The original Mary Poppins film came out in 1964. That makes it over 60 years old, yet it’s a movie that brings out childhood memories like no other. Remembering back to sitting on the sofa as a family, mesmerised by the magical, now iconic story of the ‘practically perfect’ nanny arriving by umbrella to change the lives of the Banks family on Cherry Tree Lane.

As a child you were drawn into this world, it was probably the first time you’d ever seen ‘special effects’ in a movie, a talking parrot handle, on-screen flying, and actors interacting with animated penguins…it blew many tiny minds back them and quite a few since.

The new version of the movie arrived in 2018 with Mary Poppins Returns and brought a whole new wave of fans into the Mary Poppins world. But with all this movie magic, how would the stage show match up. As a Cameron Mackintosh and Disney production, you have certain expectations for the staging and sets but mostly you desperately want it to live up to those childhood memories that you cherish so much.

After award-winning runs in the West End and on Broadway this new UK & Ireland tour has made its way to Milton Keynes Theatre for a month-long stint until 22 November.

Almost from the moment the curtain goes up, you know you’re in for a visual feast – the sets are honestly jaw-dropping. They effortlessly transport you to the Banks’ grand house, the children’s nursery, the park and the rooftops of London town – so you’re fully immersed into the world of Mary Poppins.

Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers play the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert, we were little concerned about their accents creeping through, but no need to worry the prim English and cockney accents held true throughout. They are both absolutely superb. Stefanie Jones commands the stage with a self-assured presence that grounds the production, but her warmth still shines through. Her clipped, comedy timing is ‘spit-spot’ on. As with Julie Andrews in the movie, she doesn’t need to overplay the character, her restraint reels the audience in and is totally believable.

Opposite her, Jack Chambers has the charisma and energy to bring Bert to life, his cheekiness and on-stage presence perfectly balance against Mary’s rigidity. You can’t help but warm to both the characters as they take you through the wonderful story with ease and grace.

The rest of the cast are equally as brilliant, but we must give a special shout out to the Banks children played by Connie Jones and Oli Manning in the performance we saw. They are on stage for a lot of this production and there’s nowhere to hide. They dance, they sing, they act and they do it all superbly well.

The ‘Bird Woman’ was played by the iconic Patti Boulaye and although she only sings that one classic song, she does it with ease and again, brings a warmth to a much-loved character.

All your favourite songs are here ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, ‘Step in Time’ and ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ plus many beautiful new songs written especially for the musical.

But honestly, the choreography within the musical numbers is what makes this show shine above many others. They are executed with such joy and energy that you can’t help but get swept along in the happiness they bring to the audience. No spoilers but ‘Step in Time’ has to be one of the best musical dance numbers ever in theatre-land. The set design, the tap dancing, the costumes, the lighting and the spectacular gravity-defying conclusion leave you stunned and elated in equal measure.

And as Mary Poppins departs, umbrella and bag in hand, once again your jaw ends up firmly on the floor as some truly remarkable theatre trickery concludes the show and you’re left yearning to see it all over again.

There have been many incredible shows at Milton Keynes Theatre over the years, but this is up there in our Top Three, maybe even the best ever. It’s truly a production that transports you into another world – for two and half hours, you forget about the madness of the world outside, you become that child again, taken back to a simpler time of magic and music, and it really is ‘practically perfect’ in every way.

Mary Poppins runs until Saturday 22 November. Matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday. 2pm show only on Sundays.

Tickets available from £25 – buy here:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/milton-keynes-theatre/

Age guidance: 7+. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted into the theatre.

“It’s Milton Keynes at its best – innovative, collaborative, unique.” – IF:MK 2025 audience member

The eighth edition of IF: Milton Keynes International Festival took place from 18 to 27 July – and the Festival has created a highlights film to celebrate its successes and impact on the city.

