An Art and Wine Festival is being held today and tomorrow, the 16th and 17th of August at Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village, Gharb.

Why Arts and Wine? Art refers to a diverse range of human activities, creations, and expressions. Wine is one of those subjects which amalgamates well with other human activities such as music, hand made arts, paintings, sculptures, knitting, glass blowing, blacksmith, pottery, food etc.

The aim of this festival is to give a diversity to live entertainment, an exhibition with a difference. The organization wants to make from this festival a resounding success while creating best mid-summer festival for art and wine lovers that offers enjoyment for the entire family.

The venue is ta' Dbiegi at Gharb, the unique arts village in Gozo,. For the event, the ex military base coming from the second world war, which in its present state already boasts of an alluring setup with its well spaced bungalows , unobstructed views of ta' Dbiegi slope and palm trees will be transformed into a festive party atmosphere for the whole family.

The KidZone will offer family friendly entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. A main stage will provide day long entertainment. With music from the 70's, 80's and 90's there is surely something for every music lover. Sunday morning will be characterised with an acoustical guitar and folk songs and representations;

The Food Courts supplied by D Cottage Kitchen will offer a variety of lip licking typical gozitan food. Marsovin winemakers will offer a variety of wine by the glass at the event. Other beverages will also be on sale.

Parking for the festival can be found at Gharb football ground which is across the road within a short walking distance.

The times of the festival are Saturday evening from 7pm onwards and Sunday 10am until 4pm and again in the evening from 7pm onwards. There will be local bands, singers and entertainment. There will be a special performance by the Sicilian Folk Group "Dezere" from Enna. Saturday's main attractions will include Morena and Pamela & Glen. On Sunday morning there will be folk dancing and coffee and pastizi. In the afternoon there will be 70's and 80's music. The main attraction on Sunday will be Johnny Cash & Band.

Entrance for the festival is free of charge.

The festival is sponsored by: Marsovin, Baron Group, Arkadia, General Soft Drinks, Wurth and the Ministry for Gozo.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, will officially open the festival.