ONCE we emerge from the hedonistic delights of Christmas with its roast geese, figgy puddings, Stilton and brandy, will January be a more demure and controlled month? Will we go cold turkey on the turkey, head to the treadmill and only nibble on kale crisps?

For some perhaps, but my sister’s favourite phrase “Rehab is for quitters” comes to mind. Either way there is a lot to look forward to in 2015.

Having established itself as foodie destination, Malton now has a whole year of activities, events and festivals to keep visitors and locals coming back time and time again.

First off at Malton Cookery School, 12 lucky people will be able to experience Masterchef winner Sara Danesin cooking dinner at the chef’s table on January 16.

That same sister has already booked.

New courses at the school have proved very popular with many in January and February selling out already.

We have new rare breed beef and pork courses, Italian courses, shellfish courses and a series of new “back to basics” courses for those kitchen-shy loved ones who could do with learning to perfect a roast chicken or poached eggs.

I’ve even persuaded my dad to come on our new “nose to tail whole hog” course. No doubt we will be poaching pigs’ heads, trotters and other body parts.

Malton’s craft beer revival continues with the excellent BeerTown Festival on March 21 and 22, run by Malton brewers Brass Castle and Bad Seed. Unmissable I am sure, especially with the amazing street food that goes with it.

The monthly food markets start again in March and run though to December with more stalls and live chef demonstrations than ever.

This year we’re looking to help provide better parking which should help on these busy days.

There’s the Cajun Festival, Ryedale Book Festival and the new Tour de Yorkshire, which looks like it might come our way, as well as Malton’s own Festival of Cycling.

Rosemary Shrager visits Malton in April with a special cookery lesson and dinner at the Talbot, as well as Stephanie Moon and “yours truly” will be cooking at the chef’s table in April.

The Food Lovers Festival descends on the town on May 23 and 24, turning this North Yorkshire town into a “Gastro Glasto”.

This year it is expanding with a night market, street food and live music on the Saturday night which should be one massive party.

So far, chefs Prue Leith, James Mackenzie, Valentine Warner and food writers William Sitwell and Diana Henry are all signed up. More will be announced in the New Year.

In September, a new event, Malton Game and Seafood Fest, is being introduced and will highlight what this area does best.

With the North York moors and coast so close I hope this new festival will in time rival the May food festival.

I plan to shuck oysters all weekend and no doubt will have hands to prove it. Here’s to next year and all that awaits.