Latest News

Leading retailer of branded men’s and women’s fashion, Republic, is to more than double the size of its store in thecentre:mk, creating a flagship store of 784 sq m (8,435 sq ft) on Midsummer Arcade, which links House of Fraser and John Lewis.

To mark its third decade of providing family fun, theme park king Gulliver’s will throw special birthday Mascots’ Tea Parties on Sunday 6 July at all three of its theme parks - in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes. Come and enjoy the fun with the whole family with both indoor and outdoor attractions so even the British weather can’t spoil the day!

Jump Up is Nick Jr’s annual outdoor event, where your toddler can join in with all their favourite TV characters and let their imaginations run wild! They can explore, play, dance and sing along in a fun-packed fantastic day!

Set in the very heart of this vibrant new city the stylish hotel offers the perfect location for your meeting or conference event. And this summer you can get great daily delegate rates at this centrally located hotel.

Willen Lake in Milton Keynes will be taken over by adrenaline junkies this weekend. The world’s best cable wakeboarders will come to the city to take part in the European Cable Wakeboard Tour. The event taking place all weekend is free to get in and with live music and plenty of thrills and spills to watch it promises to be a great day out for the whole family.

Alan Ayckbourne’s beautifully crafted, wonderfully funny and charmingly English comedy Relatively Speaking comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from 16 – 21 June starring Peter Bowles (To The Manor Born) and Diane Fletcher and directed by Alan Strachan. Ayckbourn spins a fine web of misunderstandings in a brilliantly sustained dialogue of cross-purposes.

Has your dog got the reX-factor? Is he a pup-idol or simply an adorable scruffy mutt? Whatever the pedigree, make sure that you and your dog visit the Big Doggie Do taking place at Willen Lake South, Milton Keynes on Saturday 7 and Sun 8 June 2008, 11am - 4pm.

Whether you’re planning your family’s summer holiday or a romantic weekend break for two, don’t do anything until you’ve visited The Get Away! Show in Middleton Hall at thecentre:mk.

Milton Keynes shopping destination, thecentre:mk, has been ranked the greenest retail company and the 30th best green company overall in the UK in The Sunday Times’ Green List announced yesterday. National paper praises the centre’s attitude and commitment to setting and achieving impressive waste and energy reduction targets. thecentre:mk welcomes nearly 30 million visitors each year to its 230 stores, restaurants and cafes.

Destination Milton Keynes is raising the national profile of Milton Keynes through it’s involvement in Tourism South East’s 2008 Family Fun Campaign.

thehub:mk will be a hive of activity this coming Bank Holiday weekend, offering something for all the family.

Stars from the world of sport will be in thecentre:mk to meet fans from the 24 - 26 May 2008. Sportsmania 2 will take place in Middleton Hall and over three days fans will have the exclusive opportunity to obtain autographs from their sporting heroes and purchase sporting memorabilia from the many exhibitions stands at the event.

Remember when hair was big, greed was good and shoulder pads were in? You’ve guessed it, it’s the 80’s – the decade that fashion forgot but audiences love to revisit, and you’re invited to the party as The Wedding Singer comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from 26 – 31 May. This fantastic show is based on the hilarious blockbuster movie which starred Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. Book your tickets now!

From the 19-24 May, the Loch Fyne Restaurant at thehub:mk will be holding Seafood Festival to celebrate all the fantastic produce that we get from the sea. Special events will held throughout the week including a family day, Spanish and French themed nights, a chance to be a chef for day and a wine and food matching evening. And on the 24 May the traditional fish market will be held outside the restaurant allowing you to buy and cook produce for yourself!

The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas comes to Milton Keynes Theatre and it’s the coolest party in town! Having played over 1000 performances in the West End, numerous critically acclaimed UK national tours since 2000, playing all over Europe, to sell out audiences in Canada and standing ovations in America, Frank, Sammy and Dean – The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas comes to Milton Keynes Theatre for one week only from 12 – 17 May.

The Holiday Inn Milton Keynes East at M1, Junction 14 has acquired the use of a new area adjacent to the hotel which is ideal for team building event days. In conjunction with the hotels preferred partners they can now provide creative event days for companies that are passionate about inspiring teams or engaging customers and clients. Professionally managed, tailored events are known to have a positive effect on morale, motivation, confidence, loyalty and the effectiveness of teams.

There is lots of fun for everyone this May Day at Woburn Safari Park. Spring is in the air especially in the African Forest where three of the Patas monkeys have new babies to show off! The Patas are the fastest monkeys in the world and share the forest with Colobus monkeys, Barbary Macaques and the beautiful and rare Bongo antelope – look out for the bongo calf as well.

