A day that promises a juicy experience for all, Apple Day, is back for another year of sensational family fun at the Woughton on the Green Community Orchard.

On Saturday 18th October, from 12-4pm, visitors can expect a fun-filled session learning about the orchard, its diverse varieties of apples, and themed crafts with The Parks Trust’s Outdoor Learning Team.

From face-painting to live storytelling, there’s something for everyone. Take an immersive tour with the Mid Shires Orchard Group, enjoy entertainment from a Bubble Performer, and even make your own apple bird feeder to take home. Dig into delicious food from local vendors, and enjoy live music from 2pm.

Amy Gerhard, Events Assistant at The Parks Trust, says “Apple Day is an event that many of us look forward to throughout the year! It is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to discover the delights of the Woughton on the Green Community Orchard. It’s a celebration of both nature and community, where visitors can explore this magical green space and learn from local volunteers about the rich heritage of apples and orchards, whilst also enjoying lots of apple-themed crafts and activities.”

Don’t miss out on apple pressing, face painting, crafts and storytelling for all ages – and even a giant apple catapult!

For further information about Apple Day, visit theparkstrust.com/appleday

It’s that time of year again! Pick up your skiing and snowboarding gear, book that trip to the slopes and start getting excited for the après ski food and drink, because Xscape Milton Keynes have everything you need to get ready for another fantastic snow season under one gigantic roof! From expert advice and services to all the latest equipment and real snow slopes for some extra practice, there’s a reason Xscape is the Home of Snow Season!

IN THE SNO (ZONE)

Some things can’t be learned in theory. Practice is the only way to get properly prepped for the slopes, so come and book a session at Snozone! With expert one-to-one and group coaching, sledging sessions and leisure slope time, Snozone has you covered whether you’re a complete beginner or a freestyle pro looking to up your game even further. And the slopes have real snow? Book your trip to Snozone now and approach the slopes with the utmost confidence.

GET THE GEAR

Getting geared up for your ski or snowboard trip involves careful planning as you’re investing in high-tech equipment that needs to last and last and keep you well protected on the slopes. Luckily, Trespass and Ellis Brigham have you covered! Find everything from quality ski jackets and outerwear to accessories and more, including a wide range of boards and skis. Plus, their expert staff are on hand to help make sure your purchase is perfect for you and your need this season.

TIPS, ADVICE & SERVICES

Still have some burning questions that you want answered by an expert? You’re in luck – Ellis Brigham’s in-store team live, sleep and breathe skiing and are happy to help! Whether you’re looking to get your ski and snowboard gear back into top condition with a service by one of the technicians or you need new ski boots fitted stat, book a consultation with the expert team at Ellis Brigham to help get you and your equipment ski-ready in no time.

FUEL UP!

Hitting the slopes is hungry work… so be sure to fuel up right at Xscape. Get your pre-ski coffee in at Starbucks, or treat yourself to a Creams milkshake for added snow season indulgence. Worked up an appetite after hitting the slopes? Enjoy your very own après-ski at The Alpine Kitchen – a great spot for loaded burgers and well-stuffed toasties – or tuck into familiar favourites at Nando’s and Slim Chickens, or warm up with spicier fare at Namji and wagamama.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

With everything you need to prepare for the slopes and make a day out of it too, Xscape is your one-stop shop this snow season.

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

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, perennial festive favourite Stick Man is going to be this year’s family Christmas show at The Stables in Milton Keynes.

“Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three…”

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?

Performances will run from Tuesday 16 December through to Sunday 4 January.

This much-loved adaptation from Freckle Productions, the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Julia Donaldson is the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books including The Gruffalo and Zog. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which have sold over 75 million copies and have been published in over 100 languages.

Tickets for all performances are now on sale and can be booked online at
www.stables.org or by phone by calling The Stables box office on 01908 280800. The show is suitable for all children over 3 years old and the performance lasts approximately one hour.

Children can treat their grandparents to a fantastic, fun-packed visit to Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes during a special weekend in October.

Grandparents Weekend takes place on 4-5 October, with free entry for two grandparents with each full-paying person.

Resort mascots Gully and Gilly Mouse have lots of excitement in store for families, with 50+ magical rides, attractions, shows and activities at the resort.

The exciting rides at Gulliver’s Land include The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “The feedback we receive each year from Grandparents Weekend is so enthusiastic, children love bringing their grandparents to the resort and all the grandmas and grandpas seem to have such fun letting their hair down! We can’t wait to see everyone during the first weekend in October enjoying everything the resort has to offer.”

Day tickets to Gulliver’s Resort for Grandparents Weekend cost £23 per person, with free entry for children under 90cms tall.

If you want to make it an extra special treat for nan and grandad, why not book the family in for an overnight stay. Gulliver’s has a variety of family accommodation options to choose from, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

Gulliver’s Land is one of four theme park resorts in the Gulliver’s family – alongside Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s World in Warrington, and Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Visit Santa this Christmas at centre:mk and experience the brand-new tale of Peter Rabbit and Friends, in a heartwarming new festive adventure!

