The city of Senglea came to life during the Maritime Festival held over the weekend, which gave visitors a taste of life within the walls of the city from the time of the Knights to the present day. The whole event went like clockwork, a credit to the organisers who left nothing to chance; a very professional approach indeed.

There was a lot to do and see. The main exhibitions were held at the Macina, a jewel of a building whose potential has now been recognised. Inside were depictions of the glorious past of our beloved city. Saturday evening included a reconstruction of when, during the procession of the beloved Bambina, the Italian Navy surrendered to the parish priest. The miniature statue left St Philips church as it did that day during World War II and was carried through candle-lit streets to the seafront where events were being re-enacted. It must have brought some memories to the senior residents who lived through those dark days, seeing sailors, barmaids and locals mixing in the area which for many years was known as the Barbary Coast.

Sunday was somewhat more sedate and mainly it was devoted to the Knights of St John although once again there were many activities for the many visitors.

How amazing our little island has so much to offer in the way of entertainment, most of which, as in this case, is free of charge. I must commend the great gesture of the organising committee to allow the Malta Hospice Movement to have a collection during the two days.

To those from around Malta who did not attend I say shame, as you would have certainly been bowled over by the whole event.