Coming up

¤ The Gozo Agriculture, Industrial and Cultural Society and the Gozo Ministry Cultural Organisation Committee are holding a cultural activity to mark the 150th anniversary of the traditional agricultural and crafts show at Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria, today from 3.30 to 11 p.m. and tomorrow from 6 a.m.

The event will include folk music, with the participation of the Xaghra Folk Group and the Island Brass Ensemble.

¤ Activities to celebrate the feast of the Assumption of our Lady in Victoria include:

Today, at 9 a.m., Mgr Giuseppe Nazzaro, Apostolic Vicar in Syria, will lead a Pontifical Mass with the participation of the Ecclesiae Cathedralis Choir.

At 10, Archpriest Mgr Joe Vella Gauci will concelebrate Mass for the children of the parish, with the participation of the Cathedral Youth Choir. After Mass, the children will march to the Leone Band Club, where a reception will be held.

At 6 p.m., Bishop Nikol Cauchi will lead the Pontifical translation of the Relic, followed by solemn vespers and the Salve Regina, the litany and sacramental blessing.

At 7.45, Mgr Sylvester Magro, Bishop of Benghazi, Libya, will lead a Pontifical concelebration on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the coronation of the titular painting of the Assumption, with the participation of the Ecclesiae Cathedralis Choir.

At 8.45, Fr Franco Fenech, with the Mhabba Divina group, will lead a prayer vigil on Cathedral Square.

At 9.30, marches will be played along Republic Street by the Leone and Victory bands. A ground fireworks display will take place on Savina Square, Victoria.

Tomorrow, at 9 a.m., Bishop Cauchi leads a pontifical concelebration at the Cathedral. The Gieh il-Parrocca tal-Katidral medal will be awarded to Mgr George Tabone and the Carmelite nuns for their work and interest towards the Cathedral, as well as to Michael Magro, a distinct benefactor of the Cathedral.

At 11, marches will be played by the 12th May Band of Zebbug, Malta, and the Precursor Band of Xewkija.

At 2.30 p.m., traditional horse and donkey races will be held in Republic Street, Victoria.

At 5.45, solemn vespers will be sung, followed by Eucharistic functions and a sacramental blessing, led by the Vicar-General, Mgr Giovanni B. Gauci.

At 6.30, Bishop Magro will lead the procession with the statue of Our Lady, accompanied by marches played by the Leone Band.

At 8.30, the St Joseph and Victory bands will perform musical programmes on Cathedral Square and Independence Square, respectively.

At 10, fireworks will be let off from Gelmus hill.

Mgr Joe Bezzina will give the last sacramental blessing on Cathedral Square. At 11.30, the feast ends with marches played by the Leone Band.

¤ The Gozo SPCA will have a stand at Villa Rundle today from 3.30 to 11 p.m. and tomorrow from 6 a.m. to noon. Among the items on sale are a new range of Christmas cards, postcards, bookmarkers and gift cards. Membership, adoption and animal welfare may also be discussed.

¤ Christmas in August, in aid of Dar Guzeppa Debono, is being held at Tigrija Palazz, Republic Street, Victoria, on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30 a.m. to noon, and from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information call 2155-2595.

¤ A traditional meal is being held on Assumption Square, Zebbug, on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Entertainment by the Astra folk group, Gozitan and Maltese ghana singers including Rafel Saliba and Alfredu Cassar (who have arrived from Australia), and other local talent will complement the meal. Tickets may be obtained from the parish centre bar, village shops or John Cini (tel: 9982-3684).

¤ To mark its 10th anniversary, the St Mary Band is holding its annual concert on Assumption Square, Zebbug, on Wednesday at 8.45 p.m., under the direction of Mro Joseph Grech. Chiara, soprano Jacqueline Vella, and young pianist Steve Cini will take part.