Pictured above:Elisa Muscat, aged 8, presenting a bouquet of flowers to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca 

Bay Street Tourist Complex celebrated its 14^th anniversary on Sunday, 23 November, 2014, with a whole day packed solid with entertainment that people have come to expect from  Malta’s leading shopping, dining and entertainment destination in St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. The Footfall Counting System calculated that over 14,000 people visited the Complex on the day.

Guest of honour for B-Day was the President of Malta, Mrs Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who walked among the many well-wishers, stopping to chat and be photographed with the people present. All proceeds from the donations made for use of the Real Ice-Rink at Bay Street, which this year was sponsored by Original Marines on level 2 and Costa Coffee on level 1, went to the Malta Community Chest Fund with over 550 children alone skating on the day. Collections made by the Dingli Scouts and a donation by the Directors of Bay Street Holdings Ltd also went to the noble cause under the patronage of the Presidency.

The day started with Mass, celebrated by Fr Joseph Farrugia from the neighbouring St Rita Priory, who thanked God for Bay Street’s phenomenal success in these 14 years, that albeit being a place for shopping, dining and entertainment, was also a platform for talented artists to entertain the many visitors and families that thronged Bay Street. Indeed, the Complex is a venue that unites and inspires.

The Directors thanked Her Excellency for taking time to be present on this memorable day with the talented young artist, the eight-year old, Eliza Muscat, presenting a bouquet of flowers to the President of Malta as sign of gratitude and respect.

In addition, no fewer than four new celebratory palm print tiles were added to the Bay Street Walk of Fame. These were done for Matthew Zammit, waterpolo player of the year; DJ Gianni; Claudia Faniello; and the cast of the TV series Ċaqqufa, who were present to meet and greet their many fans.

Among the well-known Maltese singers who performed in this year’s anniversary celebrations were Gaia Cauchi, Federica Falzon, Kurt Calleja, Claudia Faniello, DJ Gianni, Malcolm Pisani, J Anvil and Klinsmann.

A spokesman for the Complex said: “Bay Street will remain true to its ethos of providing all possible opportunities to foster young talent and allow them to grow. Today’s B-Day celebrations not only prove this fact but also emphasises the huge popularity that Bay Street enjoys with its diverse public.”

Josefa Grima, the hotel’s General Manager who also heads the Corporate Social Responsibilities Committee for the Bay Street Group, said: “My committee is adamant on ensuring that Bay Street will remain proactive in its charitable mission that shall seek to bring a smile to those who need assistance.”