243 event and exhibition days – including two world premieres and four UK premieres – were presented in 12 different locations, among them centre:mk, the Festival’s Headline Partner; The Fred Roche Gardens; The Open University’s Walton Hall campus; Campbell Park; The MK Rose; Midsummer Place; The Church of Christ The Cornerstone; Xscape; and locations across Wolverton. There were 15,367 tickets sold and 63,000 attendances with visitors from as far afield as Aberdeen, Brighton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Southampton and St Ives. A further 210,000 people are estimated to have experienced the Festival as they encountered events taking place in the public realm. 72% of the events were free to attend.

Artists came from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Catalonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain as well as the UK. In total, 391 professional artists and crew were employed. 744 hotel rooms and apartments were booked and 2638 meals were served to them over the ten days!

6,160 community participants were involved in this year’s Festival. They took part in events including Michael Pendry’s art-for-peace multi-media installation Les Colombes and Milton Keynes poet Maureen Onwunali’s commissioned poem Utopia in Verse.  Les Colombes saw over 2,000 white paper doves suspended from the roof of Middleton Hall in centre:mk. Local people made doves for the installation and for their homes, shops, offices and community spaces creating a second City-wide installation. Young people and members of the community contributed their thoughts on what utopia looked like for them during workshops with Maureen.

The Festival would like to thank its many partners and supporters this year including: Arts Council England, Milton Keynes City Council, Headline Partner centre:mk; Inclusion Partner Milton Keynes Community Foundation; Pop-up Events Partner MyMiltonKeynes; Knowledge Partner The Open University; Green Spaces Partner The Parks Trust; VIP Green Room Partner Howden; Spiegeltent Family Event Partner Neves Solicitors; Community Event Partner Unity Place and Event Partners David Lock Associates, MHA, Midsummer Place and Xscape; Producing Partners The Church of Christ The Cornerstone, The Kindom of The Netherlands, Milton Keynes Development Partnership, MK Gallery, The MK Rose, Milton Keynes Theatre, MK College Group, NiftyLift and The Poetry Society; Festival Supporters Brewpoint, Brioche Pasquier, Click Arts Foundation + Specsavers, Collaborate MK, Europcar, Glenbrook and Urban Splash, John Lewis Partnership, MK Business Leaders, M&M Supplies, Stratstone Milton Keynes BMW and the YMCA Milton Keynes; Media Partners MKFM and Pulse Group Media; Wolverton Location Partners Electrolux Group, Elite Carpet & Furniture, HCGB, MK Christian Foundation, The Old Bath House, The Secret Garden, The Shop on The Square, Unity MK, Wolverton Benefice, Wolverton Supermarket and Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council.

The Festival is also extremely grateful to all of the artists, staff, local experts and contributors and the 216 volunteers who worked on the Festival.

Monica Ferguson, Festival Director and Chief Executive of The Stables which founded and produces IF: Milton Keynes International Festival said: “We want to thank all of the artists, audiences and supporters who made the 2025 Festival so special.  The excitement builds in the run up to and during the Festival as artists from around the world embed themselves in Milton Keynes and the positive impact felt across the City is a testament to everyone who helped us plan and deliver 10 amazing days ”

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England said: “The Festival provides a moment to really see the impact of investing in arts and culture with partners from the public, private and charitable sectors working together to showcase thought-provoking and joyous events and installations.”

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director of centre:mk, the Festival’s Headline Partner said: “We always look forward to the vibrant animation of centre:mk which the International Festival provides.  Using the City as a stage, it provides an energy for visitors that captures the imagination in a unique way.”

Cllr Shankika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning & Placemaking, said: ““It was an exceptional Festival once again, bringing world-class cultural experiences to Milton Keynes.”

Watch the IF:MK 2025 highlights film:
https://ifmiltonkeynes.org/look-back-at-if-2025

Main photo above top left – credit Carys Underwood

The region’s premier shopping destination, centre:mk, welcomes new Peter Rabbit and Friends™- themed Grotto for festive celebrations in Milton Keynes this festive season.

Santa’s grotto opeed on 21 November and brings a brand-new festive adventure to share with visitors at centre:mk, in partnership with Penguin Books.

