It is party time in Milan and it's certainly nothing to do with the World Cup. Over the next few days the city is celebrating one hundred years of Alfa Romeo.
On 24 June 1910 a group of businessmen acquired the Italian branch of the French manufacturer Darracq and established A.L.F.A. (Anomia Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili). In 1915 the company was bought out by Nicola Romeo and the business became Alfa Romeo. Over the years Alfa has used its factories to make ammunition, cookers and aircraft engines as well as cars.
This weekend 3,000 of those cars are expected to congregate in Milan having travelled from around the world. The cars will parade through the city on Saturday afternoon. Monza Race Track and the Alfa Romeo Museum will also be involved in special events.
The celebrations continue from 1 to 4 July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England where Alfa Romeo is the featured marque.