Stars from blockbuster movies and TV shows including Star Wars, Dr Who, Heroes and Torchwood will be in thecentre:mk to meet fans from the 2 -5 May 2008. Collectormania 13 will take place in Middleton Hall and over four days fans will have the exclusive opportunity to obtain autographs from their heroes and purchase signed posters and rare memorabilia from the many exhibitors at this fantastic event.

Andy Layfield, Head Chef at the Holiday Inn Milton Keynes – East has won the Kew Green Hotels Ltd (KGH) ‘Chef of the Year 2007 Award’ from 18 participating hotels in the group.

The Stoke Goldington Steam Rally and Country Fayre is set in farmland in the heart of Stoke Goldington, about 15 minutes drive from Central Milton Keynes. Open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday - it's truly is a full day's entertainment. You can see 25 full size steam engines as well as stationary engines, classic cars and vintage tractors. There are many other activities to enjoy including a fun fair, live music and children’s shows!

Women across Milton Keynes are being invited to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2008. And the charity is asking them to pass on the invite to friends, family and colleagues now that entries are open for the Milton Keynes events.

Nigel Havers and Diana Quick star in Alan Bennett’s Single Spies at Milton Keynes Theatre from 28 Apr to 3 May 2008. Single Spies originally opened at the National Theatre in 1988 and went on to become a major international hit winning the Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

Milton Keynes Dons saw off Grimsby in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final with two second-half goals at Wembley to collect the clubs first ever silverware. More than 30,000 Dons fans made the trip to Wembley to see their club take the lead in the second half and then secure the win just eight minutes later with a second goal. Congratulations to the whole team – come on the Dons!

Milton Keynes Theatre welcomes the spectacular musical Zorro, with original music by the Gipsy Kings, 8 to 12 April as part of a World Premiere UK Tour before its arrival in London’s West End. This new musical promises to retell the dramatic tale of a romantic hero with extraordinary aerial acrobatics, spectacular sword-fighting and incredible magic – all set to the famous red-hot Gipsy Kings beat.

You could be Xscape-ing to the Caribbean and all you have to do is find this Wellington Boot. That is the challenge that’s standing between you and a fantastic all-expenses-paid family holiday to the Caribbean! Xscape at Milton Keynes is giving anyone who visits their website the chance to win!

To kick start the gardening season, from the 28 March to 30 March the Milton Keynes Gardening Show will be back in Middleton Hall at thecentre:mk. The show will have over 50 exhibitors covering all aspects of gardening from sheds to shredders through plants and patios.

On Saturday 29 March, Loch Fyne will set up an impromptu fish market outside their restaurant in The Hub, Central Milton Keynes. The market will be a traditional fish monger style, with all the best Loch Fyne produce on display including oysters, mussels, smoked salmon, seabass, bream, lobsters, king scallops and so much more!

There is lots of fun for everyone this Easter at Woburn Safari Park. Spring is in the air as some of the proud Mums show off their new babies that were born during the winter – look out for Tambi, the lioness and her three lion cubs who will be out and about with the rest of the pride. And make sure you visit Acacia, the rare Rothschild Giraffe, who will be proudly showing off her new calf Harris.

Bletchley Park, home of the World War Two codebreakers, is holding its annual fun-packed Easter event on Easter Monday 24 March 2008.

Peter Shaffer’s award winning play EQUUS comes to Milton Keynes Theatre for one week only from 17 to 22 March starring Simon Callow, Alfie Allen, Linda Thorson and Laura O’Toole. This engaging and sometimes controversial play focuses on the relationships of the main characters.

SNO!zone at Xscape is offering these camps for children during this Easter holiday.

After years of ripping up America, the Revolution will spread across the Atlantic for a once in a lifetime, unmissable show.

An exhibition by Marcel Broodthaers, an artist considered to be one of the most important of the 20th Century, is currently on display at Milton Keynes Gallery and continues until the end of March.

If you are looking for some really slamming snow slope action then check out SNO!storm.

Following the huge success of the last visit of Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra two year ago, they are making a welcome return trip to Campbell Park on Sunday 20th July, this time with the added bonus of special guest vocalist, Marc Almond, who has been performing and touring extensively with Jools since 2001.

Xscape has some great ideas for your loved one this Valentine’s Day!

If you're looking for an unusual present or would like to experience what it's like behind the scenes at Woburn Safari Park then why not try one of these...

The Olney Pancake Race, first run in 1445, is held every year on Shrove Tuesday and it is the original pancake race.

1-3 February, Middleton Hall at thecentre:mk

On Sunday 16 March you can join tens of thousands of people and take part in the ultimate Sport Relief challenge. The Mile event is taking place at thehub:mk on Midsummer Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes.

