The autumn programme at the Milton Rooms in Malton is as variable as the weather at this time of year, with something for everyone.

The critically-acclaimed Martin Stephenson & The Daintees will make sure ‘You Belong to Blue’ as they bring their latest album tour to the venue on Sunday, October 13. Two days later and there is a rare opportunity to see folk legends Bob Fox and Billy Mitchell perform together as a duo.

Top female historian Alison Weir is back in town on October 17 with ‘Ghosts and Gruesome Tales of The Tower’ and Ryedale Blues Club on the 31st features the Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience.

And don’t forget, November 8 sees legendary DJ Andy Kershaw take to the stage for his African, Caribbean and Latin Dance Night.

New events are being added to the programme all the time, so head over to www.themiltonrooms.com to see what’s coming up and to book tickets.

October

Sunday, October 13: Martin Stephenson & The Daintees – ‘You Belong to Blue’. The new album tour ‘You Belong to Blue’ sees original Daintees members Gary Dunn, Anthony Dunn and Charlie Smith, plus a selection of special guests, joining up with Martin once again, and the live set will showcase the new material and classics from the band’s extensive back catalogue going back to the best-selling and critically acclaimed debut ‘Boat to Bolivia’ released in 1986.

Martin developed his songwriting technique by firstly learning a few licks from a Spanish guitar book and repeated the process with jazz, blues, country, skiffle, reggae etc. Eventually, this collision of styles would become the trademark which Martin has carried through his career of almost 40 years.

Martin formed his band The Daintees, who became busking sensations and were signed by Kitchenware at around the same time as Prefab Sprout and Hurrah! The bandhave always been known for their range of styles, each album covering a multitude of genres, tempos and moods. The Daintees went on to release four critically acclaimed albums between 1986 and 1992 - Boat To Bolivia, Gladsome Humour and Blue, Salutation Road, and The Boys Heart. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Tuesday, October 15: An Evening with Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox. A rare opportunity to see Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox perform again as a duo. Billy Mitchell spent eight years as front man of the legendary Lindisfarne till their retirement in 2003. He has most recently completed two sell-out tours with ‘The Lindisfarne Story’ and performs as one of The Pitmen Poets along with Bob Fox, Jez Lowe and Benny Graham.

Bob has twice been nominated as Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Bob was invited to join the National Theatre’s production of ‘Warhorse’ in London’s West End in 2011 and subsequently the UK, Ireland and South Africa touring version in 2013, playing the role of ‘Songman’.

Billy and Bob first toured together in 2006, producing the highly acclaimed live

album ‘Five-star B&B’. More tours with Bob followed and a studio album ‘Back on

City Road’. Their duo show features songs with a strong North-Eastern flavour, celebrating the richness of life on both sides of the rivers Tyne and Wear and beyond. 7.30pm. Tickets £18.

Thursday, October 17: Kemps Presents Alison Weir – ‘Ghosts & Gruesome Tales of the Tower’. A welcome back to Alison Weir, the UK’s most popular and bestselling female historian, to regale the audience with some chilling ghostly tales from The Tower. Given all the bloody deeds, violent death and intrigue that The Tower of London has witnessed in its 900-year history, there is little wonder that it has the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in Britain.

Royal and high ranking prisoners have been beheaded on Tower Green, there have been hundreds of executions on Tower Hill, and many parts of the fortress have served as prisons, places of misery and suffering for those who fell foul of the law.

If any place could lay claim to a host of tortured souls and ghosts, it would be The Tower. Alison talks about some of the grim events it has witnessed, and the ghosts that reputedly haunt it. After the talk, Alison will take questions and sign copies of her books. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Thursday. October 31: Ryedale Blues Club – Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience. Acclaimed singer Pat Fulgoni makes a welcome return to the Blues Club backed by the stunning musicianship of his band, featuring Jacob Beckwith on guitar, Rory Wells on bass, Sam Bolt on keys and Zebedee Sylvester on drums.

The band has recently been offered a main stage slot at this year’s Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 2024 and in 2021 the “Dark Side of the Blues – Pat Fulgoni Live In Prague” album reached number two in Roots Music Report’s UK albums chart. Expect soaring soulful vocals over vibey guitar and piano orientated blues. 8pm. Tickets £10.

November

Friday, November 8: Andy Kershaw’s African, Caribbean and Latin Dance Night, supported by The Hyde Family Jam. A great night of music with something for everyone to get up and dance to! Andy Kershaw is a pioneer, bringing music from around the globe to UK audiences with more than three decades of programmes on BBC Radios 1 and 3.

He has a huge record collection garnered from visiting 97 countries in pursuit of new and exciting sounds. He has won more Sony Music Awards than any other broadcaster, was with Radio 1 for 15 years and became presenter of the Old Grey Whistle Test.

Andy’s DJ talents are not restricted to radio - he brings all his enthusiasm to live gigs: Andy Kershaw’s African, Caribbean, & Latin Dance Night is a two-hour explosion of irresistible tropical dance music.

Hyde Family Jam have been bringing their lively show to the streets and stages of York since forming in 2014. They started out busking in 2017, going on to win York Culture’s Best Buskers award the next year.

While they’ve since played some major festivals and venues across the UK and Europe, this band stays true to their roots, frequently hitting the streets of York to share their folk-infused sound. Their high-energy pop covers on folk instruments have even landed them spots in two Netflix movies. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Sunday, November 10: EverReady Brass Band. An amazing evening with the 36- times North of England Brass Band Champions, the Ever Ready Band. Originally formed in 1910 to provide recreational activity for the miners in the village of Craghead, County Durham, Craghead Colliery Band became known locally and nationally, ranking for many years in the top ten brass bands in the world.

In 1968, the Ever Ready company took over sponsorship of the band and gave the band a new home. The now famous scarlet tunics were seen at major concert venues throughout the UK, and when the Ever Ready factory closed in 1992 the Band became entirely self-supporting.

The band’s greatest achievement to date was securing third prize at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2004, an achievement no other North East band has matched. Currently, the band is involved in the Durham Brass Festival and has performed major concerts in the series in Durham Cathedral. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.