The 1618 St Mary’s Tower on Comino will be packed with action during Comino Fest – which is taking place on August 19 and 20.

Din l-Art Ħelwa Gozo and Comino volunteers have planned a packed programme for families and visitors alike that will see re-enactments organised for the occasion by the Compagnia San Michele, who demonstrate the life and times of the 17th century in authentic period costume.

A Young People’s Heritage Challenge will test young visitors with a written quiz and volunteers will guide them on a treasure hunt in search of clues. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to successful participants.

The tower will be open to visitors on Friday between 11am and 9pm. Living history in the early 17th century by the Compagnia San Michele will take place between 6and 9pm, while at 7.30pm they will give a demonstration of the arms and armour of the time.

On Saturday, the tower will be open from 10.30am to 8pm. Re-enactments by the Compagnia San Michele will be staged all day between 10.30am and 6pm, with a demonstration on arms and armour at 11am.

Admission is free to these family action-packed days but DLĦ will be grateful for donations to the upkeep of the tower. With its 360 degree view over the Gozo Channel and the breathtaking sight directly over the Blue Lagoon, a trip to the roof is well worth the visit.

Any volunteers who wish to join the team to assist can contact Carolyn Clements on carolync@maltanet.net.

The tower, which will turn 400 in 2018, is a coastal tower built to strengthen the defence of the Gozo-Comino channel by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt and the Gozo and Comino team are looking to build up the volunteer programme in the run-up to this important anniversary. For more information, call 9905 1866.