Up until 24 December, when Santa must fly off for a busy night on his sleigh, families visiting the Grotto will first meet Mrs Rabbit, who will tell the children about Peter’s lost Christmas presents. Children will use clues to help Mrs Rabbit search for the missing presents, before adventuring out into the snowy forest through Peter’s secret tunnel. They’ll also decorate gingerbread biscuits for the Christmas feast, before meeting Santa himself to complete their festive journey. Each child will receive their decorated biscuit and a lovely gift from Santa.

Kevin Duffy, Director of centre:mk, commented: “Christmas is always a special time for us, and this year we’re especially pleased to welcome Peter Rabbit and Friends™ to Santa’s Grotto with a brand-new adventure. centre:mk is here to make the festive season unforgettable for families and visitors from across the country, with our enchanting events, huge range of shops and variety of cafés and restaurants on offer. At the heart of it all is the joy of creating magical memories for children and giving families a truly special day out.”

Starlight Square’s magic continues beyond the Grotto with a series of magical rides and attractions, including a Christmas Virtual Reality sleigh ride, a train ride, an old-school full-size Helter Skelter, a double-decker Victorian Carousel and a Christmas Market featuring independent local businesses and festive food & drink.

Along with thousands of twinkling lights, decorations throughout the centre and free selfie points to capture the perfect Family photo, centre:mk is a destination where you can really find that festive feeling in a wonderful day out.

centre:mk is one of the top 10 shopping destinations in the UK, located 30 minutes from London in Milton Keynes.

Tickets for Santa’s Grotto are now on sale, priced at £14.50 for children, £6 for adults and £4.50 for babies under the age of one from November 21^st to 24^th. During December, tickets are priced at £16 for children, £6.50 for adults and £5 for babies under one (prices exclude booking fee).

For more information and to book your tickets, visit:
https://www.centremk.com/whats-on/events/santas-grotto-with-peter-rabbit-friends/

Unity Place is shining a spotlight on local musicians, giving emerging talent from Milton Keynes, and the surrounding area, a stage to share their sound, grow their skills, and connect with the community.

In collaboration with National Sound, a local music company supporting emerging talent from across the region, Unity Place is hosting regular live music nights covering different genres of music including jazz, folk, blues and soft rock. Together, they’re making sure local voices are heard, offering musicians opportunities to rehearse, perform, and collaborate.

National Sound was founded in 2020 by musicians, for musicians. Their aim is to be a pillar of creativity, laying down the foundations to help support musicians across Milton Keynes, giving them spaces to rehearse, chances to play and helping them to learn from each other and create together.

“Unity Place has given us the perfect stage to connect artists with their community,” says Dan from National Sound. “It’s all about giving local voices a platform.”

Through regular live music nights, which celebrates the region’s diverse soundscape, Unity Place is giving new performers the chance to shine while helping them craft their own on-stage skills. Alongside scheduled performances, Open Mic Nights offer a platform for new voices to step up, gain confidence, and connect with local audiences.

The live music nights take place in the Unity Sky Lounge, a rooftop bar with city views that set the stage for local talent to shine. These events are about swapping solo streaming for shared experiences – stepping out to hear real music, played live, by musicians from the community.  With a relaxed atmosphere and a signature cocktail or two, these nights bring people together to support homegrown artists and enjoy the energy that only a live performance can create.

Adam Holbrook, Head of Placemaking for Unity Place commented, “We always wanted Unity Place to be more than just a building, we strongly believe in nurturing a community – it’s about growing, taking care of one another, and creating opportunities for all to thrive. We’re proud to work with local organisations, charities, and businesses to make that happen.”

One local artist, Manny, who has performed at Unity Place, said, “Being a local musician in Milton Keynes, it’s not always easy to find intimate venues where people truly come for the music. Playing at Unity Place has given me a safe and uplifting space where my songs can really thrive. It’s helped me grow as a musician, but more importantly, seeing the way it touches the audience has had such a positive impact on me. And having the chance to be paid for doing what I love means the world – it’s something every musician hopes for.”

