When Malta puts on events, they are normally very ambitious. For such a small island you do wonder where they get all this desire to host big promotions. From music concerts and sporting events to international trade fairs and cultural celebrations, things are not done by halves in Malta.

Already for 2010 there are several entries that have been on the Malta events calendar that conform to this ambitious trait. One of the first events was Malta's Open Chess Championship which started on 17th January. The competition was open to anyone who fancied pitting their skills against some of the island's best players. Such is the interest in the championship, that the organisers decided to hold it over 7 rounds, which meant the finals took place a week later on 23rd January.

Opera was also popular during January with live performances of Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier and Bizet's Carmen. Recordings of both performances were made and could be seen at Malta's St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta on the 23rd and 30th of January. January also saw theatre performances, jazz concerts and DJ nights on the island.

One of the island's biggest musical events announced so far this year is the concert to be given by Boyzone lead singer Ronan Keating. This concert will take place on 3rd April and like most large concerts in Malta will be held at the MFCC arena, Ta' Qali. Other stars who have given concerts on Malta in the past include Michael Bolton, Elton John, Sting, Roger Waters and Tom Jones in 2009.

During the middle of February visitors to Malta can look forward to the annual carnival celebrations on the island and also on nearby Gozo.

Flythomascook.com offers winter flights to Malta from Manchester with a further 10 UK airports expanding the schedule during the summer months.