• The feast of the Nativity of Our Lady (Marija Bambina) will be celebrated in Xagħra on Saturday. Traditional horse and donkey races will be held today at 8am. The 45th anniversary of the crowning of the statue of Marija Bambina will be marked with a Pontifical Mass led by Bishop George Bugeja, OFM, together with the Collegiate Chapter and Clergy, today at 7pm. St Lawrence parish priest Charles Sultana will deliver the homily. The San Antonio Mass by Mro Nazzareno Refalo will be executed with the participation of the Maria Bambina choir.

Other activities will include a musical programme tomorrow and a commemoration and a re-enactment of the Great Siege and World War II on Friday. At midnight there will be a three-dimensional architectural show in front of the basilica.

On Saturday, feast day, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech will lead Pontifical Mass at 9am with the participation of the Cathedral Chapter and the Collegiate Chapter of Xagħra. Major Seminary rector Fr Richard Farrugia will deliver the  panegyric. The A Maria Immacolata Mass by Mro V. Bugeja will be performed with the participation of the Jesus of Nazareth Choir of Sliema. A festive band march by the Beland Band of Żejtun and the Precursor Band of Xewkija will be held at 11am. The procession with the statue of Our Lady leaves the basilica at 7pm, accompanied by the Victory Band. The Leone Band will perform a concert at Victory Square.

• A blood donation session will be held at the Xewkija District Health Centre today from 8am to 1pm.

• Gozitan children, aged between eight and 13, will be able to join Youths 4 Youths, organised by the OASI Foundation with the collaboration of the HSBC Malta Foundation, on September 13, between 8.30am and 3pm. The programme will include a visit to the Ġgantija Temples and a hands-on experience, followed by various games and a barbecue at the OASI centre. For more information call the OASI Foundation on 2156 3333. Applications will close on Wednesday.

• The Gozo Youth Wind Band will present the fourth edition of Stage and Proms on the Sea at the Mġarr Marina on September 10 at 8.30 pm. For more information call 7942 1611 or 9942 1611 or visit gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk.

charles.spiteri@timesofmalta.com

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