80s And 90s Music Festival Comes To Kirkop Tomorrow!

Jul 27 2023

The 80s and 90s Music Festival, a highly anticipated musical extravaganza, will take place in Ħal Kirkop on Friday, July 28, 2023. Organized by K Music Events for the seventh time, in collaboration with the Banda San Leonardu (VO/0266), the festival aims to bring together music enthusiasts from all walks of life in support of the Inspire Foundation, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.

Featuring a diverse range of artists and bands, including Modern Talking Reloaded, one of the biggest Modern Talking tribute bands from around the world, the 80s and 90s Music Festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees while raising funds and awareness for the Inspire Foundation. With an emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, the festival aims to create an environment where everyone can come together and enjoy the magic of live music.

The Inspire Foundation has been transforming lives since its establishment in 2009. Through a wide range of programs and services, the organisation works tirelessly to empower individuals with disabilities and provide them with opportunities for independence, education, and social integration, enabling them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Attendees of the 80s and 90s Music Festival can look forward to an electrifying atmosphere filled with captivating performances by Alex Reflex Grech, Sue Mifsud, and Renato Vella. From all-time favourite tracks to emerging artists, the festival offers something for everyone, encompassing a variety of musical genres. Attendees will have the chance to relish in their favourite melodies, discover new artists, and create lasting memories while making a positive impact.

In addition to the musical showcases, the 80s and 90s Music Festival will feature a range of activities for attendees to enjoy. From interactive stands to delightful culinary experiences, there will be something for everyone to savour during the festival. The festival also proudly supports local vendors, showcasing the vibrant culture of Ħal Kirkop.

While admission to the 80s and 90s Music Festival is free, donations to the Inspire Foundation will be gratefully accepted. For more information, interested individuals can visit the Facebook Event page.

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Aliens? Whistle Blower Claims US UFO Programme Under Oath

Jul 27 2023

In a remarkable congressional hearing on July 26, 2023, a former American intelligence official, David Grusch, revealed that the US government had conducted a “multi-decade” program to collect and reverse-engineer crashed UFOs.

Grusch, who led analysis of unexplained anomalous phenomena within a US Department of Defense agency until 2023, disclosed that “non-human” beings had been found, marking a high-profile discussion on the issue of alien life.

The hearing was triggered by Grusch’s claims in June, suggesting that the government was secretly concealing alien spacecraft. He reiterated some of these claims under oath during the hearing and filed a whistleblower complaint in 2022, stating he was denied access to classified government UFO programs.

During the hearing, Grusch stated that he faced severe retaliation for his allegations, both professionally and personally.

He also confirmed having knowledge of individuals being harmed or injured in government efforts to withhold UFO information.

Apart from Grusch’s testimony, three retired military veterans testified at the hearing, warning that UFO sightings pose a national security problem, and the government’s secrecy has hindered understanding of the issue.

Lawmakers emphasized the importance of transparency and encouraging reporting on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Despite the lack of government officials testifying at the hearing, the topic of UFOs continues to garner significant interest, with ongoing calls for more investigations and disclosure.

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Bolt To Suspend People From Scooter Use For Reckless Driving

Jul 27 2023

Bolt Malta are set to introduce suspensions from scooter use for unsafe and reckless driving of the vehicles.

Forming part of the Scooter Safety Pledge, Bolt will be introducing the Reckless Rider Score, the ‘industry’s first comprehensive system of evaluating riders’ behaviour with the aim of tackling unsafe scooter riding habits.’

‘It is part of the Scooter Safety Pledge, a document that provides transparent information on Bolt’s safety initiatives, committing to guidelines that will further strengthen scooter safety standards across the industry.’

In a statement, Bolt expressed that it ‘takes the safety of its users very seriously, even if they don’t see the danger themselves. Therefore, the multimodal mobility platform took a strong step in upgrading its customers’ safe riding experience by launching its in-house developed rider scoring system.’

The system evaluates a rider’s behaviour based on a wide set of inputs collected from Bolt’s scooter features and sensors. This includes abrupt breaking, skidding, collisions and illegal parking.

The user’s riding behaviour is evaluated after every 5 rides, with the feature tested in Belgium, Germany and Portugal and now going live in Malta.

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Ongoing Restoration Works At Villa Frere And Its Gardens

Jul 27 2023

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici visited the ongoing restoration works at Villa Frere and its gardens. During the visit, the Minister was shown around by Heritage Malta’s management and members of the NGO Friends of Villa Frere.

During the past months, restoration works have focused on the Gardeners’ Cottage and Villa Hay, the latter being one of the buildings in the gardens which was used as a retreat for John Hookham Frere’s wife. The restoration and rebuilding of a boundary wall with a neighbouring property are also underway.

Minister Bonnici thanked Heritage Malta and Friends of Villa Frere for the work that is being carried out, whereby they are continuing to strengthen our country’s cultural heritage and its history.

“This restoration project is leading to a new meaning for accessibility to our heritage, as well as a new meaning to heritage itself, which should not just be admired but lived and experienced because it is what forms us as a nation,” concluded Dr Bonnici.

Built in the early 19th century in Tal-Pietà, Villa Frere became the residence of British diplomat, poet, scholar and philanthropist John Hookham Frere. After his wife’s demise in 1831, he built extensive terraced gardens at the rear of the property, from where he enjoyed wide open views spanning from Mdina to Valletta. He could also look out at the Msida Bastion Cemetery, where his wife reposed.

Among the distinguished people who visited the gardens were Queen Mary of England in 1912 and Queen Marie of Romania in 1924. The beauty and charm of this place led to the publication in 1930 of a long article, accompanied by beautiful photographs of Villa Frere and its gardens, in the prestigious British publication Country Life.

Nowadays, Heritage Malta is the official owner of Villa Frere and following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2019, the Agency handed over the administration to Friends of Villa Frere whilst directly helping to protect the place. In addition, a Grade 1 scheduling for Villa Frere and its gardens was also carried out by the Planning Authority in 2020. These, together with the opening of the gardens to the public from time to time, have helped to raise awareness of the historical and cultural importance of Villa Frere.

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