On the first weekend of June, Earth Garden Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a programme of art, music that steers away from the mainstream and culture, all with a green conscience.
The first festival of its nature in Malta, Earth Garden has seen consistent audience growth which Reuben Spiteri, one of the founder members of the festival attributes to the mix of sun, fun and music.
“In our fourth edition we lost the founder of the festival, Desmond Vella. It was hard on all of us, but it would have been a dishonour to our friend not to organise the festival he loved so much. And so we’ve made it a point to make sure the festival continues growing. I like to think of Earth Garden as a festival of colours, not only because of the décor but also because of the colourful people who attend, and who make the festival unique.”
This 10th anniversary celebration presents one festival, with one main stage, the Roots Stage, which will host all the concerts and major acts. The Roots Stage will be transformed into a 22 metre-wide stage and incorporates the concerts that used to happen at the Greek Theatre.
“Every edition, it gets more challenging to deliver on our promise of Earth Garden being an experience, not just an event. This year we are really focusing on the line-up, which is not only literally bigger but also hosts a wide diversity of styles such as folk, reggae, ska and world music,” said Howard Keith, another member of the organising team.
This year’s line-up includes local stalwarts Brikkuni, Tribali and Etnika, with Neville Staple, Nicky Bomba and Malta Ska Orchestra and Tape Five joining the international line-up.
Neville Staple, in particular, will go down well with those who follow the ska scene, his 35-year career making him an institution on the scene. As for electro-swingers, Tape Five are credited with the revival of swing and electro-swing, their music also bringing a hint of bossanova, Latin, nujazz, hiphop, reggea and tango grooves through vivid retro interpretations.
Nicky Bomba, a familiar face at the festival, will present a different act for this year’s edition of Earth Garden as he will be accompanied by a 12-piece ska orchestra. The performance is a collaboration with Mark Kram, who will also pen all the musical arrangements.
Other areas like the Electronic Sphere, the Camping Area, the Why Not? Jamming Area, the Ethnic Market, the Art Square, the Enchanted Forest, a kids fun area and for the Why Not? Workshops and Healing Area will also be present, with the ‘green’ aspect of the festival also continuing to develop.
Last year, the festival saved almost 4,000kg of waste resources. The organisers promise to continue to invest and improve while urging the festival-goers to do their part.
Earth Garden Festival takes place on June 3, 4 and 5 at the National Park, Ta’ Qali. Tickets are available online and from selected outlets. For more information call 7994 8529.
www.earthgarden.com.mt;
www.ticketline.com.mt