Kinnie anniversary celebrations start today

Final preparations are under way at the former opera house for the holding of three days of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Kinnie.

The celebrations, including a `Fashion show through the ages,` a `Bonanza of dance, theatre and music` and a `Music show through the ages,` start today.

Farsons managing director Louis Farrugia said Kinnie - "Malta`s national, non-alcoholic beverage" - accounted for 20 per cent of the beverage market.

The achievement was no mean feat, particularly when considering that Kinnie was competing with leading international brands which had swallowed large chunks of every market worldwide.

In keeping with the local aspect of the event, the series of celebrations are showcasing Maltese talent - the best of the last five decades, said Kinnie`s brand executive Claire Carey.

Tonight`s fashion show is displaying the changing trends from the 1950s down to today, coordinated by Hot Couture`s creative team and culminating in Hot Couture`s summer 2002 collection.

The fashion show, which starts at 8.30 p.m., is being followed by a concert by Etnika - Maltese, ethnic music, using traditional and obsolete Maltese instruments in an integration of old melodies and contemporary music.

Tomorrow`s events under the marquee include performances by the YADA Dance Company, a production by Aleateia theatre group and a concert by the 200-strong Voices choir, starting at 8.30 p.m.

`Music through the ages` on Saturday evening, which starts at 8 p.m., features a medley of local bands and musicians who have been popular since the 1950s. Mirage and The Echoes are uniting specifically for the occasion.

Events aimed at family and children are also being organised throughout the day. Schoolchildren can enjoy the Kinnie Kool Kat puppet show, for which puppets have been specifically designed and which has an educational, anti-bullying theme.

The Kinnie Poster Competition, launched in March, has attracted almost 600 entries in the various categories, the winners and finalists of which are being exhibited in the marquee.

A minimum donation of 25 cents is being requested on entry to the shows and the funds raised are in aid of the children`s homes and Church homes for the elderly.

Kinnie is also marketed in Australia, Canada and Germany on a limited scale and Mr Farrugia was confident of its potential on the export market.