Preparations are in full swing for Malton’s second St Clement’s Festival this weekend.

This free of charge, family celebration of Malton’s blacksmithing and creative heritage offers an expanded programme this year, building on the success of 2023, celebrating local artisans, creatives, pageantry, sculpture music and traditional blacksmithing.

A spokesperson for Visit Malton, which helps organise the festival said there will also be free children’s crafting, with a chance to make a willow lamp for the twilight procession, and storytelling throughout the day.

"Our team of blacksmiths will host demonstrations at multiple forges, alongside ‘on the forge’ cookery, sculpture, pageantry and delicious themed offerings from the many bars and eateries surrounding the marketplace and nearby.

"A packed music programme featuring local choirs and musicians will play throughout the day in the warmth and comfort of St Michael’s church, while inside the Milton Rooms a team of artists and jewellers will be chatting to visitors about their work and demonstrating their crafts.

This year, Malton Museum are hosting their own tent just outside the Milton Rooms, offering themed, historic tours.

The stand will tell a story of Roman life in Britain from the female perspective. Using replica pots volunteers will show how Roman women engaged with the craft people and local artisans to improve their homes. The stall will also demonstrate the links from Roman times to the present day crafts people many of whom will be at the St Clement Festival.

Additionally the museum tour guides, who will be dressed for the occasion, will be offering 45-minute guided tours of the town centre starting at 11am and 2pm from the stall.

Advance tickets at £5 per head for these are available from the museum website (https://www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/events/) and will be available on the day.

The spokesperson for Visit Malton added: "In the early evening, an immersive, musical and theatrical experience: ‘Looking for Loki’, will feature local talent and created exclusively for this year’s St Clement’s festival. Everyone is welcome to join the procession and players, from 5pm outside Kemps General Store and to admire the grand, son et lumiere finale, which will again be projected on St Michael’s Church.

"Independent stores around the marketplace, many with themed, decorated windows, will remain open into the evening, for seasonal shopping and why not take the opportunity to enjoy the avenue of lit, decorated trees, sponsored by Malton’s independent businesses and visit the local bars and restaurants.

"We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 23, from 10am, for a celebration of Malton, our community and our creative heritage."

For more information go to https://www.visitmalton.com/whats-on/malton-st-clements-festival-2024