Earth Garden, Malta’s biggest non-mainstream festival turns 10 this year, and the three-day event, starting today, will transform Ta’ Qali National Park into a sea of colour, music and tents, with a 22-metre wide Roots stage - this is more than twice the size of last year’s offering.

Over 20,000 people are expected to attend.

Organisers say they have sought to strike a balance between local talent and international artists, with homegrown favourites Brikkuni, Tribali and Etnika lining up alongside Neville Staple, Nicky Bomba & Malta Ska Orchestra, and Tape Five.

Festivalgoers keen to have a boogie will be spoilt for choice: Neville Staple brings with him a 35-year career in ska, while Tape Five are credited with reviving swing and electro-swing, marrying the genres with hints of bossa nova, nu jazz and tango. Nicky Bomba – a familiar face for Earth Garden fans – will be back, but this time he’ll be bringing his 12-piece Ska Orchestra with him.

Those looking for a more relaxed time will be able to chill out at the festival’s Jamming Area, buy handcrafts at the Ethnic Market, get creative in Art Square, entertain their children at the kid’s area or find spiritual sustenance at the various workshops and healing area events.

Last year’s Earth Garden saved almost 4,000kg of waste and organisers say they want this year’s event to go beyond that target.

Tickets costing €15 for a three-day pass may be obtained online from www.ticketline.com.mt and from the following outlets: Café Jubilee and Mojos, in Victoria, Café Jubilee, Gżira and Valletta, Paper Clips, Msida, Saqqajja Kiosk, Rabat, Pitstop, Xemxija, Zion, Marsascala, Why Not? and Juuls Bar, St Julian’s. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult enter for free.

For more information call 7994 8529 or visit www.earthgarden.com.mt.