Hugh Bonneville, Lesley Garrett and Aled Jones to headline at Malton's Wesley Centre
The Wesley Centre in Malton has announced a star-studded new season of live events, bringing internationally renowned musicians, a much-loved star of TV and film, and one of Britain’s best-known classical voices to North Yorkshire.
Friday November 20 at 4pm sees Hugh Bonneville - In conversation - Rory Sparkes and the Spy who Loved Tea.
The Downton Abbey, Paddington and W1A star heads to Malton in his latest role – bestselling children’s author. He will be discussing the second book in his Rory Sparkes adventures, Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea.
Bonneville will be in conversation with acclaimed children’s author Ashley Thorpe before both authors meet readers and sign books at a post-talk signing hosted by Kemps General Store & Bookshop.
Designed for children and grown-ups alike, the event offers families the chance to meet one of Britain’s most recognisable actors, known by millions as Mr Brown in the loveable bear film franchise, and as Lord Grantham in the global phenomenon Downton Abbey.
Saturday November 28 at 7.30pm brings Lesley Garrett in concert. Yorkshire’s much-loved soprano makes a welcome return to the venue for the first time in seven years.
One of Britain’s best-loved classical performers, Garrett has enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years, taking opera and classical music to audiences around the world while becoming a familiar face on television and radio. She will be accompanied by Anna Tilbrook, one of Britain’s most exciting pianists.
The programme continues on February 6 2027, when singer, actor and broadcaster Aled Jones MBE will perform a special concert accompanied by members of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Ben Crick.
A household name since finding fame as a boy soprano in the 1980s, Jones has released more than 40 albums and built a career spanning classical music, broadcasting, television and theatre.
Also coming to the Wesley Centre on February 27 2027 are sopranos Lucy Kay and Frederieke Krum.
Lucy first came to national attention as the runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 and has since established herself as a classical crossover performer. She will appear alongside German-born mezzo-soprano Frederieke Krum, acclaimed for her vocal versatility and stage presence and a winner at the Maria Callas Awards in Rome.
The season further establishes the Wesley Centre as an increasingly important performance venue for Ryedale and North Yorkshire, attracting internationally recognised artists to the heart of Malton.
Paul Emberley Wesley Centre Development Lead said: “We are incredibly excited about this season. To welcome artists of this calibre to Malton is something very special.
“One of the great things about the Wesley Centre is the quality of the venue in a rural market town. Audiences have an opportunity to see performers they may normally associate with major concert halls, theatres and television at remarkably close quarters, right here in North Yorkshire.
“We hope there is something in this programme for everyone, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new audiences through our doors over the coming months.”
The Wesley Centre will also host a programme of Christmas concerts, with further details available from the venue.
The Wesley Centre has undergone a major £2.5m transformation as a Grade II listed Methodist church into a vibrant classical music, arts, and community hub featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including a new café, Chapel Kitchen.