THE MIlton Rooms in Malton is aiming to cheer up the darker nights with a selection of entertainment to suit all tastes.

Kicking off on Friday, November 7, politician, social commentator and Great Railway Journeys presenter Michael Portillo, takes to the stage to share his experiences, interests and many incredible stories in what promises to be an unmissable show.

Perhaps now best known for "Great British Railway Journeys" and "Great Continental Railways Journeys", for 11 years Michael has made a weekly appearance on BBC1's late night sardonic look at politics, "This Week," and for a decade has been a regular contributor on Radio 4's "The Moral Maze."

Michael was born and brought up in North London before going to Cambridge to read history. He first took a seat in parliament in 1984 spending thirty years in national politics and was a minister in the Thatcher and Major governments holding various cabinet posts including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Employment Secretary and Defence Secretary. His memorable career in the House took in a leadership contest and a dramatic election defeat at Enfield Southgate in 1997 after holding the seat for 13 years.

Appearing the following week on Friday, November 14, are English instrumental duo, The Hut People who are rapidly gaining more and more of a reputation as one of the hottest and most entertaining folk/world acts on the UK roots circuit today.

Taking the audience on a musical trip across the globe, this very popular duo perform a hugely engaging, entertaining and truly unique blend of ‘world-folk’ music led by a driving accordion and a dazzling array of exotic percussion.

On Saturday, November 15, the Milton Rooms favourite local folk band, The Fine Companions, return for their fourth concert and promise an energetic set of jigs, reels, songs and harmonies across the folk tradition.

Performing with fiddle, double bass, bagpipes, guitar, banjo and flute, the Fine Companions deliver their own interpretation of much loved folk classics and lively tunes. From the haunting melodies of Carolan to lively Dublin Street songs and material penned by Bob Dylan, Sandy Denny and many more.

Jennifer Crook, who appears on Friday, November, 28, is a rare talent, creating wonderful atmospheric, poetic songs with gorgeous accompaniment. Her songs are like short stories, photographs, movies....truly captivating and magical.

Jennifer's career has led her from the BBC Young Tradition Award to touring with Snow Patrol, and she has earned a reputation as an outstanding harp player as well as an acclaimed singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. She was recently invited to contribute to the BBC2 Radio programme ‘Girl on Guitar’, about Joni Mitchell, and her last album earned her excellent reviews, national airplay and a live session with the legendary Bob Harris on BBC Radio Two.

Tickets for all shows are available from the Milton Rooms Box office or telephone 01653 696240.