Admission to all venues will be free and on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations necessary. Throughout its procession around Plaka, beginning at the Tower of the Winds (Aerides), the Hellenic Navy Band will perform marches and encomia (praises), as well as pieces by Georges Bizet, Tomaso Albinoni, and Frédéric Chopin. The Hellenic Navy Band began its operation in 1879. Since its inception, the band has taken part in all the voyages of the ships on which it travels, performing either in ceremonial honors or to entertain the local population in the areas it visits. The service of the musical sections is continuous and includes various national and religious ceremonies. Its reputation already extended beyond the Greek borders in November 1879, when the band successfully gave a concert in the capital of Malta. An important milestone in its history was its involvement in the first modern Olympic Games, held in Athens in 1896. In 1911, the Band settled in the Armored Cruiser ”Averof”, upon its acquisition. Since then, the history of the Band has been inextricably linked with the glorious history of ”Averof”. During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913) and the operations of the period 1919-1922, the Band, aboard ”Averof”, followed the fleet and with its presence encouraged the crew. Over the years, the Band developed an admirable dynamic and it wasn’t long before that became evident in practice, performing in perfect formations for the first time in Greece in 1926. Since then, it has continued its dynamic journey with performances both in Greece and abroad. Some of its most notable moments include its participation in the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics (Panathenaic Stadium, 2011). Additionally, the band has been featured in the films Alice in the Navy and Phaedra. In addition to its musical contributions, the band also plays an important social role, by supporting organizations in need, vulnerable groups and children. The current head of the Hellenic Navy Band is Commander Efstratios Sitsas.