The Milton Rooms opens a new chapter this autumn, offering two book signing events with prominent authors in a collaboration with Kemps Books of Malton.

On Thursday, November 11 top-selling female historian Alison Weir presents a talk and signing session on her latest book, In the Shadow of Queens, which reveals twelve startling tales from the Tudor court. And on Sunday, November 28 comedian Robin Ince talks about his book The Importance of Being Interested, Adventures in Scientific Curiosity, which boasts a foreword by Brian Cox. Tickets from www.themiltonrooms.com

Kemps owner Liz Kemp said: “We are so delighted to be able to support and partner with the Milton Rooms for some of our larger events. Having this great venue so close to our shop but also in the centre of town makes it a fantastic option for us.

“We hope that by providing a good calendar of evening events both there and at the shop, we can support and encourage the night-time economy of the town as well as add to the revenue stream for The Milton Rooms. Hopefully, its a win-win.’’

Malton’s community hub and entertainment venue is also offering a wide-ranging and diverse programme of entertainment in the coming weeks. Funding approved by Ryedale District Council means important renovation work starts in October which will mean big improvements to the building. Although the usual vintage dance, ballroom and yoga classes will be going ahead, the number of other events will be slightly restricted.

Coming up in September

The programming team has been working flat out to compile an exciting programme of events. To join the mailing list, click 'subscribe' at www.themiltonrooms.com to find out more.

Saturday, September 25

The Sounds of Simon – the music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

This show has proved so popular it is now SOLD OUT. As seen on BBC’s ‘The One Show’, The Sounds of Simon is a tribute to the music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel through their years together and also their solo careers. It explores the friendship that led to songs such as Mrs Robinson, The Sounds of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The full band will also go through the pair’s solo careers, with songs such as You Can Call Me Al, Graceland and Art’s smash hit, Bright Eyes. Paul and Art are played to perfection, bringing in elements of their famously fractious relationship as well as flawlessly replicating the beautiful harmonies.

Thursday, September 30

Ryedale Blues Club – The Alex Hamilton Band

Ryedale Blues Club returns from its summer break with The Alex Hamilton Band. Alex (formerly Lewis Hamilton) has been part of the British blues/rock scene for over ten years. Gaining notoriety on the back of being a talented young guitarist with skills beyond his age, he has since matured and developed a tasteful and subtle guitar technique that has been compared to Robben Ford and Matt Scofield. Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Looking ahead to October

Friday, October 8

1940s/Vintage Dance

Join hosts York Vintage Dance Group for a lively night of fun and dance, 1940s style. As well as 1940s, they will cover a wide range of dances over the decades, including social ballroom, jives, strolls and popular sequence. The evening will feature The Rhythm Exchange Band, vocal harmony trio The Alka Seltzer Sisters and Vintage Record Hop. Vintage or period dress is encouraged but not essential. 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50. For further information and booking details visit www.yorkvintagedance.co.uk or email yorkvintagedance@gmail.com

Thursday, October 28

Ryedale Blues Club

The Blues Club presents George Shovlin & The Radars. George has been inducted into the American Heritage Blues Hall Of Fame and is an icon in local blues circles. George Shovlin and The Radars have one musical direction - white Europeans playing blues in the 21st century. Everything they play is rooted in black American music that emerged in the early 20th century and which has continued to evolve up to the present day.

Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Sunday, October 31

The Haunted House

Kick in the Head Productions present interactive, creepy Halloween fun for all the family, with plenty of audience participation and silliness for all ages written by Giles Shenton. Meet the ghost of old Granny Smith who has been rocking in her chair for over 300 years, the haunted stone statue of Scrappy the dog that watches you move around the room and listen to the tale of Nancy, the young maid who disappeared in 1850 who has never left the house and still blows out the candles at bedtime. 3pm. Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

On into November…

Saturday, November 6

RockYard - 80s Disco Night

Jump into a time machine and be transported back to an 80s dance floor with DJ Clint Destiny's set, featuring all the best New Romantic, Indie, Rock, Pop and House dance tunes from the decade. Then have a party with Yorkshire's premier 80s function band RockYard, playing a range of songs from the likes of Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Billy Idol, Flock of Seagulls and many more.

Tickets £10 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Sunday, November 7

Sarah McQuaid – Live

The critically acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Sarah McQuaid has released five solo albums and has one of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music, with shades of Joni Mitchell jamming with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey. She has a new album coming out on October 15.

Tickets £12 from www.themiltonrooms.com

Thursday, November 11

Alison Weir – In the Shadow of Queens

Kemps Books with the Milton Rooms presents a talk and book-signing session with Alison Weir, the UK’s top-selling female historian. Alison will give a 45-minute presentation then take questions and sign copies of the book. In the Shadow of Queens reveals twelve startling tales from the Tudor court, told by those at the very heart of that world. 7.30pm. Tickets: Book & Ticket £28 (In the Shadow of Queens hardback rrp £20), ticket only £10, from www.themiltonrooms.com

Sunday, November 28

Robin Ince – The Importance of Being Interested

Kemps Books in association with the Milton Rooms presents Robin Ince. The comedian quickly abandoned science at school, bored by a fog of dull lessons and intimidated by the barrage of equations. But, 20 years later, he fell in love and he now presents one of the world’s most popular science podcasts. Robin will talk about his new book The Importance of Being Interested, answer questions and sign copies of the book. 8pm. Tickets: Book and tickets £25 (The Importance of Being Interested rrp £17.99), ticket only £10, under-18s £6, from www.themiltonrooms.com

Run for the community by the community

The Milton Rooms is on the lookout for more volunteers. Anyone with a few hours to spare can join the team of volunteers and meet new people, learn new skills and support the local arts and community hub. There are opportunities to join the tech crew, front of house and office teams. Email info@themiltonrooms.com for more information.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

There will be a Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Milton Rooms on Friday, September 24 from 10.30am. Venue manager Lisa Rich said: ‘’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.’’

Weekends in the Studio Bar

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