoy your favourite band/DJ from the back and stay safe.
7. Leave Drugs Alone: Malta is zero tolerant of illegal drug use. Enough said.
8. Try to respect others around you and the environment.
Photo: Melanie Hart