Stunning colour images show life in Malta in the 1950s

These stunning Bay Retro colour photos provide a fascinating glimpse of Malta and Gozo in the 1950s – long before the holiday apartment building boom.

The images feature all manner of goings-on, from the familiar scenes of Castille in Valletta to the more unexpected sight of fields where blocks of flats now stand in Xemxija.

The jubilant Carnival celebrations in Valletta, an amazing view of Mellieha Parish Church and a day at the horse races at Marsa also feature.

In one of the most striking photos, you can see the tiny Gozo ferry Imperial Eagle arriving at Mgarr Harbour.

Former RAF photographer Adrian Allain captured the stunning shots while he was stationed in Malta with the Royal Air Force.

The pictures span a period of two years, from 1956 to 1957.

Auberge de Castille in Valletta

Barclays Bank, Sliema High Street

Seaside flats at Xemxija Bay

Mgarr Harbour in Gozo

Carnival floats pass the ruins of the Royal Opera House

Mellieha Parish Church bathed in sunshine

A day at the races at Marsa Race Course

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