Manoel Island to host battle re-enactment

The Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta has chosen Manoel Island for its latest event because it is close to one of the battles fought between the French and the Maltese 205 years ago.

That day there were battles in Floriana and Zabbar after the French broke through a blockade which had pinned them in Floriana for a month.

The French were defeated and forced to return to Floriana where they remained for two years, until the British took over the island.

"It was a moral victory for the Maltese when they realised that after all the French were not invincible," Martin Degiorgio, a member of the organising committee, said.

The re-enactment group is marking the anniversary of the victory with events at Manoel Island tomorrow.

Musical performances, drill sessions and static displays of vehicles and weapons will be on from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Around 160 people will be involved in the re-enactment of the battle at 3.30 p.m., acting out the parts of infantry and cavalrymen from the Maltese, British and French sides. Of the re-enactors, 110 are British, French, Belgian and German.

The highlight will be a cavalry charge by expert riders.

Entrance is Lm1 for adult, and children under 16 enter free.

Further information may be obtained on tel. 9949 9805.