Unity Live Lounge Presents: Soulful Tunes
What: Acoustic live music by Heidi Browne
When: Thursday 30 October, 7pm
Where: Unity Sky Lounge

To find out about the next live music nights at Unity Place got to:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/

Ready to make this half-term one to remember? Xscape Milton Keynes got your back. From hair-raising activities and epic adventures to their favourite food picks to suit every taste, Xscape is serving up the ultimate half-term line up. So, put those school shoes in the cupboard, dust off your freshest kicks, and let the action begin…

BRING THE ENERGY

If you and your crew have energy to burn, you’ve come to the right place. You can work up a sweat at Gravity’s open jump, reach new heights at a Gravity Rocks climbing session, or get your skiing gear on and hit the slopes at Snozone. Got little ones in need of entertainment? Head to Funstation, where Hungry Hippos, soft-toy-packed claw machines, and a glow-up whack-a-mole await!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of healthy competition and at Xscape they’ve got tons of options when it comes to choosing your battleground! Step into a neon-lit arena and fight for a top score at Hollywood Bowl, get stuck into arcade games at Funstation, or make tracks for Volcano Falls for a golf adventure with a competitive twist. Alternatively, if you’re feeling friendly, you can unite as a team and race against the clock at Escape Hunt.

TIME TO FEAST

After a day of non-stop fun, you’re going to want to refuel and replenish your energy levels. Luckily, their outlets have you covered, offering everything from quick grab-and-go bites to sit-down, celebration-style meals. Tuck into Italian classics at PizzaExpress, fresh-off-the-grill burgers and hotdogs at Five Guys, or grab a McDonald’s Happy Meal to go. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, settle down for a cosy meal at Namji or Sumac Room.

WANT MORE?

They’ve got loads more activities and fun things to do at Xscape. Take a look at what’s on and start planning your mega day out today…

https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/en

Santa is bringing his sleigh to Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes during the festive season, with a glittering array of treats lined up to entertain all the family.

The theme park resort in Milton Keynes will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with a dazzling variety of special Christmas packages to choose from on select dates from November 29 through to December 23.

And making a return this year is Santa’s Enchanted Elevator, an immersive experience to enter Santa’s Grotto. After entering the ‘elevator’, families will get a magical view through its windows of the North Pole and when the doors open, they are right outside Santa’s Grotto to meet the man himself!

The packages start at £27 per person with the ‘Smasher’, which includes selected Christmas rides, entry to Santa’s Grotto, and the chance to choose your own gift from the Elf Workshop.

You can enjoy a ‘Festive Breakfast’ package for £33 per person, which includes the opportunity to explore the Winter Wonderland and see Santa in his grotto, a visit to the Elf Workshop to choose your own gift and, of course, breakfast, with festive entertainment while you dine!

There is also the ‘Cracker’ package, at £34 per person which comes with a light meal.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “We have a wonderful Christmas time lined up for everyone, with our Enchanted Elevator, Santa bringing his grotto and those hard-working elves making lots of fantastic presents, while the Winter Wonderland is always a huge favourite with our festive visitors. Christmas is, of course, an expensive time for families, so we have once again tried to ensure our prices are kept as low as possible.”

You can make your festive visit to Gulliver’s Land even more special with a Santa Sleepover in the superb range of accommodation on offer, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

What’s more, Gulliver’s Land has a special Christmas 2025 sale, offering a saving of 25% on all Christmas packages on November 29 and 30, and December 6, 7, and 22. And there are discounted festive sleepovers on selected dates too between November 28 and December 14.

To get the online discount code, just visit www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk/christmas-at-gullivers

Milton Keynes’ entertainment scene is set for a major boost this autumn as MERKUR Casino will unveil its newest flagship venue, opening inside Xscape Milton Keynes on Saturday 1st November, bringing high-energy gaming, live entertainment and over 100 new jobs to the city.

Spanning 22,000 sq ft, the new flagship venue houses a 1,367 m² gaming floor featuring 72 slot machines, 26 electronic roulette terminals and 15 live gaming tables, complemented by a 4,700 sq ft bar and event space designed for live acts, community events and private functions.

