Stories cast a magical spell on Verdala Palace

A visitor gets a hug from one of the Three Little Pigs – who appear to have made friends with the Big Bad Wolf in the background.

Children and adults alike looked on in awe as Professor Snape waved his wand and a table was magically lifted into the air, as the main hall of Verdala Palace was converted into Hogwarts’ Great Hall from the Harry Potter series.

Meanwhile, Rapunzel’s prince was climbing up the walls of the castle to reach his beloved in the tower. In another room within the palace, children were absorbed watching another prince plant a kiss on his princess and awaking her from a 100-year-old slumber.

Verdala Palace was transformed into a children’s wonderland over the weekend in an activity to raise funds for the Community Chest Fund.

The event, called Mela Darba Fil-Kastell (once upon a time in a castle) had such a large turnout that at one point the gates had to be shut as the palace could no longer accommodate more people.

Long queues formed as families waited with children of all ages to delve into a world of magic and adventure.

At one point the gates had to be shut, as the palace could accommodate no more people

Each room was decorated and themed according to much-loved characters, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks, Robin Hood, Hercules and various super heroes.

Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit hosted a tea party and a parade by Big Friends Guggen Musik opened each day of activities, together with many animated characters in costume.

Children listened to stories and learned how to make pizza, took part in dancing and watched a judo demonstration. For the very young ones there were baby sensory sessions.

A spokeswoman told Times of Malta: “The large turnout only serves to indicate the lack of and demand for activities catering especially for children.”