From our theatre programme, I'm particularly excited about The Ballad of the Underwater Daughter. A darkly hilarious modern fairy tale, we were keen to have something a bit unusual and atmospheric for Halloween, and this show ticked all the boxes. The set is comprised of puppets and elaborate crazy contraptions - a little bit Wallace and Gromit meets Tim Burton! It's perfect for grown ups who want to embrace a bit of the unknown for a spooky evening, or anyone 14+ who might be a bit old for trick or treating.

For family audiences, I'm really looking forward to Shakespeare in a Suitcase: Macbeth in October half term. Actor/musicians from the excellent NIE Theatre will stage the familiar story of Macbeth in a totally new way for kids big and small.

Parents and babies can enjoy our Baby Broadway and Gospelevents which offers little ones their first taste of musical theatre and soulful singing led by talented West End performers in a relaxed environment.

Once again, we have an exciting film programme this autumn and I am particularly looking forward to watching Thelma, a story of a rebellious pensioner out to get revenge on the phone scammer who duped her out of her life savings. Beyond the weekly movies though, audiences have the chance to get more involved with film than ever before as we welcome KinoSonic, our weekend festival of music and sound in film and the launch of a brand new family film club.

As part of spooky season, we are hosting Sound & Screen: Fright Night which gives audiences the chance to vote on which Halloween film they would like to see.

Beyond that we have a stellar line-up of music and comedy for the autumn and I am looking forward to welcoming the country-folk sounds of Police Dog Hogan for a fun night in the Great Hall as well as brilliant stand-up nights from Andy Parsons, Milton Jones, Omid Djalili and more!

Thanks to the generosity of the supporters of the Maltings, the family festival returns in September and promises to be a great day-out. I'm particularly excited about our series of masterclasses happening on the day where children can try something creative alongside a series of amazing professionals. It is wonderful that we have been able to secure Matt Cavendish – star of the West End smash hits Showstopper: The Improvised Musical and The Play that Goes Wrong to lead a improvisation session which I would wholeheartedly recommend!

Beyond hosting amazing theatre, we're keen to open up more opportunities to enable the local community to get under the limelight. Maltings Youth Theatre offers weekly sessions to develop storytelling and performance skills for children aged 8 - 17 and new for the autumn, we launch the Adult Acting Company which continues this offering to adults wanting to learn new skills and have a good old socialise at the same time!

The festival workshops at both unravel...autumn and festival of crafts offer you a mindful moment away from the hustle and bustle of the marketplace to discover a new hobby or develop your craft skills alongside highly talented makers. In particular, I think the focus and pattern following nature of the Rope Trivet Mat workshop at festival of crafts will take people to a state of zen whilst learning how to use a 'fid' at the same time!

Within our craft workshops programme, for people who have enjoyed our jumbo knitting blanket workshops, the Arm Knitted Scarf session is the perfect next step as it is just as satisfying and allows you to create a super-stylish handmade scarf - perfect for a Christmas gift, or for yourself!

Over the last few years, the museum’s Traditional Christmas celebrations have grown from a small grotto to a multi-day event with activities for all the family. Planning for this year’s event began immediately after the last one and the museum team have been busy as little elves making sure this event is better than ever.

Mrs Christmas will be returning and she’s bringing along Father Christmas to check whether you’ve been naughty or nice. It wouldn’t be Christmas at the museum without a slice of history so our Victorian cook and housekeeper will be sharing recipes and stories about the traditions that make Christmas so special.

There will also be the usual trails and crafts, including miniature Christmas wreaths to take home with you. It should be a wonderful event so we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the magic of a traditional Christmas.