Winter - What's on in Malta

We're at the end of October already. Wasn't it Summer a moment ago? I've heard John Lewis in the UK is already set up for Christmas, and I don't think it will be long before shops here in Malta catch on.

Personally, I'm rather looking forward to the annual Wine Festival that's being organised in Valletta this year. That's from 02 to 09 November from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 23:30 at Great Siege Square in Valletta. Traditional Maltese food accompanying some exquisite Maltese wine - seems like heaven.



Also in November is the little known annual Brazilian music concert - Cafe Brazil - organised by Fringe! Productions at MITP in St Christopher Street, Valletta. Entertaining us will be pandero Sergio Krakowsky, guitarist Sandro Zerafa and flutist Jocelyn Mienniel. From Paris, Brazilian singer Catia Werneck will also be performing a selection of sambas and bossa novas, original songs and Brazilian classics. (Get your tickets from +356 7940 4134. Concert starts at 21:00 on 21 November.

December still seems far off but, as far as Christmas pantomimes go, this is the time to book as they are extremely popular here. MADC's panto is the classic one in this country and will have you in fits as well as keep you up to date with all the latest local gossip. Alan Montanaro has hogged the part of the Dame for years now and this year he will be playing the part of Zeza in The Remakable Voyage of Sinbad (the tailer). Dates: 19 -23, 26 - 30 Dec 2008, 2 - 4 Jan 2009 | Time Weekdays - 19:3, Sat & Sun Evenings - 20:00, Matinées - 15:00 | Location MFCC. Ta'Qali

At the beautiful Manoel Theatre in Valletta, it's Masquerade's panto "Jack and the Beanstalk" that will be performed this time round. Performances: 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 DEC; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Jan | All shows start at 7.30PM, except for Saturdays and Sundays with 2 shows at 3pm & 8pm. Booking is open.