Maltese citizens living in the UK will this year celebrate Freedom Day and independence from the British at activities by the High Commission for Malta in London.

This year sees a series of significant anniversaries – 50 years since Malta became independent, 40 years since it became a Republic, 35 years since the withdrawal of the British forces, and 10 years since EU accession.

Norman Hamilton, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK, assured the newspaper that the celebration of events will be funded through “sponsorships and nothing will be spent from the country’s coffers”.

The High Commission is inviting diplomats and Maltese for a concert tomorrow at St James’ Church, Piccadilly, to commemorate Freedom Day.

For the event, which will include a reception, singer Thea Garrett will accompany pianist Clifford Borg.

EU accession will be marked on May 1 with jazz music and another reception at Europe House. On that day, an eight-piece band led by Alex Bezzina, co-founder of the Big Band Brothers, will be accompanied by Maltese-Australian singer Nellie Bell.

Independence celebrations will be held between September 13 and 20. In collaboration with the Maltese Cultural Movement, a Maltese market will be set up at Westminster Hall on September 13, followed by Mass at Westminster Cathedral by Cardinal Prospero Grech.

On September 19, a Maltese flag will be hoisted above Westminster Abbey after the second reading of the High Commissioner.

The next day a classical event and reception will be held at St James church with the collaboration of Nicola Said, Clare Ghigo, Clifford Zammit Stevens and Joseph Lia, who are all studying singing in London.

Events for Republic Day are still being planned.

“We are going to celebrate all four anniversaries, primarily for the Maltese in the UK and also ambassadors and commissioners in London,”Mr Hamilton said.

The celebration that would be given the most importance was Independence, he added.