Earth Garden organisers promise 2013 date

The organisers of the annual Earth Garden music festival have vowed to hold their event next year once they secure the financial backing necessary, after a lack of funds hampered the 2012 edition.

With a turnout of over 10,000 visitors, the annual Earth Garden Festival had become a veritable showcase of art, music and ecological awareness.

"The concept of a free festival depends heavily on sponsorship. Throughout the years we have had the privilege of gaining support from numerous sponsors who have helped us turn our dream into reality. Nonetheless, given the current economic scenario gripping Europe and Malta, we found it hard to secure the necessary sponsorship to produce this year's edition," organiser Howard Keith said in a statement.

Despite this setback, work is already underway on new arrangements to ensure that next year's edition of Earth Garden will overcome the current financial hurdles it faces and ensure a successful outcome.

A substantial part of government funding normally reserved for the festival was withdrawn this year, leading to the cancellation of the event.

"Whilst understanding all this financial reality, it's also fact that Earth Gar­den is attracting foreigners year after year to travel specifically to this festival, promoting an ecological awareness and offering a platform for diversity, culture, music and art.

"It is for this reason that we could not understand why such an event which easily qualifies for funds from different government departments, got none this year. It is therefore with great disappointment that we announce that this year's edition has been cancelled."