“We are really grateful for this award. Arts and music are a positive force and we see this award as a recognition of that,” the group told Lovin Malta.

“On behalf of the Lockdown Festival team, we wish to thank all the local and international artists who participated, and to the people who donated and tuned in. Also a special shout out to Shawn James who gave us a helping hand,” they added.

The European Parliament broke the news earlier today.

“Elated to announce that Lockdown Festival, organised in Malta when the pandemic upended our lives from March onwards last year, is the national winner of the European Citizen’s Prize 2020. Thank you for channelling the cream of local music straight to our quarantined population. Europe holds your success high!” it wrote.

Vice President to the European Union Roberta Metsola also praised the home-grown initiative.

“In the midst of the pandemic, Lockdown Festival brought together 17 artists to put on a spectacle for an online audience. It showed us what solidarity is and provided an essential means for artists – dancers, poets, actors and musicians – to continue their work. Well done!” She wrote in a Facebook post.

It’s been nearly a year since Lockdown Festival took place. Let it be a reminder of how far we’ve come, and that no matter the circumstances, art has the power to bring people together.

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