Coming up

• The feast dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady is being celebrated in Xaghra this week. On Friday, Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Guzeppi Mercieca will lead a Pontifical Mass at 9 a.m. The Te Deum will be sung. A ceremony to commemorate the Great Siege will be held on Victory Square at 10 a.m. The shelters on the square will be open to the public, and there will be an exhibition regarding World War II.

In the evening, church celebrations start at 6.30 p.m., while outdoor festivities start at 8.30 p.m. with marches by Mnarja, Victory and L'Isle Bands, followed by fireworks.

On Saturday, Bishop Mario Grech leads Pontifical Mass at 9 a.m. Beland and Visitation bands will play marches at 11.30 a.m. Solemn vespers at 6 p.m., followed by a procession led by archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo, with the participation of Victory Band, at 7 p.m. Leone Band will stage a concert on Victory Square.

• The Cultural Council is organising a ceremony, presided over by Minister Giovanna Debono, on the occasion of Victory Day, on Independence (It-Tokk) Square, Victoria, on Friday at 6.30 p.m.

• The Diocesan Commission for Graduates' Activities will be holding a Mass, celebrated by archpriest Fr Reuben Micallef, for graduates and members of all professions in Gozo, at St Augustine's church in Victoria on Friday at 8.30 p.m.

• The Charismatic group Bethel is holding a prayer meeting at Fontana parish church on Saturday at 8 p.m.

• Application forms and regulations to participate in the Gozo Regional Carnival 2008 competitions are available from the Culture Office, Banca Giuratale, Independence (It-Tokk) Square, Victoria, during office hours.

• Nadur council and Emmanuel Delicata Winemakers are holding their annual Delicata/Nadur Wine Festival at Gnien il-Kunsill, one of the beautiful belvederes of the Maltese Islands, with a special evening of wining, dining and entertainment, which comes to an end tonight.

The Batista Leisure Group is organising an evening of entertainment featuring Jozi and the Lost Boyz, a new band that will entertain with their covers, including a fitting tribute to The Tramps, as well as teenage artists "Chalie", Sophie, Jay Omaro', Rebecca, and other artists. There will also be Steve Cole, the Delicata Wine Festival resident singer. Entertainment starts at 7 p.m. Transport from Mgarr Harbour and back will be available.