HMS Illustrious Reunion 2025
Malta Events
You will be pleased to note that we have now arranged the events for your visit to Malta and it has taken quite a bit of time and considerable effort to arrange and in return we would really appreciate your support in as many of you as possible in attending the following events:
The first organised event of the week will take place on Wednesday 22nd October 2022
Discovering The World Heritage Listed Capital Valletta - Walking Tour
Enjoy private pick-up from your hotel and a comfortable transfer to Valletta, where a guided walking tour awaits. Led by a professional English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the city’s most captivating landmarks, including the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens and the peaceful Hastings Gardens, while uncovering the stories that shaped Malta’s capital.
Pick Up Time: 1300hrs
Duration: 4 hours
Price: £40 per person
Entrance fees not included.
Price based on a minimum of 15 paying guests
Tour of the National War Museum is optional, at a supplement of EUR 10.00 per person
Also on the evening of the 22nd October 2025, The HMS ILLUSTRIOUS ASSOCIATION will be hosting a Cocktail Reception for the people of this magnificent island nation prevented our Ship from mortal damage while docked in Grand Harbour in 1941 at great cost in Maltese lives and massive damage to their homes and infrastructure, especially around Senglea. During three weeks of near continuous bombardment (known as the Illustrious blitz) a great partnership was forged under extreme duress and constant danger between the Ship's Company of the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and the people of Malta. That link between us has lived on across the 85 intervening years during which our generation brought your adopted ship back to Malta repeatedly as a mark of our deepest respect and enduring friendship. Sadly we no longer have a ship that bears the name ILLUSTRIOUS but we do have us as a group of naval veterans who served in a ship of that name who are here today to say thank you, once again, and to express the respect we have for people of this very special island.
Cocktail Reception
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Mistral Suite: Verdi Marina St Julian’s Number
~ 1900 – 1930 ~
Welcome Drink
Sparkling wine and Mimosa cocktail
Smoked Salmon and Dill Mousse Puffs
~ 1930 ~
Finger Food
Gorgonzola Dolce, Apricot and Walnut Tartlet
Grilled Halloumi, Bell Pepper and Humus Blini
Falafel Served with Mint and Garlic Yogurt (V)
Spicy Salami & Provolone Crostni
Prawn and Chorizo Skewers
Parmesan, Parma Ham and Rucola croissant
Chinese Five-Spice Glazed Pork Belly on Bao
Buns Chicken Skewers Marinated in Thai
Green Curry Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
~ 21h45~
Dessert
Mini Cannoli Siciliana
£45 per person
Dress Code - Lounge Suit/Blazer (Medals if desired) and Tie, Cocktail Dresses
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On Thursday There is a walking tour of
The Three Cites
Discover Birgu, the first home of the Knights in Malta, on a guided walking tour through its historic
streets and medieval quarters. Hear fascinating stories as you stroll past the bay where the Royal
Navy was once based, and explore the rich legacy of this fortified city.
The tour includes pick-up and return transfer from the Radisson Hotel, and is led by a professional
English-speaking guide.
Pick Up Time: 13h00
Duration: 4hours
Price: £40 per person
Entrance fees not included.
Price based on a minimum of 15 paying guests
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Saturday 25th October 2025
The HMS ILLUSTRIOUS GALA DINNER
Mediterranean Grand Buffet Dinner
Salads & Antipasti
A selecon of Mediterranean mouth-watering anpas, meze, salads and plaers.
Seafood & Asian Corner
Selecon of sushi with soy sauce, sriracha mayo, teriyaki, wasabi mayo, sesame oil pickled ginger
Marinated King prawn, Black mussels
Thai Quinoa Salad with fresh Herbs and Vinaigrette
Thai seafood noodle salad
Asian Slaw with Ginger-Peanut Dressing
Soup of the day
Cauliflower cream with rosemary & cheesy croutons
Pasta Corner
Rigatoni with pumpkin cream, crushed walnuts & pecorino Romano
Farfalle alla carbonara with bay prawns & mint
From the Carvery
Slow cooked beef rib, Himalayan salt & onion jus lie
From the Grill
Pan fried Seabass fillets, roasted tomatoes & black olive salsa
Pork collar mignons with apple cider & mustard beurre blanc
Grilled aubergine with basil and red wine vinegar dressing
Roasted seasonal vegetables & rosemary oil drizzle
Baked potatoes with sesame seeds, fresh thyme & cracked pepper
Fragrant rice with peppers, garlic & fresh herbs
Taste of the Mediterranean Corner
Cypriot tzatziki, Tirokaeri, Hummus
Marinated Kalamata olives
Halloumi & cherry tomatoes salad, oregano touch
Village Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers & feta cheese
Fluffy bulgur pilaf with flaked cumin & coriander flavour
Beef & vegetable moussaka bake
Mixed pork, chicken lamb Souvlaki
Mediterranean Dessert
Galaktomboureko – sweetened filo & custard layers
Maltese Corner
Bigilla, Arjoli, Fazola bit- tewm u tursin, Hobz tal - Mal bi zejt, bil – kunserva, naniegh, kappar, zejt u
hall, Zebbug Gbejnet imhalta , marinated artichokes & sundried tomatoes, insaltala tal ghagin bil ton
ta zejt u nanih, Maltese Kapunata
Traditional baked Timpana
Lampuki moqli biz-zalza tal-kappar
Maltese Desserts
Deep fried Imqaret
Ricotta Kannoli
Desserts & Cheeses
A selection of Mediterranean Cheeses homemade chutneys, fresh bread, wholemeal crackers & local
water biscuits
Selection of scrumptious desserts
Fresh seasonal fruit
Welcome Drink, Free-flowing Chilean wine, beer, soft drinks & water
Price per Head £50
Dress Code - Jacket/Blazer (Medals if desired), Cocktail Dresses
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As we have said, we have gone to considerable effort to arrange these events for you and we would appreciate it if they were well attended and you may book the events by clicking the link below.
When you complete the booking form, you will be required to make a Bank Transfer. Please make sure that you are ready to make payment before submitting the form and payment must be made in full.
The Payments Must Be Made by the 13th October 2025