With big events still banned, some restrictions still in place and less cash liquidity in the Maltese market, Privé Events Management are taking a cautious approach to kickstarting their summer season, according to Director Darryn Portelli.

“While I think we’re pretty safe, we’re not going to be rushing too much,” Mr Portelli said in comments to this website. “Usually we kick our season off in mid-May and, of course, that wasn’t possible this year, but we’re waiting a bit before starting our weekly events at Medasia Playa in mid-June.”

Operating in the sector for 23 years – and one of the first events management companies to open on the island - Privé Events Management usually host a number of parties over the summer season, including their flagship event, the Red Sunset Party at Café del Mar.

However, this year, this large gathering, which usually attracts 2,000 revellers, has been cast into doubt. “We’re still not ruling it out,” Mr Portelli said. “We are changing the concept of the event, with waited service, for instance, but we all know how difficult it is to contain a crowd, particularly if there’s a DJ playing.”

Indeed, their weekly MedAsia Playa gatherings have also changed in format, with a focus more on the lounge concept. “Every Friday from mid-June, we’ll have barriers between each table; red rope to cordon off areas so people don’t stray; and we’re still debating what to do with the music,” Mr Portelli explained. 

To ensure everything goes smoothly, and is line with health and safety recommendations, the events management firm is liaising closely with the authorities, the Director said. “There are limitations on the number of people we can have per square metre, for instance. But, communication with the health authorities has been smooth. We have even organised an event called Safe Sundays at MedAsia and they came down to check everything was in order. We were the first to open, but we made sure everything was in place,” he explained.

Looking ahead, how will the virus continue to affect Privé’s events and the entire sector? “It’s going to have an impact, and things won’t be the same for a while,” Mr Portelli explained. “The numbers are going to be lower, costs have gone up and we have to see what people’s spending power is, since many have had their wages reduced or have lost jobs.”

He viewed the opening of the airport on the 1st July positively, saying that Malta depends heavily on tourism and the longer it takes for that sector to open up, then the longer the financial impact on everyone’s pockets. However, concluding, he thought that other destinations, such as Greece, could have also been included in the initial list.