Spring Fête at Garden of Rest

The Spring Fête organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa at the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest in Floriana will take place on May 4.

This 19th century garden and its neoclassic monuments, with their breathtaking views over Marsamxetto Harbour, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be two guided tours by Din l-Art Ħelwa volunteers at 12 p.m. and at 1.30 p.m.

Admission is free of charge, and refreshments and light snacks will be on offer so families can spend the day there with their children. Plants, cakes, books, bric a brac and other items will be on sale.

The fête is organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa volunteers every year in spring when the garden is looking its best. All funds raised during the day will be dedicated to the maintenance of this historic site by the heritage organisation.

Din l-Art Ħelwa was awarded the Europa Nostra Silver Medal in 2001 for its restoration of the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest and its monuments and for the rehabilitation of the site - which had been abandoned and vandalised for years - into a tranquil and spectacular public garden.

Volunteers are collecting items which can be sold at the fête, so any member of the public who wishes to donate suitable items is invited to call at the Museum of the Garden of Rest which is open to the public between 9.30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

To reach the garden and its museum, one has to turn left off Great Siege Road, Floriana just below the Belt is-Sebħ National Library and take the next fork left near the Hotel Excelsior.