Unlock Access to Premium Weekly Articles Plus All Features with a Pollstar Subscription!
To continue enjoying full access, please explore our subscription options by clicking View Plans
View Plans

Daily Pulse

Live Nation Expands Into Malta By Acquiring 356 Entertainment Group

Stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, Malta
Landscape view of Grand Harbor, the ports around the Maltese capital of Valletta. The island boasts countless scenic event locations, and has been experiencing a real boost from tourists coming specifically for the music. Picture by Emad Aljumah

Live Nation has announced that they are acquiring a stake in 356 Entertainment Group (356 Group), a leading promoter in Maltaโ€™s growing festival and outdoor concert scene and operator of Uno, the countryโ€™s largest club, which hosts over 100 events a year.

The deal marks Live Nationโ€™s expansion into Malta and builds on the successful long-standing partnership between the companies, which has brought high-profile events to Malta including Take Thatโ€™s The Greatest Weekend Malta, and Liam Gallagher and Friends Malta Weekender in 2024.

The deal comes at a time of significant growth for Maltaโ€™s live entertainment sector. In 2023, 356 Groupโ€™s festival season brought 56,000 visitors to the island, generating an economic impact of โ‚ฌ51.8 million ($56.7 million), according to a press release from Live Nation, which goes on to state: โ€œLive Nation will look to build on this economic boost by broadening the diversity of acts and bringing more international artists to the market.โ€

John Reid, president, concerts EMEA at Live Nation, commented, โ€œMaltaโ€™s live music scene is experiencing a real boom, and this deal marks an exciting new chapter for Live Nation. By combining 356 Groupโ€™s local expertise with our global network and experience, the potential for the island is clear. With amazing scenery, climate and a burgeoning festival scene, Malta is perfectly positioned to become a must-visit destination for live entertainment.โ€

A comment from 356 Group reads, โ€œThis acquisition is a major step forward for 356 Entertainment and UNO Malta. Partnering with Live Nation is a huge milestone which brings new opportunities for the island, that will energize the local and international music scene.โ€

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE

FREE Daily Pulse Subscribe