The Milton Rooms in Malton is rapidly emerging from the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic with ambitious plans to become a top class arts and community venue.

Events held since the May reopening of the venue have been a great success, backed by a Visit England Covid-safe certificate and hard work is going on behind the scenes to expand community use and to put on an exciting series of events in the coming months.

The Milton Rooms is a charitable company run by trustees and volunteers and much effort was put in during the enforced closure to improve the venue, including a revamp for the Studio Bar.

The board of trustees now includes the mayor of Norton, the mayor and deputy mayor of Malton and the deputy chairman of Ryedale District Council. With a potential £500,000 funding agreed by Ryedale District Council, the trustees and council officers are working on a business plan which will deliver improvements to key infrastructure areas that the local community and audiences have identified as being issues.

Chairman of the trustees Ray King said: “It will allow us to upgrade toilet areas, further address the access challenges that a building of this age presents and look at improving the overall fabric and technical facilities focused on key infrastructure areas that our local community and audiences have identified as being issues.

‘’This is an investment to transform the building into a 21st century community and arts venue and we are constantly looking for additional funding from a range of sources.

“I believe this funding is also a recognition of the tremendous work that has been put in by the dedicated volunteers past and present, who have kept this iconic building open and available to all.’’

With community groups back using the venue and some exciting events already scheduled, the future is looking bright for the Milton Rooms.

Celebrate Yorkshire Day

The Milton Rooms is holding its first annual Celebrate Yorkshire Day, on Sunday, August 1, from noon to 4pm. It will be a fun community event for the whole family.

Venue manager Lisa Rich said: ‘’We will have a great mix of local businesses and local performers, plus fun competitions for everyone. Things kick off at noon with Malton’s White Star Band, who will play until 2pm when the Malton Charity band will take over and play until 4pm when the event ends.

‘’Bring along your best-looking Yorkshire Puddings and enter our competition to win a joint of beef from Food to Remember, a family run food business here in Malton.

Entries must be in by noon and the winner will be voted for by the public. Judging will be at 3pm.’’

Outside there will be flat cap throwing and horseshoes and there will also be

two children’s fancy dress competitions, one for those aged five and under and one for those aged six and above. They will take place at 2pm and prizes will be tickets for upcoming children's shows at Milton Rooms and vouchers for Malton’s Groovy Moo Ice Cream Parlour.

The Studio Bar will be open for refreshments throughout the day and visitors will be able to wander round stalls from local businesses and charities including gin and whisky specialist McMillans, North Yorkshire Rotters (a group of volunteers inspiring people to change their waste disposal habits), Sue Hawes Photography, Ryedale Dog Rescue, Miss Mollies Rescue, Malton Brewery and The Recycle Project CIC (a York-based group aiming to reduce the amount of cycles which are disposed of unnecessarily).

The box office will also be open for buying tickets to upcoming events. For more information contact info@themiltonrooms.com

Run for the community by the community

The Milton Rooms is on the lookout for more volunteers. Lisa said: "If you’ve a few hours to spare, why not join our team of volunteers and meet new people, learn new skills and support your local arts and community hub?

"We currently have opportunities open to join our tech crew, front of house and office teams. Anyone interested in joining us should email info@themiltonrooms.com for more information.’’

Working with the community

Since being able to reopen, albeit in a reduced capacity, the Milton Rooms has welcomed Swinton Brass Band and Kirkham Henry Performing Arts to the venue. With the significant space in the main hall, these community groups have been able to continue to rehearse and take classes safely.

The Milton Rooms is also hosting weekly yoga classes with Zenzo Yoga and is welcoming back Vintage Dance and Craft & Chat. Ryedale Dog Rescue have used the portico to set up fundraising stalls on Saturdays to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Friday, September 24 there will be a Macmillan Coffee Morning from 10.30am at the Milton Rooms. Lisa said: ‘’Every coffee poured and every penny raised helps us to support people with cancer. We will be welcoming the community to the Milton Rooms and raising money for such an important cause - please join us for a cuppa, cake and a chat.’’

Weekends at the Studio Bar

A warm welcome is guaranteed at the refurbished Studio Bar in the Milton Rooms, which is now is open to the public for drinks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 8pm.

Coming up soon

The programming team are working hard to put together a diverse and inclusive programme of events to embrace the whole community, from theatre and comedy to live music and dancing. To join the mailing list, click 'subscribe' at www.themiltonrooms.com to find out what is on next.

Events coming up include:

Saturday, July 24

Five Divide - The North East's premier 60s band

From Whitby, the band has played shows across the whole of the UK as support to a host of well-known 60s/70s bands including Showaddywaddy, Slade and The Searchers. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 at www.themiltonrooms.com

Thursday, July 29

Ryedale Blues Club – Alex Fawcett Band

Alex Fawcett has fast become a popular and well respected member of the UK's blues rock fraternity. Alex plays with a youthful style which echoes the guitarists of the past, mixed with a huge modern sound and feel. He grew up playing the music of Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rory Gallagher and many more. The live show includes classic blues rock tunes mixed in with original material. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Friday and Saturday, August 6 and 7

Calling all Superheroes!

Interactive Superheroes show from Magical Quests ideal for children aged four to nine. Go along for 45 minutes of Superhero training including games and activities – the audience may be called on to help some favourite heroes to save the world! Shows at 11am and 2pm. Tickets £4 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Friday, September 3

Back to the 80s with Rubix Cube Tribute by Craig Hill and The Best of Bowie by Martin Gough

An evening of some of the best live music from the 80s performed by two renowned performers. Craig Hill has been gigging in a duo reviving the 80s all over the UK at festivals, clubs and functions for many years with the Rubix Cube 80s Tribute Show. This show sees him perform solo.

Martin Gough is arguably the closest vocalist to the late, great David Bowie on the UK circuit. He has wowed audiences accross the UK, Europe and even as far as Dubai. This show celebrates the very best of Bowie's varied career. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Saturday, September 4

Andante Live 'Blowin' in the Wind'

This show takes you back to the era of peace, protest and love with uniquely arranged classic songs such as Mr Tambourine Man, Imagine, Big yellow Taxi, The Sound of Silence, All you need is Love and many more. 7.30pn. Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com