For the fifth continuous year, Volksbank Malta invited customers, members of the business community and representatives of the authorities to its traditional Austrian spring party, the Heuriger. This year, the event took place in the beautiful gardens of Castello Zammittello, which provided an enchanting background to the event.

"Over the last years, the Heuriger has become a fixed date on the diary of our customers, and every year there are more people attending and enjoying themselves," said Herbert Skok, managing director of Volksbank Malta. "The special atmosphere of this garden party is truly unique, with wooden benches and tables and simple authentic Austrian food; wine and food are imported directly from Austria, with sausages and meat being barbeccued on the spot and salads prepared according to traditional recipes."

Traditional music was also supplied: The Edelweiss Quartet, a popular group of musicians from Tyrol, performed Austrian folklore music once again in the typical outfit of their country, wearing the famous half-length leather trousers.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by vice chairman Werner Wess and managing director Skok dressed in traditional Austrian style, and even some of the guests joined the event in their traditional outfit.

"Volksbank Malta is a local commercial bank with an Austrian background, and when we organised the Heuriger for the first time in 2005, we wanted to show our dedication to the Maltese islands and also the connection to our home country," Mr Skok explained.

"Once again, the Heuriger was a great success for Volksbank, and many of our guests already confirmed their attendance for next year."