History buffs and fans of the BBC are in for a treat this week, when British historian and TV presenter James Holland takes to the stage in the Phoenicia Hotel Ballroom.

He will be giving a one-off talk entitled Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege (1940-1942), followed by a meet-and-greet with drinks and canapés, as well as an optional VIP dinner. It is all in aid of the Save Valletta’s Skyline Appeal, which aims to raise €8 million to fund vital restoration work on the tower, spire and structure of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral.

Speaking exclusively to GuideMeMalta, James gave us a little sneak peek of what fans can expect from the talk by picking his favourite historical site on the island – although he said this was incredibly difficult to do. “At a push, it would have to be the Lazaretto on Manoel Island,” he says. “Not only is it a place of rich history where once Lord Byron was incarcerated among many other famous names, it was also home to the magnificent Tenth Submarine Flotilla during the Siege of Malta in the Second World War.

“I have a real soft spot for those amazingly gallant men and became very good friends with one of them, Tubby Crawford, who was second-in-command on HMS Upholder, the most successful Allied submarine of WWII. That it’s been a ruin for so long only adds to the sense of romance as far as I’m concerned. I have, though, been all over it and it’s possibly to almost feel the ghosts of the past. It’s a haunting, historic, wonderful building.”

James also highlights his favourite fact about Malta’s history: that, until the middle of 1942, the island was the most bombed place on earth. “That’s quite a statement and underlines just how much the Maltese people suffered,” he continues. “The whole island was given a George Cross – the highest civilian award for valour – and quite rightly so, as far as I’m concerned.”

Finally, James also details how he would spend his perfect day in Malta – something he will hopefully be able to do this week. “I’d wake up in Valletta, go for a run or walk through the streets before the hubbub of the day began, then have breakfast. Afterwards I’d have another wander, and then go to the Siege Bell for the midday toll before heading to the Xara Palace in Mdina for lunch out in the courtyard.

“Then I’d head to Ghajn Tuffieha for a bit of beach life and a swim before driving back via Mdina for a milkshake at Fontanella Tea Garden (which have surely got to be the best in the world). I’d then swing by my friends at the Malta Aviation Museum before heading back to Valletta for another dip, this time in The Phoenicia’s pool, then sun-downers in their small bar followed by a leisurely dinner somewhere in town.”

It sounds like a pretty good day to us!

Join James Holland at his talk in the Phoenicia Hotel Ballroom on 14th March in aid of Save Valletta Skyline. For further information, tickets to the talk (€25) with wine and canapés, and the optional VIP dinner (€62), please email [email protected]. Advance booking is essential. Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6.15pm start.