'Almost hilarious': Earth Garden clashes with election for second time in a row

Earth Garden will once again coincide with a general election, marking the second consecutive time the two events have overlapped despite organisers' efforts to avoid a clash.

The popular music festival will take place at Ta’ Qali National Park from May 29 to 31.

Festival organiser Howard Keith Debono said the dates were moved earlier this year in an attempt to avoid a potential election period, following rumours that a vote could be called in June. However, the effort proved unsuccessful when the election was called for May 30.

Taking to social media, Debono highlighted the recurring overlap, writing: “When moving a week earlier means election date will still follow you 😉 Earth Garden is officially latched onto Malta election date. No need to follow any podcasts to know the date , just check EG dates from here on. ”

The 2024 European Parliament election took place on June 8, in the midst of the Earth Garden Festival. 

It also clashed with the 2017 election, when the festival was held on June 1 to 4. 

Debono told Times of Malta his reaction to the repeated coincidence has evolved over time.

The first time it happened, he thought, “Out of all days, it had to be today?!" The second time, he accepted his fate and this time he has found the humour in it.

“It is honestly on the verge of being hilarious," he said. "Luckily, we are used to it by now.”

While elections can sometimes create tension at large gatherings, Debono said he was not concerned about any political friction among festivalgoers. He noted that most attendees are “open-minded individuals and free spirits, the nature of the event is what it is.”

He stressed that the festival has a long-standing policy against the display of party symbols or flags. 

This year’s edition will mark the 19th instalment of the festival. It will also be the first time the event is held in the newly developed wooded area of Ta’ Qali National Park.