Malton Museum opens for the 2023 season this Saturday with a special exhibit.

To start the season the museum is exhibiting The Iron Age Shield, discovered as part of the chariot burial discovered in Pockington in 2017 – this will last for the duration of April only.

'Maurag Carmichael Front of House lead, said: "Saturday 1st April sees the start of our 2023 season and Malton Museum has been a hive of activity in the build-up to our special exhibition.

"Museum volunteers recorded 6,562 hours of time supporting the museum during 2022. This is a fantastic effort and great display of their passion and determination to keep Malton’s history alive.

"However, 2023 looks set to beat this figure with so many people involved in getting the season off to a flying start."

Maurag added: "It is always quite a large undertaking to revamp the museum for a new exhibition and our “A Sense Of Place” exhibition is no different.

"Many displays have changed or been rebuilt and once again volunteers have had to get to grips with some new technology that has been installed to enhance the visitor experience. Much additional work has also been required to display the Shield to best advantage in controlled conditions."

Read more:Malton Museum to show ‘most significant Iron Age find this century’

Opening hours have been extended for the duration of April to give the public more opportunity to see the Shield.

The museum will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30a.m. – 3.30p.m. and additionally on Easter Monday. The special exhibition will cost £5 per adult (school age children free) to help cover substantial insurance costs plus acquisition of a new display case for The Shield.

"Maurag said: “I am so grateful to many trustees, volunteers and friends who have offered their help in the museum during April.

"Thanks are also extended to Kemps General Store, Stowe Family Law, The Academy hair & beauty and The Storey Family Trust who have sponsored the Shield Exhibition."

A limited number of tickets are still available for the evening lecture on the discovery and excavation of the Chariot Burial by Paula Ware of Malton Archaeological Practice Ltd on Friday, March 31.

The events starts from 6.30 pm at Malton Museum where you can preview the shield and have a glass of wine.

This is followed at 7,30 p.m. by the lecture in St Michael’s Church, The Market Square, Malton.

Tickets cost £10 per adult and can be obtained on the museum website www.maltonmuseum.co.uk

Maurag said: "Volunteers have also been working on the programme of events for the rest of the season.

"Our second Roman Festival is taking shape for July. Summer lectures are being scheduled, due to start in May. Enthusiastic guides Emma and Martin are looking forward to welcoming customers on our first Historic Town Tour of the year, River, Road and Railway, where they will tell the story of Malton’s trade and transport systems through several centuries."

The first walk is on Saturday, April 8, at 10.30 am and is bookable via https://www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/town-tours/