AS we move onto Step Three of the roadmap, the Government has officially announced the return of indoor venues from Monday, May 17.

Lockdown measures across England are being gradually lifted - much to the delight of organisations in Ryedale.

Malton Museum is reopening on Saturday, May 29. Opening times are between 10am and 4pm every Saturday until at least the beginning of September.

A spokesperson said: “Our volunteers are eager to welcome everyone to Malton Museum for our 2021 season.

“We have spent a long time organising a safe environment with many measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, this includes asking all visitors to wear a mask unless you are exempt, in which case please let our door staff know this on your arrival.”

Meanwhile, Nunnington Hall is reopening their doors from Tuesday, May 18 – which is the first time since October 2020 the hall itself has been able to reopen.

The house team has been working hard behind the scenes, with timed tickets on offer between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

The Essex House Tapestries: the life of Julie Cope by Grayson Perry and Change in Attitudes by Yorkshire ceramic artist, Layla Khoo, have been extended into 2021 following limited viewing opportunities due to the pandemic.

Nunnington Hall will once again be hosting the British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition; marking its tenth anniversary. Another new exhibition is Making a House a Home, marking the centenary of the last renovations at Nunnington Hall.

Some good news for movie fans, as the Palace Cinema in Malton is officially open.

Jeremy and Caroline Powell - and their team - have been working on refurbishments and implementing Covid-19 safety measures.

“It has been a long journey, but at last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jeremy.

“The Government’s support through the Culture Recovery Fund via the British Film Institute has enabled us to survive this far.”