The venue represents a major investment for the brand and a defining moment for the city’s leisure economy by bringing together cutting-edge gaming, live entertainment and a premium late-night offering under one spectacular roof.

The grand launch event on Saturday 1st November is expected to welcome hundreds of guests including local dignitaries, influencers, journalists, celebrities, and headline performers. The evening will feature live tribute acts, roving performers, and a £10,000 giveaway, setting the tone for the high-calibre programme of events the casino will continue to host.

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at MERKUR Casino UK Ltd “Our head office is based here in Milton Keynes, so this opening means a great deal to us. We’ve worked with local suppliers, created over 100 new roles and built a venue that reflects everything this city stands for – energy, innovation and community spirit. We’re proud to create these opportunities in our home city”

The opening underscores MERKUR’s long-term growth strategy in the UK, strengthening its position as a leading operator in the adult gaming and entertainment sector. The Milton Keynes venue reflects the brand’s continued investment in quality, innovation and guest experience, with an ambition to be recognised among one of the best casino destinations outside London.

Mark continued: “We wanted to create something that genuinely stands out and a venue that feels exciting and welcoming, where guests can enjoy premium gaming, live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere. Our goal is to offer an experience that sets a new standard for regional entertainment. We’re proud to create a venue that enhances Milton Keynes’ already vibrant nightlife and offers something new for the city’s leisure scene.”

Dan Murphy, centre director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MERKUR Casino to Xscape Milton Keynes. The casino has always been a landmark part of Xscape’s entertainment offering, and we’re delighted to see it returning under new ownership. MERKUR’s significant investment has transformed the venue into a modern and dynamic destination, strengthening the mix of leisure experiences we offer our visitors. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming guests into the new casino when the doors open on 1^st November.”

MERKUR Casino UK Ltd is part of the MERKUR Group (formally the Gauselmann Group), one of Europe’s leading gaming and entertainment companies. Headquartered in Germany, the group operates Internationally, with a strong presence in Germany alongside numerous other countries including the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Serbia.

For further details visit https://merkurcasinouk.com/casino/

Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes is brewing up a spook-tacular week of fang-tastic fun this October half term — and you’re invited to join the ghoulish goings-on!

From potion-making to petrifying performances, there’s something for every little monster to enjoy – and all the activities are FREE and no need to book.

A purr-fect Halloween Hunt

Find the Black Cats – 25–31 October

Our mischievous black cats have escaped! Hunt them down around the centre between 25 and 31 October for a chance to win a prize – we have seven lucky £25 vouchers up for grabs – that’ll make you purr with delight. Keep your eyes peeled — they’re fur-tunately good at hiding!

Witchy Wednesday Potion Making – Wednesday 29 October 11am-4pm

Double, double, toil and bubble! Budding witches and wizards can mix up their very own magical brews during our Potion Making workshop. Expect sparkles, spells, and spine-tingling surprises — no prior witchcraft experience required! Find us by the bandstand.

Halloween fun fest: Friday 31 October

Face Painters 11am–4pm

Transform into your creepiest or cutest Halloween alter-ego with our frightfully talented face painter. Whether you fancy being a sparkly skeleton, a ghostly ghoul, or a batty vampire, we’ve got you covered (in paint, that is).

Disco Dracula 11am–4pm

Fangs for the memories! Horizon Radio’s very own Dracula will be swooping into Midsummer Place for a day of dancing, disco, and devilish fun. Join the Count himself for sweet treats and blood-curdling beats that’ll get your heart racing.

And beware the wandering ghouls! Our spooky walkabout characters will be haunting the centre throughout the week — perfect for eerie encounters and boo-tiful photo ops.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing and Commercialisation Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Halloween is one of our favourite times of the year and we can’t wait to welcome families for a week filled with fun, frights, and plenty of treats! Whether it’s mixing up a magical potion, spotting our hidden black cats, or joining Dracula on the dancefloor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re encouraging everyone to come along in costume and make it a Halloween to remember.”

