Malton Museum to host Regency Weekend in October

Following the success of last year’s Malton Regency Ball, Malton Museum have organised two evenings of Georgian excellence, with proceeds going to the museum.

The weekend will commence on Friday, October 9, in the Milton Rooms with a sumptuous night of Regency music and dance.

Less formal than its city counterpart, a country ball gave people the opportunity to come together to dance and socialise in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Recreating the country ball experience, there will be live music from Ebor Quartet and dance expertise from Dance the Past’s Lottie Adcock.

Continuing the Regency experience, York House will host a soirée the following evening.

More intimate than a ball, a Regency soirée is an opportunity to socialise in an informal yet elegant setting. Ebor Quartet will once again provide music, and a light supper will be served, along with period games and entertainment.

Attendees needn’t be dance experts, as Lottie will be leading the steps in each of the dances, and, while Georgian costume is encouraged, it is not essential, in what promises to be two delightful evenings immersing yourself in the Regency era.

Local businesses have generously donated raffle prizes, which includes an afternoon tea for two at the Old Lodge, and two Town Tour tickets from Malton Museum; one of the main prizes includes a first edition of Frederica, a Regency novel by Georgette Heyer and signed by Sir Stephen Fry, whose favourite author is Heyer. Meanwhile, Kemps currently have a resplendent window display ahead of the local Regency events.

Malton Regency Ball organiser, Annette Mitchell, said: “Last year’s Malton Regency Country Ball was such enormous fun that we had to repeat the experience.

“Lottie and the string quartet are ready, and we are busy polishing the 50-plus candelabras, making new dresses, and practising our steps.

“This year, by request, we have extended the Regency revels to include an intimate Soirée the following night with supper and entertainment at York House. (A small Queen Anne Hunting Lodge). No dance experience necessary; all welcome to join in the Regency fun.”

Malton Museum Co-ordinator, Emily Moore, said: “This year’s Malton Regency Weekend is set to be a great one. Whether you are looking for something a bit more intimate like the Soirée or something on a larger scale in the Country Ball, it will be a weekend filled with elegant dancing, proper socialising and period fun.”

Carriages arrive at 7 pm and leave by 10.30 pm.

Tickets are available to purchase on the Malton Museum website, with a discount offered if both nights are purchased. Ticket holders will also receive a special discount at The Talbot Hotel if they seek accommodation.

For more information, call into Malton Museum or visit the website: https://www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/regency-weekend/

All proceeds support Malton Museum’s tireless work in caring for and sharing Ryedale’s past.