Families will enter Peter Rabbit’s cosy burrow, warmly welcomed by Mrs Rabbit who will tell the tale of Peter’s lost Christmas presents. The 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.

Within the snowy forest, families will join Peter Rabbit and friends in some festive fun, where they will decorate gingerbread biscuits for the Christmas feast, before heading off to meet with Santa himself to complete their journey.

Each child will take away their decorated biscuit and receive a lovely gift from Santa.

Grotto Ticket Prices:

*all tickets will incur a booking fee at checkout

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying into Milton Keynes Theatre from 29 October 2025 for four weeks only, with performances until Saturday 22 November.

Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 million people have witnessed the magic worldwide, with the production having been translated into 13 languages.

Leading the company are Australian stars Stefanie Jones (the Australian National Tour of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) and Jack Chambers (winner of So You Think You Can Dance Australia), who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. The pair opened this UK and Ireland tour in Bristol last year, to critical and audience acclaim. Patti Boulaye (Hair, Shaftesbury Theatre; Two Gentlemen of Verona, Phoenix Theatre) will play the role of Bird Woman until Sun 16 Nov, and from Tue 18 Nov onwards, international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will take over the role.

The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson (Les Misérables, West End) as Miss Andrew, Sharon Wattis (Book of Mormon, West End) as Mrs Corry, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.

Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Ryden and Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs: Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Feed the Birds.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Mary Poppins

Performances: Wednesday 29 Oct – Saturday 22 Nov 2025 (Evenings @ 7:30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat matinees @ 2:30pm, Sun matinees @ 2pm)
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

UK’s Largest 360° Fireworks Show Comes to Milton Keynes

On Saturday, 1 November 2025, Milton Keynes will host FireworX, the UK’s largest 360° fireworks experience, as the iconic National Bowl is transformed into an immersive festival of light, sound and entertainment, marking one of the biggest fireworks celebrations the UK has ever seen.

Produced by two of the UK’s most innovative large-scale event teams – who together have staged over 250 spectacular shows for more than 5 million people – FireworX also involves Keith Emmett & Sons, the family fireworks specialists who delivered many of Milton Keynes’ most memorable displays, ensuring the city’s legacy of fireworks continues into a bold new era.

For more information and to sign up for ticket information

The 2026 Winmau World Masters returns to the home of MK Dons next year, bringing Sport’s Biggest Party back to Arena MK.

Tickets for the 2026 Winmau World Masters will go on staggered sale from Monday 22 September, ahead of the tournament’s return to Arena MK, Milton Keynes, from 29 January to 1 February 2026.

The prestigious event will feature 32 of the world’s top darts stars, with reigning champion Luke Humphries set to defend his crown. Newly crowned World Champion Luke Littler has also secured his place, with further names to be confirmed as the competition draws closer.

Ticket Sales Schedule:

PDCTV Annual Members: Monday 22 September, 12pm

Pre-Sale Members: Tuesday 23 September, 12pm

General Sale: Wednesday 24 September, 12pm

Fans are encouraged to secure early access by becoming a PDCTV Annual Member or by registering for Pre-Sale Access via the free registration form at https://bit.ly/Masters26.

Pre-Sale Registration

Pre-sale registration closes at 12pm on Friday 19 September, after which fans will need to wait until the General Sale window opens.

Ticket prices will be announced in due course. Purchases will be limited to a maximum of six table seats or ten tier seats per member.

Neil Hart, Group CEO of Stadium MK, said:

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Winmau World Masters back to the world-class Arena MK.

Darts has such an electric following, and this tournament brings together some of the biggest names in the sport, with Milton Keynes at the heart of the action. To have both Luke Humphries and Luke Littler among the line-up makes this an unmissable spectacle for fans.

At Stadium MK, we’re committed to hosting a wide variety of live events that showcase sport and entertainment at the highest level. We know the passion of darts fans, and we cannot wait to see Arena MK packed out for what promises to be another unforgettable four days.”

Fans can register now for Pre-Sale Access via the official link: https://bit.ly/Masters26

The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat is heading out on tour and coming to Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 September for one week only.

Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.

The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating – Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.

When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns.

Reprising their roles from Chichester Festival Theatre will be Phillip Attmore (So You Think You Can Dance) as Jerry Travers, Sally Ann Triplett (Cabaret) as Madge Hardwick, James Clyde (Matilda the Musical) as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio (Mamma Mia!) as Alberto Beddini. Amara Okereke (My Fair Lady) joins the cast as Dale Tremont and James Hume (Kiss Me Kate) as Horace Hardwick.

Acclaimed American director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall stages this brand-new production. A nine-time Tony nominee and three-time winner for her choreography on the Broadway productions of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes, her most recent revival of Anything Goes – which played at London’s Barbican, on a UK tour, and was also televised – received nine Olivier Award nominations in 2022 and Kathleen herself received the award for Best Choreographer. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman to have directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.

With Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques.

