Christmas is virtually here, but the thoughts of trustees and volunteers at the Milton Rooms have already turned to planning a bumper year for 2022.

With the venue looking festive thanks to new exterior lighting and a splendid Christmas tree (many thanks to Mick Paley of Paleys in Market Place!), a new and varied programme of events for next year is rapidly taking shape.

The Milton Rooms has emerged from a difficult, pandemic-hit past 12 months with a growing reputation for great nights out at gigs and widespread use as an essential community hub, all delivered while strictly following Covid-19 safety rules.

Thanks to money granted by Ryedale District Council, the Studio Bar has been renovated and the ladies and gents toilets completely revamped, with the addition of a disabled lift in the foyer to access the new facilities.

Work is under way to replace the ageing sound and lighting systems with a state-of-the-art set-up which will vastly enhance the audio-visual experience for audiences and performers alike.

This work will be completed in the New Year and the Milton Rooms is also planning to launch a new website in the first quarter of 2022 to improve information about events at the venue and make buying tickets even easier.

A varied programme is being drawn up for the coming year and new ones are being added all the time. There is still time to visit www.themiltonrooms.com and book tickets to give someone a special Christmas present.

Below are some of the highlights already on sale, with many still in the pipeline, to be added soon:

January 2022

With the Malton & Norton Musical Society pantomime Cinderella sadly cancelled because of concerns surrounding Covid-19, two gigs have been arranged for the end of the month.

Thursday, January 27: Ryedale Blues Club presents The Alex Fawcett Band. Alex plays with a youthful style which echoes the guitarists of the past, mixed with a huge modern sound and feel.8pm. Tickets £10.

Saturday, January 29: Taphouse Burnout with a New Year mix of music from some great local musicians including Graeme Hargreaves with Dave Kemp, George Rowell, Ian Collingwood, Mooch (duo) and the Phil Hooley and the Woolgatherers (full band).7.15pm. Tickets £10.

February

Thursday, February 24: Ryedale Blues Club featuring The John Doe Trio, one of the most exciting bands on the British blues circuit. 8pm. Tickets £10.

March

Thursday, March 31: Ryedale Blues Club featuring Redfish, a blistering UK-based blues band headed by the talented and highly-acclaimed singer/guitarist Christian Sharpe. 8pm. Tickets £10.

April

Friday, April 1: Moondogs, a young, vibrant three-piece cover band recreating the sights, sounds and raw energy that defined the 50s and 60s, from the fantastic rock ’n’ roll sounds of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis to the musical explosion from artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Kinks and the Spencer Davis Group. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Thursday, April 28: Ryedale Blues Club present Five Points Gang, a London-based blues trio which blends new original material with classic blues standards. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Friday, April 29: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club presents Kate McCabe and Eddie Brimson. American comic Kate McCabe moved to Manchester from the US over a decade ago with her Scottish partner, while Eddy Brimson has well and truly established himself on the live circuit and is regarded by some as one of the leading headline comics in British comedy. 8pm. Tickets £10.

May

Sunday, May 8: The Salts Sea Shanties, a cooperative of seasoned musicians creating one of the most exciting and energetic sounds around, performing original material alongside their own interpretations of traditional songs. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50.

Thursday, May 26: The Ryedale Blues Club features the Tom Killner Band. Tom is an up-and-coming blues guitarist from Rotherham. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Saturday, May 28: A new feature for the Milton Rooms, Megaslam Wrestling – Live. The battle in the ring will see Team Megaslam battle it out with Team Nasty. Megaslam is a captivating live experience for the whole family. 7.30pm. Adults £12, children £10, Family ticket (two adults and two children) £36.

June

Saturday, June 18: Lollypops & Moptops, a must see show for all 50s and 60s music fans. Compere for the evening is Alan Mosca (formerly of Freddie & The Dreamers), who retells stories of yesteryear with a touch of comedy, while recreating hits from the awesome Dreamers. Buddy Walker brings back to life the look and feel of Buddy Holly and finally National Music Tribute Award Winners The Temple Brothers bring their tribute to The Everly Brothers. 7.30pm. Tickets £23.50.

Saturday, June 25: Snake Davis with Chris Bannister. Legendary sax player Snake Davis, whose soulful sound has been heard with many great artists, from McCartney to The Eurythmics, Klingande to Calvin Harris, is joined by Chris Bannister, a singer songwriter guitarist of immense talent and class. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Thursday, June 30: Ryedale Blues Club present Dust Radio, a rootsy, blues-driven duo. 8pm. Tickets £10.

July

Friday, July 29: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club presents Steph Laing and Sam Avery. Steph Laing’s comedy is partway between the needy oddness of Maria Bamford and the upbeat affability of Josie Long. Sam Avery’s friendly and enthusiastic, observational style instantly puts audiences at ease allowing him to regale them with his tales of everyday life. 8pm. Tickets £10.

September

Saturday, September 17: Five Divide, a welcome return for the North East’s premier 60s tribute band. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Saturday, September 24: The Sounds of Simon, sadly cancelled in 2021 because of Covid restrictions, celebrates the music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. 8pm. Tickets £14.

October

Friday, October 28: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club presents Peter Brush and Duncan Oakley. Duncan Oakley is an art school dropout and songwriter who has performed live since he was 15 and then joined the comedy circuit in 1999. Peter Brush is a highly distinctive performer and deft writer of finely crafted jokes. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Tickets to events can be booked by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/themiltonrooms

For more information go to www.themiltonrooms.com

Come on and dance

Join York Vintage Dance Group for a new course of beginner's dance classes at the Milton Rooms every Wednesday night (except for certain school holidays) starting on January 5. New dancers are welcome to join the class throughout January and February.

Go and dance on one of the best sprung dance floors in Yorkshire - classes are informal and fun and participants can learn a range of individual and partner dances (don't worry about bringing a partner).

Classes run from 7pm to 8pm but people are asked to arrive at 6.45pm to register and get a drink from the bar. The class fee is £5.

For more details of the dances York Vintage Dance Group cover, visit www.yorkvintagedance.co.uk or ring Tina on 07949 144313.

Looking for volunteers

The Milton Rooms is looking 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 venue. There are plenty of office, tech, bar and front-of-house roles. Email info@themiltonrooms.com for more information.