So, grab your broomsticks, dust off your capes, and prepare for a monster mash like no other. Midsummer Place is the place to creep it real this Halloween!

For more information, visit www.midsummerplace.co.uk

As autumn arrives, the Stadium MK Group is gearing up for one of its most exciting months of the year. From football action to music festivals, Halloween parties and a spectacular fireworks display, there’s something for everyone across Stadium MK, Arena MK and The National Bowl.

MK Dons v Crewe Alexandra

Stadium MK | Saturday 18th October

All eyes then turn to the pitch as MK Dons welcome Crewe Alexandra to Stadium MK in Sky Bet League Two football action. Dons will be looking to deliver another strong performance and keep their league campaign on track.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy live football in the heart of Milton Keynes. Tickets are available now via the club’s official ticketing site.

RNB Forever – 00’s & 90’s with MKFM

Arena MK | Friday 24th October

Get ready to step back in time for the ultimate throwback night. RNB Forever celebrates the best of 90s and 00s R&B, with special guest Dappy.

Hosted in partnership with MKFM, it’s a night of smooth vibes, singalong classics and non-stop nostalgia – the perfect start to your weekend.

WAH Halloween 2025

Arena MK | Saturday 25th October

Arena MK transforms into a haven for dance music fans this Halloween as WAH brings its legendary Halloween party to town. Expect huge production, big beats and top names from the UK dance scene, including D Double E, Flava D and Badger – for a night that promises to be nothing short of electric.

Dizzee Rascal’s Halloween Junkies

Arena MK | Friday 31th October

The Halloween celebrations continue as UK music icon Dizzee Rascal brings his brand-new live show Halloween Junkies to Arena MK. Expect a high-energy set packed with hits like “Bonkers”, “Fix Up, Look Sharp” and “Dance Wiv Me”, all wrapped in a fully themed Halloween spectacle. It’s one of the biggest nights of the season, and one not to be missed.

The Return to V7 Saxon Street

Arena MK | Saturday 1 November

Milton Keynes’ legendary rave heritage comes alive again as The Return to V7 Saxon Street celebrates the iconic 90s venue that helped shape the city’s music scene.

Arena MK will play host to a full day and night of classic sounds, from jungle and hardcore to drum & bass, bringing together old-school ravers and new fans alike for a celebration of MK’s vibrant music culture.

FireworX – The UK’s Biggest Fireworks Show

The National Bowl | Saturday 1st November

Rounding off an incredible month, The National Bowl will light up the Milton Keynes skyline with FireworX – the UK’s biggest fireworks and pyrotechnic show.

Presented by SkyFest, this all-new event combines fireworks, lasers, drones, and live entertainment to create a truly immersive experience. With a family-friendly festival atmosphere, food stalls and funfair rides, it’s set to be a spectacular finale to the Stadium MK Group’s October lineup.

For more information and to book tickets for any of the upcoming events visit:
https://www.mkdons.com/news/2025/october/08/what-s-on-across-the-stadium-mk-group-this-october/

Things are getting ever more chillsome at Milton Keynes Museum with the history hub preparing to celebrate half term with a full week of Halloween spooks – Monday, 27 October – Friday, 31 October.

For the first time, the Museum will be delivering a Victorian themed event too, adding to the creepability!

Popular local performance troupe, The Black Sheep Collective will be occupying the Street of Shops with perfectly eerie interactive performances.

There have been some spooky goings on, reports of shadows, strange noises and people going missing in the street of shops.

Meet George the paperboy, Betty the Butcher and Victor the V… who disappears into the shadows. All have their own story to tell, if you are brave enough to listen!

In the farmhouse, the Parlour will be dressed with all kinds of authentic decoration from the time when Queen Victoria occupied the throne.

Elsewhere, Halloween activities are running – including cookie decorating, and the chance to make your own witch’s hat. Museum volunteers will be dressing to scare, too.

