Qormi broke a world record last night by unveiling the biggest ever wine glass.

The four-metre-high receptacle, made of perspex, can hold the equivalent of 5,000 bottles of wine . It was unveiled to applause during a Spring fes held by the Kumitat Festi Esterni San Ġorġ Martri.

The glass was then filled with the equivalent of 450 bottles of wine and people  lined up to fill their own glasses from it.

A spokesman said the record was in the dimensions of the glass, rather than the amount of wine poured into it.

The event was monitored by five Maltese judges appointed by Guinness World Records. The previous wine glass record was held by Cyprus with a 3.75m glass.

Although disputable, the name Qormi is said to derive from Curmi, meaning “vine”, and has always been synonymous with winemaking.  Known for their love for wine, people from Qormi have for centuries been teased about their alleged decline in soberness after midday (sa nofsinhar irġiel).

The record came a year after Qormi etched its name in the record books for baking the largest loaf of bread, beating Brazil’s record with a nine-and-a-half foot long, 17-inch high loaf. 

The Spring Fest, which continues today, is being held in Main Street. On show are Maltese trades and traditions. 35 bakers are taking part in a traditional bread and sweet competition.