The official launch of the Gozo Ceramics Festival 4th edition took place today, by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo.

The festival, which is synonymous with Xlendi Bay at this time of the year, is to be held at the St Patricks Hotel. Now part of the cultural calender, this is a unique occasion where ceramic artists, from the fine arts field as well as skilled craftsmen, demonstrate their talents and skills in public.

There will be a presentation of ceramic artefacts by 26 local artists who will be working live, demonstrating different techniques such as throwing, coiling, modelling, slab building and also firing. A hands-on experience for children will be led by experienced pottery teachers.

Apart from the ceramics, visitors to Xlendi will be kept entertained with live music and have the chance to taste the different foods on offer.

Dr Refalo stated that, like past editions, this activity will attract a large number of Gozitans, Maltese and even visitors who are currently on our islands.

He highlighted the fact that this activity will continue to promote and encourage internal tourism and more Maltese will spend their weekend in Gozo. Activities like this, he continued, can be advertised abroad to open a niche for tourism towards Gozo.

For the evening the Xlendi Administrative Committee will be illuminating the bay with the magical fjakkolata, when hundreds of candles will be lit around the bay and on private balconies.

The recently restored underground grain mill and silos will also be open for the public.

Gozo Ceramics Festival is taking place on Saturday, the 6th of August from 7pm onwards. It is being held in collaboration with the Gozo Culture Office and Munxar Local Council, and the participation of the St Patricks Hotel and artistic director of the festival – ceramist Joan Haber.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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