A series of events will be heldfrom October 9 to 23 to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

Similar events are taking place in the English-speaking world to celebrate one of the greatest literary creations in the English language.

King James VI of Scotland and I of England succeeded his famous cousin Elizabeth I of England in 1603, uniting Scotland with England and Wales. To foster unity within the countries and between religious factions he commissioned 54 scholars to compile a new translation of the bible. It was completed in 1611.

Its purpose was that it should be read aloud in every church in the land. The language was resonant, rhythmic, and easy to remember.

From October 9, after 1 p.m. and then daily until October 19 there will be a Readathon of the whole Old and New Testaments. As many readers as possible are needed of all ages and nationalities, residents and tourists, to make it an inspiring occasion. Anybody wanting to join in may contact the Anglican Chaplaincy.

Throughout the period there will be exhibitions about the bible at St Paul’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Scots Church, both in Valletta.

On October 12, a lunchtime concert of music from Handel’s Messiah, text from the King James Bible, will be given at St Paul’s by the North-West Festival Chorus, conducted by John Bethel.

On October 21 at 6 p.m., Christopher de Hamel, the fellow librarian of Corpus Christi, Cambridge, will give a talk on ‘The Invention of The Bible’, at St Andrew’s, 210, Old Bakery Street, Valletta.

De Hamel is a renowned expert in early manuscripts and has been an adviser to the creators of the unique parchment St John’s Bible being made in Minnesota.

On October 22 at 6 p.m., Michael O’Neill of Durham University will give a talk at the University’s Gateway Building on ‘The Bible as Literature’, in co-operation with the English Speaking Union of Malta.

On October 23 at 6 p.m., the crowning celebration will be a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral led by St Paul’s Choral Society, with hymns, anthems and prayers, and up to nine readings from the King James Bible contributed by English speakers from around the world, including Malta.