Hundreds of kilos of oranges handpicked from some 600 trees at the San Anton private gardens sold out fast yesterday, after queues formed two hours ahead of the Citrus Festival’s opening time.

The annual event, organised in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, was launched by former President George Abela in 2009.

It has since grown rapidly in popularity, becoming a showcase of Maltese-grown citrus products and delicacies.

Though the festival started at 9.30am, people were already queuing outside San Anton Gardens at 7.30am, keen to lay their hands on the oranges, tangerines, lemons and products made with these juicy fruits.

These included marmalade, cakes, muffins, orange coffee and other specialities prepared with bitter Seville oranges by the kitchen staff of the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, visitors could also admire the baroque surroundings of the President’s official residence, which was open to the public against a small donation.

There were also a number of attractions for children, while a youth band from the St Joseph Band Club of Ħamrun entertained the crowds with a concert at the Russian Chapel.

The event was held in collaboration with the cultural heritage organisation Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and the Environmental Landscape Consortium, which takes responsibility for landscaping public areas and major arterial roads.

The Lija local council organised a separate citrus festival on Sunday, January 11, to raise funds for the restoration of the paintings at the parish church.