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9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 MAY 2026 CULTURE Earth Garden goes ahead as planned despite elections taking place the same weekend EARTH Garden will be going ahead as planned from 29 to the 31 of May in Ta' Qali, not- withstanding another general election clash. Whilst tensions might be high, Earth Garden will be the perfect getaway to let loose. It's after all why Festi- vals exist in the first place. Having already experienced such election clashes before, this isn't the first rodeo for the organizers. They explained, 'Just as previous editions, we've always been an inclusive fes- tival, one where everyone is welcome, one community, re- spectful of one another and our differences. Like previous editions political flags won't be allowed inside the venue to respect everyone's personal be- liefs.' With just weeks to go, prepa- rations for Earth Garden 2026 are in full swing with this year's edition being one of the most ambitious and challenging transformations in the festival's 19-year history. Following a complete relocation within Ta' Qali National Park, organisers went back to the drawing board, reimagining, redesigning, and rebuilding the festival from the ground up. In a time where ris- ing global costs are forcing fes- tivals worldwide to shut down, Earth Garden has taken a bold and unconventional approach by significantly reducing ticket prices intentionally to make it more accessible to the commu- nity, whilst still retaining a jam- packed program with activities, 5 music stages with around 100 artists performing and more. A standout new addition is the debut of the Kazin, a reim- agining of the traditional Mal- tese social club within a festival setting. Expect authentic dé- cor, local flavours, community energy, and a nostalgic atmos- phere rarely seen in modern festival environments. Earth Garden 2026 goes far beyond the music stages. From Malta's top food vendors and artisan market stalls to a significantly expanded wellness programme, the festival continues to evolve into a holistic experience. The Earth Kidz has been also ele- vated, whilst still ensuring a safe space for all to enjoy them- selves, in keeping with previous editions children under 14 en- ter for free. Long known for delivering one of the island's most icon- ic camping experiences, Earth Garden is taking it to another level in 2026 . A first for the festival, Earth Garden is up- grading its facilities with fixed private showers and flushable toilets across the campsite, a true festival luxury and com- fort one would typically find at their own home. Howard Keith, one of the organizers confessed 'I'm ashamed to say I have nev- er camped at Earth Garden, but I won't be able to resist it this year. After all no festival expe- rience is complete without it.' What began as a near-impos- sible task has evolved into what many are already calling the most special setting Earth Gar- den has ever had. 'After many lessons learnt through the years, we have landed in our dream environment and layout. In many ways, it's us going back to our roots whilst re-invent- ing new paths' .The organizers concluded. 'We've fallen in love with this space and we truly believe it's the best location in 19-year history.' Tucked away in an undiscovered, forested part of the park, the new site is 90% naturally all shaded ; a rare and magical environment that has captured the hearts of the organisers who can't wait for their audience to experience it in its natural glory. The jam-packed program can be downloaded from http://earthgarden.com.mt/ programme. All Tickets can be purchased from www. earthgarden.com.mt