These amazing throwback pictures highlight how Malta has changed beyond recognition over the past 50 years.
The incredible photographs take us back to the Swinging Sixties, when Malta gained Independence, Beatlemania was all the rage, and the new City Gate replaced King’s Gate in Valletta.
There was also a huge military presence on the island with the RAF, Royal Navy and British Army all based in Malta during the darkest days of the Cold War.
These gorgeous photos show family life in Malta between 1964 and 1967, long before children became obsessed with playstations, iPhones and computer gaming.
The collection was shared on social media by Les Platt, who grew up in Malta in the 1960s when his father was based here with the British military.
Take a flashback to what Malta was like 50-odd years ago…
1. Malta celebrates Independence on September 21, 1964
2. Mgarr Harbour in Gozo
3. The view from the gardens of Bighi Royal Naval Hospital
4. A religious procession through the streets of Sliema
5. A busy day at Ta’ Xbiex yacht marina
6. Depiro Street in Sliema in 1964
7. The aircraft carrier HMS Eagle in the Grand Harbour
8. A US sailor and US Marine pass by Barclays Bank in Valletta
9. Independence Day celebrations in Queen’s Square
10. The newly-built City Gate in Valletta
11. The ‘Welcome To Gozo’ sign at Mgarr Harbour
12. Mosta Dome surrounded by fields
13. Carnival celebrations in the heart of Valletta
14. The John F Kennedy memorial at Kennedy Grove in Qawra
15. The view across Grand Harbour from HMS St Angelo
16. Ships berthed next to the Customs House in Valletta
17. Marsamxett Harbour
18. A BEA Comet heads for the runway at RAF Luqa
19. On the Gozo ferry at Marfa Quay
20. Which way to Bahrija please?
