Girgenti Palace, where the Prime Minister occasionally entertains foreign dignitaries and holds sensitive meetings, yesterday hosted children for a fun day of games and activities for World Children’s Day.

The peace and silence of the Prime Minister’s summer residence in the limits of Siġġiewi were broken by the children’s happy screams and laughter. Some of them tried their hand at making balloon shapes and animals, others took on the challenge of putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle as their little peers played with balls and puppets.

But the Children’s Festival, organised by the office of the Children’s Commissioner, was not all about fun and games.

There was a strong though subtle educational element as children were taught about healthy food and the importance of sports. They also learnt about their rights, including to play and be cared for.

Parents could sit around the garden and chat or pay a visit to the palace itself.

Many families arrived early to make the most of the day, especially given that rain was forecast.

But luck was on their side and the first drops of rain started falling at about 3pm, which cut their adventure short by just one hour.