The UK and Ireland tour of Top Hat is produced by Kenny Wax and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS 

Top Hat

Performances: Tue 23 – Sat 27 Sep 2025
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture returns with the City of Codes and Light Festival 2025. A free, city-wide celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.

From 1–22 October, venues across Milton Keynes will host Constellations of Stars: Echoes Across the Sky. This year’s festival celebrates the work of Islamic astronomers such as al-Sufi and Ali Qushji and invites visitors to experience the night sky as a shared story connecting cultures and generations.

The festival features interactive installations, immersive projections, live performances, workshops, exhibitions, and community events.

WHAT’S ON

1 October – Launch Event

Bletchley Park: Special opening event with a panel of speakers including Dr. Alice Dumford, space instrumentalist and physicist, and Ruhee S Kahar, stellar astrophysics PhD student at the University of Dundee.

4 October

Mind & Matter Projection: Large-scale projection by multimedia creative studio Limbic Cinema, illuminating the MK Central Library with the story of astronomy from ancient stargazers to modern discovery. The projection will start at 7:15PM followed by the Lantern Parade.

Lantern Parade: City procession led by artist Emma Garofalo, featuring willow lanterns created by local school groups inspired by stars and constellations. Starting from the MK Central City Library at 7:35PM, the parade will weave through the city ending at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes where guests can enjoy more exciting activities, music and food.

In Infinity: Immersive galaxy installation created with Open University students combining a solar system of stars with thermal imaging. Available for guests to see from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes

Live Music and Food Stalls: Community evening of music, refreshments and celebration. Available from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes

21–22 October

STEAM Workshops: Interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities designed to inspire young people.

Talks: Presentations from Ruhee S Kahar and Dr. Alice Dumford exploring astronomy and space science.

Exhibitions: Showcasing interactive installations and artworks.

Evening Performance: Step into a universe of stars, music, and movement with the Turkish Whirling Sufi Dancers on Tuesday 21st October, 6–7.30pm at Middleton Hall, centre:mk

City of Codes and Light FAQs

Dates: Wednesday 1st – Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Venues: Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes City Centre, centre:mk, and various locations across the city

FREE ENTRY for all major events

Fully accessible event sites

Join MKIAC and the Milton Keynes community for a powerful and inspiring celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.

For more event information and participation opportunities contact: mkiac@mkcollege.ac.uk

Visitors to Gulliver’s Land can enjoy all the thrills of the theme park while raising vital funds for Willen Hospice.

The special charity weekend in support of the hospice takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21.

Entry to the theme park in Milton Keynes over that weekend costs from just £17 per person, with £2.50 of each ticket sold donated to Willen Hospice.

The hospice is the only adult care hospice in Milton Keynes, with 170 staff and more than 600 volunteers providing palliative and end-of-life care, free of charge, to people living with a life-limiting illness.

Run by local people for local people, Willen relies on donations to provide these services to patients and their families. Situated alongside Willen Lake with its beautiful views, the setting is a tranquil place for patients and their loved ones to make the most of their time left together.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “Willen Hospice has been caring for patients and supporting their families for more than 40 years and we are proud to once again be able to help raise funds and awareness of the incredible work it does. Each year our visitors come along in huge numbers to support our charity weekends, and we are expecting another busy weekend for Willen Hospice.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy the thrills of more than 50 fantastic rides, attractions, shows and activities at the resort.

Among the exciting rides at Gulliver’s Land are The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster, while at the Dino & Farm Park, you can explore the Lost Word in Dinosaur Discovery, visit the Reptile and Bug Centre, and a farmyard with a host of animals to enjoy.

As a special treat, why not turn your trip to Gulliver’s into a weekend stay by booking into one of the resort’s colourful accommodation options, which include Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

For more information and to book your tickets for the charity weekend, visit:
www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

To find out more about the work of Willen Hospice, visit:
willen-hospice.org.uk

Midsummer Place is proud to announce that its 25th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday 27 September from 10am – 4pm. Shoppers, families, and the local community are invited to join in a fun-filled day of entertainment, marking a quarter of a century at the heart of Milton Keynes.

Visitors can expect a packed line-up of FREE activities throughout the mall, including:

• Face painting with colourful designs for children
• Stilt walkers delivering high-energy fun and spectacle
• Live music to set the perfect celebratory soundtrack
• Plus, plenty more surprises throughout the day

As part of the celebrations, a special ceremony will also take place for everyone who shared their story with the Umbrella Project, where they will be presented with their very own umbrella from the art display as a thank you.

Since opening its doors in 1999, Midsummer Place has grown to become a vibrant shopping and lifestyle destination, home to leading fashion brands, unique independents, and a thriving food scene. The 25th anniversary is not just a celebration of the centre itself, but of the community that has supported it over the years.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been part of Milton Keynes for 25 years,” said Simon Martin Centre Manager at Midsummer Place. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you to the shoppers, retailers, and community who have made Midsummer Place such a special destination. We look forward to welcoming everyone on 27 September for a day full of fun and festivities.”

The event is FREE to attend and open to all.

For more information, visit https://midsummerplace.co.uk/