Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, in collaboration with Bank of Valletta, is organising 'Garrison Day' on the 1st May at Fort Rinella. The 'Garrison Day' will be a full day of special activities to celebrate the daily life of the Victorian Garrison.
The event was launched by Mario Farrugia, Chairman and CEO of the FWA and Charles Azzopardi, Head PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta.
"The new extensive exhibition Soldiers of the Queen will be on display for the first time during this Open Day," explained Mario Farrugia. "Occupying the whole of the soldiers' barrack block at Fort Rinella, the exhibition displays the evolution of the British army during the lengthy rule of Queen Victoria, starting as a bedraggled mob and transforming itself into the world's finest fighting machine by the end of the 19th century."
"In addition to the rich collection of period weaponry, dress, documents and memorabilia that is unique in Malta, the Open Day will allow the visitor to delve into the daily life of the Victorian soldier," continued Mr Farrugia. '"Visitors will gain unique insight into the soldiers' training regime, their clothing and armour, as well as to what they wore and ate while preparing to defend the islands from the various potential enemies of the Realm."
During the Open Day at Fort Rinella, visitors will have the opportunity to see the recently restored ammunition magazine and loading chambers along with a revamped Armstrong 100-ton gun and a lot more.
"I cannot but congratulate Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna on the remarkable conservation of Fort Rinella undertaken over a period of 25 years since it was entrusted with the patronage of the site," said Charles Azzopardi. "Bank of Valletta has been a long term partner of the FWA. Year on year, we have witnessed in the first person, the transformation of Fort Rinella from a derelict site to a landmark of our rich heritage as well as a main touristic attraction. "