An Italian police band will be taking part in activities today marking the 193rd anniversary of the setting up of the police force in Malta. The band of the Polizia di Stato, made up of 85 bandsmen, will be playing musical excerpts and will also be joining the Malta police band in playing the Maltese and European anthems.

The anniversary day starts with Pontifical Mass at the police general headquarters in Floriana at 8.30am. At 10am there will be a parade on St George’s Square in Valletta, in which a guard of honour will be present; there will be a defilé by the various police sections, and performances by the Police Band, the Precision Drill Team, the Mounted Section and the Dogs Section.

At 11.30am, long service and efficiency medals will be handed out at the headquarters.

Attending the parade will be the President of Malta, the Minister of Justice and other public figures. The public is invited to attend.