With summer now very much in the air, we’re all angling to get outdoors to make the most of it. And where better than at one of the many foodie festivals that will be permeating the vibrant summer calendar? Jo Caruana gets stuck in.

Whether it’s the Valletta Waterfront, Hastings Gardens or some picturesque village core, festivals are the order of the day throughout the summer months. And why not?

Bringing together diverse groups of people from all walks of life, they provide the perfect spot for mingling, great conversation and, of course, yummy food – and all in a charming atmosphere.

Because, often, food is very much a focus of these dynamic events. Various stands entice our tastebuds, with aromas that waft into the sky and tempt us to sample the variety of what’s on offer.

Festivals promise the sort of atmosphere where trying bites of this and that can add up to a scrumptious meal that combines all sorts of wonderful cuisines and flavours.

One such event, the Marsovin Wine Festival, pretty much epitomises that great sense of outdoor foodie fun. Over the past three years it has become a festival stalwart, and has built a reputation as a feast of great food, wine and local entertainment in the beautiful setting of Hastings Gardens.

“This year is no different,” explains Anthony Bonnici, marketing executive for Marsovin. “This festival, which will be held between July 8 and 10, has become sought after by locals and foreigners alike. It is a celebration of the good things in life, and Marsovin will be showcasing a selection of 20 different wines within its portfolio, complemented by a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

“We are, of course, wine producers, so our main focus is certainly on that. But a great wine experience is made up of different components, and food plays a major role in that.

“We always give special attention to the food that will be on offer, as we want to guarantee that it pairs well with every single wine being served.

“But it goes beyond that, too. People have become very sensitive about the sort of food they want to eat, mainly due to health concerns. They now know that the best diets are those composed of genuinely healthy food and, in turn, local caterers have responded with tasty, healthy options.”

Food enthusiasts will enjoy the variety on offer, which will include freshly-made pasta by James Caterers, mouth-watering pizza by Merisi and grilled cuts of prime meats by Chukkas Grill.

“I think food-focused festivals have taken off here for a reason,” he continues. “We’re blessed with such great weather locally in the spring and summer, and there has certainly been an increase of festivals organised to reflect that. I think the standard has improved greatly, and it is wonderful how many people support these events.

“Choosing Maltese products – whether it’s wine, food or attending a local festival – makes them a staple of our lives. It also gives credit and financial support to the painstaking efforts local producers take to promote Malta’s produce and Malta in itself.”

The Sunday Times’ pick of other great summer festivals to sink your teeth into

Go back to your roots with a trip to the Siġġiewi Annual Agrarian Show on June 11 and 12, which looks at farm life as it once was. Coffee beans are roasted on an open fire and an impressive range of produce is available, including fresh fruit and vegetables, thyme honey and olive oil.

Traditional goodies will be available at the feast of St Peter and St Paul in Mdina on June 29. It’s a religious holiday, but there will be plenty of delicious local snacks around to tickle the tastebuds.

The Marsovin Wine Festival takes place at Hastings Gardens from July 8-10. Entrance is €10 and includes 20 wine tasters, as well as performances by Tribali, Ira Losco, The Creepers and more. Food will include a variety of tasty Mediterranean specials, including pasta, pizza and grilled meats.

Another stalwart of the local festival calendar, the Farsons Great Beer Festival is about great food, great beer and great entertainment. The focus may be on the beer, but there’s always a great selection of naughty and nice snacks and dishes from around the world.