Xscape, Milton Keynes was the first of the Xscape developments in the UK and is now the flagship destination of the national brand, which includes two others; one located in Castleford, Leeds and the other in Braehead, Glasgow.

The Living Archive presents the OurPlace:MK exhibition which will celebrate the Pioneers and Heroes who have played a significant part in the development of the Milton Keynes area, its businesses and its community.

Local motor dealerships will showcase their latest models at thecentre:mk’s Motor Show 2008 in Milton Keynes.

Raymond Blanc and Milton Keynes Youth Choir will be at the newly-opened Brasserie Blanc in thehub:mk on Monday 17 December from 5:30 – 6:30pm.

Take a magic carpet ride at Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas!

As HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visit the town, Milton Keynes residents turned out in force to welcome the Royal couple to this very unique location.

Visit the ultimate entertainment destination this Christmas and be enchanted by the magical Winter Wonderland. With free entertainment for all the family to enjoy from Friday 23 November until 6 January, Xscape really is the one place you can guarantee snow, along with a fun day or night out - and don’t forget all the Christmas shopping too!

HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Milton Keynes on Thursday 29 November as part of the Celebration of 40 Years of Milton Keynes. There will be some parking and access restrictions around the sites they will be visiting. For more information see below:

BBC Three Counties Radio’s Breakfast Show for Milton Keynes - Morning:MK - has joined forces with thecentre:mk shopping centre to launch their Christmas Gift Appeal. Listeners of the show, and shoppers, are being asked to buy an extra gift with their Christmas shopping this year.

Celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE will launch his seventh Brasserie Blanc in Milton Keynes on November 28th 2007. The 120-cover French Brasserie and Bar will be located in the Central Piazza and will have a warm, welcoming and stylish interior with banquette seating and terrace tables outside in the warmer months.

If you're looking to organise a group trip then Woburn Safari Park offers the best of two worlds – going on Safari driving close to endangered animals from Africa and Asia and then exploring the walk through safari area.

What a great idea for that special Christmas gift and a great day out for the family! Why not combine a prestigious craft event with entry to the Safari Park?

Loch Fyne have a long and fascinating history and were one of the first businesses to place the emphasis on sourcing sustainable seafood throughout their network of shops and restaurants.

Come out of hibernation to join Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger for sensational shopping and the spectacular Wind in the Willows Christmas Show.

Get ready for Collectormania 12 at the centre:mk, Milton Keynes.

On Thursday 25 and Friday 26 October from 11.30am – 5.00pm the Theatre District with be full of much loved Owls, Hawks, Falcons and majestic Eagles. Even Hedwig’s cousin will put in an appearance!

The Waterside Restaurant at Eco-Park is one of the first eco-friendly restaurants and meetings spaces in Milton Keynes. This contemporary, stylish and relaxed restaurant is set to alter the local restaurant industry as well as transform the way people eat out.

Light Fantastic has been created specifically to dazzle the Milton Keynes skyline and is a wholly unique show in its own right. Some of the internationally renowned acts have previously performed to amazed audiences in Sydney, Milan and Singapore!

Milton Keynes wins Royal Horticultural Society award for its parks and landscapes.

thecentre:mk was announced as the BEST SHOPPING VENUE at the Group Leisure Awards 2007’s glittering dinner and ceremony held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel last recently.

Improvements to the A5-H3 Abbey Hill junction start this week (20 August 2007) and are expected to continue until early 2008.

Milton Keynes has been chosen as the location for the regional launch of the Heritage Open Days.

This is the latest update from Tourism South East regarding current restrictions regarding the Foot and Mouth outbreak.

Woodworks! celebrates folk traditions of music, craft and toil.

Step back in time this summer into the swinging sixties at Xscape.

The birthday celebrations continue for Milton Keynes with the opening of the MK Forty Tower.

Enjoy a weekend of wizardary at thecentre:mk

Alan Ball Memorial Cup Announces First Group Of Players

Juliette Pochin to sing in thecentre:mk

Meet your sporting heroes in person at this exciting event!

Shoppers in Stony Stratford can stay dry in the rain thanks to the local business association which is providing a free umbrella loan service.

Artist film commissioned by Milton Keynes Gallery to be premiered in London cinema on 16 May 2007.

The Courtyard by Marriot hotel located at Milton Keynes, M1 junction 14 is to re-brand as Holiday Inn.

SK8MK have been asked by EWx 2007 show organiser Brintex Ltd to design a skate sculpture called the Bus Station 2 which will be skated by Milton Keynes skaters on the three days of the exhibition.

Proms in the Park returns to Milton Keynes this summer with special guests, G4.

A young group of street dancers based in MK have showed great ingenuity, which has seen them win in a national dance competition.