FEBRUARY is here and the New Year is well and truly under way. Spring does still seem a way off and yet, it is coming. The promise of new life, warmer days, renewal and in Malton particularly, lots of things to do.

Indeed 2019 in Malton will offer more events, more festivals, more markets and special one-offs than ever before. As the spring flowers emerge and the hedges fill up Malton has a bumper crop of what’s on news.

First of all, Malton Monthly Food Market returns this Saturday, February 9, with more stalls, street food and fabulous live music. This year we’re working very hard to innovate the monthly market to keep it fresh, interesting and high quality. Apart from anything it will be the perfect reason to visit Malton and try the new openings in town like The Purple Carrot vegan and veggie deli and, of course, The Talbot after its transformation.

March and April will feature a monthly food market (it’s the second Saturday of the month, as I’m sure you now know) and April will also see the opening of Stew & Oyster in the town hall. This exciting new café bar will really enhance Malton’s nightlife especially combined with the changes at The Talbot.

May is as always one of Malton’s busiest months with Malton Gin Festival from May 3 to 5. A monthly food market on May 11, Beertown from Thursday, May 16 to Saturday, May 18, and, of course, Malton Food Lovers Festival on May 25 and 26.

June and July will see more food markets, as well as the return of Street Food Sundays on the last Sunday of the month. On Saturday, July 20, we will launch Visit Malton’s newest event, a music festival called, Malton Meadowfest. Set in the gardens and riverside meadows of The Talbot, it should be a summer carnival of sublime sounds and the most incredible food. Think hay bales, camp fires, long drinks and dancing like no one is watching! We’ll be announcing the line-up of musicians and launching tickets very shortly.

August I’m delighted to say will bring back one of my favourite events of the year, the Marathon du Malton. As I have mentioned before, this gourmet food and wineathlon is based on the Marathon du Medoc in France’s wine region. The event sold-out in just seven weeks last year - so make sure you book your place before it’s too late. Endorphins and alcohol make “Britain’s Tastiest 10k” an event not to be missed.

Later in the year there’s the Harvest Food Festival, Ryedale Book Festival, more monthly food markets and, of course, the Malton Christmas Market, but I can’t mention the “C” word without still feeling a little queasy.

Malton is alive this year, with more events than ever.

For more details see viwsitmalton.com. We look forward to seeing you at the Monthly Food Market this Saturday, from 9am to 3pm.