And there’s much more, including a Spooky Singalong with Lingotot (Oct 29), Victorian-inspired henna design candle painting (Oct 30) and – coinciding with Black History Month – Cultural storyteller Chinwe will explain the meaning behind Adinkra Symbols from Ghanaian Culture, cross referencing them with objects from the servant’s room (Oct 31).

“It’s frightening how quickly Halloween is upon us, but we are ready for it and can promise everyone who visits the Museum this half term a thoroughly creepy time!” promised deputy director Surbhi Bhambri, “We’ve got a full week of freaky and fabulous events and activities planned, which will be spine-chillingly great, and perfect for all ages!”

There is ample free parking for broomsticks – and cars – at the Museum.

Pay once at the Museum and you can visit for free for a whole year.

For more information visit www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

* Black Sheep Collective performances are 12-2pm daily, October 27-October 31.

Willen On Ice, Milton Keynes’ most enchanting winter destination, returns on Saturday, 15 November – bringing even more festive fun this season with Friday Disco Nights and exclusive character appearances that add an extra touch of magic to the Willen Lake experience.

Willen on Ice will host a series of special guests and of course Santa himself on 23 December. Families can meet, greet, and snap unforgettable photos with their favourite characters on the ice starting from 20 November.

Also, there are special Disco sessions for teens (age 11-18) every Friday night. Visitors can lace up their skates and glide under the twinkling lights to the music beats every Friday evening, bringing a vibrant party atmosphere to the iconic ice rink. With tickets starting from just £11.95, these disco events are the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Plus, just announced, fans will also have the unique chance to skate alongside the MK Lightning ice hockey team on 26 November, making this year’s festivities more exciting than ever.

Speaking about this year’s event, Operations Manager Emily Thorpe shared her excitement: “We’re thrilled to offer visitors not just the magic of skating, but a truly festive experience that brings families, friends, and the wider community together. This year, we’ve added even more festive fun with our Friday Disco Nights, a fantastic line-up of character visits, the unique opportunity to skate alongside the MK Lightning ice hockey team, plus much more. We want every guest to feel the joy of the season, whether they’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or continuing a Christmas tradition.”

Willen on Ice continues to be a seasonal highlight for the Milton Keynes community, offering sessions for all ages, from beginners to seasoned skaters, as well as group bookings for schools, businesses, and parties.

For more information or to book tickets, visit:
www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/ice-skating/

Families are invited to enjoy a freakily fantastic time during Gulliver’s Land’s Fright Fiesta this Halloween season.

Fright Fiesta is a festival-style event brimming with colour, costumes and music, running over selected weekends in October, and then for half-term week from October 25-31.

This year there will be a few new frights and delights for guests to enjoy with the Gulliver’s team ready to put the scares on visitors young and old, and of course lots of fun thrown in for good measure!

The resort is open 10.30am-4.00pm for Fright Fiesta, with tickets priced from £19 per person, and children under 90cms going free.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “We are looking for brave adventurers, young and old, to take up the spooky challenges, preferably in colourful, scary fancy dress costumes! We will have lots of cool prizes on offer for the best costumes and the team will be pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone has a fantastic time during October. There will be some new activities this year which we know our visitors will really enjoy, too.”

The resort has 50+ rides, attractions, shows and activities to enjoy during Fright Fiesta, including The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

You can turn your Fright Fiesta visit into a spooky sleepover by booking in for an overnight stay in the fantastic range of accommodation available at Gulliver’s Resort, including Pirate Lodges, Captain’s Dens, Lost World Lodges and the mighty Megalodon Lodge.

Following hot on the heels of Fright Fiesta, Saturday, November 1 sees Gulliver’s Fireworks Spectacular*, with extended opening hours (10.30am-6.30pm) culminating in a magnificent fireworks display. Tickets for this event cost from £26 per person.

In fact, you could book into the theme park overnight for Friday, October 31 and experience both the Fright Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular.

For more information and tickets for Fright Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular, please visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

*Please note that fireworks shows may be subject to modification or cancellation without prior notice, particularly in the case of severe weather conditions