Rockestra makes you feel younger, President George Abela told this newspaper after the third edition of the event last Saturday.

And it certainly does.

What struck many people who were present at the Ta’ Qali venue was the high level of participation by the thousands who attended. The arms raised, the loud singing and even some sparklers accompanied the different singers from start to finish, and when the two-hour concert ended, all the crowd shouted for more.

It was a great success for the Malta Community Chest Fund. While providing high-level entertainment that exposed what kind of good talent we have – and sometimes do not appreciate – at the same time funds were raised for people in need.

As a suggestion, the organisers might want to consider having more singers who are not given so much exposure in the media and on television to take part in Rockestra. Last Saturday, they surprised many with their performance, presence and voice, and it was a pleasure to watch them and hear them sing.

Perhaps those personalities of whom we have a media overdose – and whose voice can betray them – should make way for others who are not given so many chances.

President George Abela will be remembered as the President who took the Malta Community Chest Fund much closer to the people. For many years, there was just l-iStrina in winter and the August Moon Ball in summer. Under Dr Abela’s tenure, the MCCF has become a household name all throughout the year – with Rockestra just one of the many activities that have been launched to raise awareness of people who are in need.

The next event will be the President’s run in December, and we are sure that there will be great participation there as well.

President Abela mingled with the crowd in the second part of the concert to get the feel of what the people present were experiencing. It was yet another gesture that took the presidency closer to where it should be – among the people.

The event was well-organised, and the idea to have the songs chosen by popular vote was one that worked out well. It helped the people present feel part of the activity, and not simply act as spectators.