THERE’S lots of new things coming to Malton in the coming months and, for those who are interested, one of the very best building restorations has just been completed.

Saville House, the old congregational chapel in Saville Street and home (for five years) to Malton Cookery School, is now a brand-new and frankly massive retail space for TallBoy Interiors, run by the energetic and dynamic Matt Dixon. And what a magnificent space it is.

In many ways Saville House has been taken back to its former best with the old and very substantial congregational hall now open from floor to ceiling to reveal a mezzanine gallery and feature windows.

Where once worshippers would have viewed the minister’s sermon from the first floor balcony, now a new congregation of furniture fans can worship at the altar of the most stylish interior design pieces.

When meeting the affable and engaging Matt Dixon you can’t help but notice that at 6ft 4in he certainly lives up to his brand name “TallBoy”.

I am again enthused by how a young energetic person is bringing new life and vitality to Malton. I very much recommend a visit to TallBoy Interiors to view his wonderful selection of chairs, tables and much more - plus, of course, the transformation of this fine and historic building.

In other news, early bird tickets for Malton’s boutique summer music festival, Meadowfest will be going live very soon and I’m so excited to say that we will soon be revealing a host of amazing bands and acts, including a headliner with a number one album and three top 20 singles to their name.

Meadowfest, which is now in its second year, runs on Saturday, July 18, and will see a tantalising combination of live music, great street food and drink plus lots of family fun. Get your dancing shoes prepped early.

Tickets for another Malton summer classic - Marathon du Malton - are now on sale, with three new ticket options for 2020:

  • The “Classique” entry (the main event that follows the same format as last year);
  • The “Escargot” entry (for those who just want to walk the course) plus a new category;
  • The “Elite” (for those who are just in it for the best time and don’t want any grub).

There really is something for everyone. The event, which runs on Sunday, August 30, is known as Britain’s Tastiest 10k because it’s a boozy, gourmet wineathlon and is the first of its kind in the UK. Run, walk or stagger and make sure you get that drinking arm in training.

I am also delighted to say that Malton Food Lovers Festival is going to be a three-day affair this year and it will extend in to the Spring Bank Holiday Monday (May 23 to 25).

Our patron, Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks will be hosting the main stage on all three days and is currently working on some very tasty treats – all will be revealed soon.

If you can’t wait for all this action we have the return of the Malton Monthly Food Market to look forward to in a little over a weeks’ time. The opening market of the year on Saturday, March 14, will feature many returning favourites, as well as a host of great new stalls and street food vendors.

Malton, more and more a town of makers is so worth a visit - so make sure you come and see us very soon.

For more information, go to visitmalton.com