PBS, the Maltese national broadcaster has confirmed to ESCToday that Malta will participate at the forthcoming 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.

Malta is the 18th country to confirm its participation at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.

The Mediterranean island will select its Eurovision entry and act via a national selection consisiting of a semi-final and grand final scheduled to be held next January. A  total of 20 acts will compete in the selection whilst a total of 14 acts will proceed to the grand final in order to battle for the golden ticket to Stockholm.

Artists and composers wishing to enter the competition can do so by sending in their entries and application to PBS. The Maltese broadcaster will receive the applications on 29 and 30 October. The full rules and regulations for the 2016 Maltese national selection have been published and can be found here.

The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 10, 12 and 14 May at the Globe Arena in Stockholm.

In 2015 Malta selected its Eurovision act and entry for Vienna via a national selection. Amber represented Malta at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with her entry Warrior. Despite an energetic performance she failed to qualify to the grand final in Vienna.

Malta debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 and is yet to win the event. The country achieved its best placing in the competion in 2003 with Ira Losco and in 2005 with Chiara when it placed 2nd.

Stay tuned to ESCToday for the latest news on Malta and the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.