New historical re-enactments at Fort Rinella tomorrow

Fort Rinella will be packed with activity, including historical re-enactments and live action, during an open day organised by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna at the historic fort in Kalkara tomorrow.

Throughout the day, various activities will be held by volunteer members of FWA, including guided tours of the fort, viewing of audio-visual presentations, historical re-enactments and hands-on sessions. A number of novelties are also being introduced, including the launch of a new 25-minute audio-visual display on the history of the fort and its monstrous gun, which will be aired on the hour.

"The production combines an excellent script with novel footage and computer-reconstructed imagery that gives the viewer a unique opportunity to see how the 100-tonne gun was built, worked and fired when it was in use till 1905," FWA chairman and CEO Mario Farrugia said.

As another first, FWA is premiering the cavalry element of its re-enactment team, with a number of horse-mounted troops representing mounted infantry from the late 19th century. These will hold a dedicated display in military horsemanship skills, illustrating how one fought on horseback using a myriad of period weaponry from the sword to the lance.

An interactive military swordsmanship display will also be held, wherein the public will be offered insight into the art and skill of 19th century military sword fighting, FWA said. An expert in the field will provide a short, interactive lecture on the subject, using different examples of swords in use at the time, while a sword-fighting team will show how different weapons were used in fights.

The programme will also include a display in field exercises, showing how the infantry fought in the field in the late 19th century; how a large body of men would manoeuvre under battlefield conditions and how an attack would evolve from frontal attack to skirmishing.

A display in military signalling will show how the military communicated at great distances using different methods and equipment, and the firing of an original cannon from the time.

Entrance costs €12 (Lm5) for adults, while children under 16 and FWA members will go in for free. Funds generated from the event will go towards the ongoing restoration and upkeep of Fort Rinella. The event is being held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.