On taking power in 1971, the Labour Government indicated it wanted to re-negotiate the lease agreement with the United Kingdom.

Following protracted and sometimes tense talks, a new agreement was signed whereby the lease was extended till the end of March 1979 at a vastly increased rent.

[citation needed] The main events of the activities commemorating this date take place at the Freedom Day Monument at Birgu (Vittoriosa) (designed by Anton Agius[1]) and at the War Memorial in Floriana.

[2] The regatta often attracts thousands of spectators and participants from the three big cities (Birgu, Bormla and Isla), as well as coastal towns.

[3] The regatta forms part of two annual rowing race events, the second being on Victory Day.