The Gozo Food Festival will return to the Xewkija piazza this evening and tomorrow from 6pm onwards.

People will get to select from around 100 different food options, ranging from traditional Maltese and Gozitan meals to international dishes.

There will also be live music, a wine garden, children’s entertainment and a big screen showing the World Cup quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, there will be an immersive show next to the church to commemorate the 475th anniversary of the 1551 Ottoman Invasion of Gozo in which thousands of people, the majority of the population, were enslaved and taken to North Africa or Constantinople.

The Food Festival is organised by the Gozo Ministry and the Xewkija local council, along with other partners.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the food festival has become one of the highlights of Gozitan summers, showcasing the island’s huge potential as a high-quality destination for visitors and Maltese and Gozitan families.

Xewkija Mayor Simona Refalo said it is an opportunity for the people of Xewkija to enjoy themselves and welcome hundreds of Gozitans, Maltese and tourists to their town.

Malta Public Transport will operate regular routes between Mġarr and Xewkija on both nights.