The 2016 edition of BirguFest kicked off yesterday and continues this morning with activities aimed at schoolchildren.

The public can begin to enjoy the festivities tonight from 6.30pm onwards with medieval re-enactments and an artisan market at Couvre Port and a cultural tour on the Fun Train departing from Misraħ ir-Rebħa (Vittoriosa’s main square) from 7pm till late.

Visitors can also take in two exhibitions at the Auberge de France: Għajn il-Baħar is put up by Bernice Buhagiar and her students and focuses on the typical Maltese boat, il-luzzu. The second exhibition titled Pensieri is by Miray’s Arts and Culture.

The entertainment line-up for the evening in Misraħ ir-Rebħa starts at 7pm with The Battle Through Dance, a revisitation of the 1565 Great Siege by Kinetic Dance Studio. Xarulu’ then take to the stage at 8pm followed by The Travellers at 10.30pm.

Places of interest, including several churches and convents, auberges dating back to the time of the Knights of St John in Malta, and several museums will be open till late. It will also be possible to visit Norman House in North Street, one of the oldest houses in Vittoriosa featuring unique Siculo-Norman features.

Traditional Maltese food and drinks stalls will be set up in the main square in St John’s Tower Street and at Xatt ir-Riżq.

■ A park and ride service will be operating between 6pm and 12.30am from Kordin near the Hibs football ground continuing on to Garden Road, Żabbar to Triq il-Ġublew tal-Fidda, Vittoriosa, next to the bus terminus and back at €1 per person per trip. One can also catch a water taxi from next to the Old Customs House in Valletta (€2 per person) or from Senglea (€1 per person) to Vittoriosa. BirguFest is organised by the Vittoriosa Local Council together with the Malta Tourism Authority with the aim of promoting and generating interest in the historical heritage of Vittoriosa. More detailed information on Saturday’s and Sunday’s events will feature in tomorrow’s What’s On pages.