Over the next few months, citizens and organisations have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of Milton Keynes’ bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Fresh from being longlisted in the national competition – which will see one city receive £10 million to help develop culture locally – we are calling on the city’s cultural sector, residents, creatives, and businesses, to help shape a vision that truly reflects the city’s creativity, diversity and ambition.

There’s lots of ways to get involved. Over the next month, workshops and pop-up sessions will take place around the city where local people can share ideas, family stories, and their thoughts on what Milton Keynes means to them. A Book of Ideas will capture what makes the city so special, and there’ll be opportunities for all ages to create collages and other artworks, as well as activities in schools. Find out what’s happening, where and when HERE.

There’s also a quick and easy way to share ideas online at mkculture2029.co.uk

Businesses and organisations can also download a promotional HERE to spread the word and show they back the bid. It’s packed with posters, material for social media and other promotional items, and feature the Milton Keynes bid’s theme: We’re just getting started.

The final bid will be submitted in August. Shortlisted cities will be announced in the autumn, with the winner revealed in early 2027 – Milton Keynes’ 60th anniversary year.

Cllr Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said: “This is a huge moment for Milton Keynes. Being longlisted is just the beginning, now we have the chance to come together and create something bold, ambitious and uniquely ours. We want to hear from everyone, because this bid belongs to the whole city”

“Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, someone growing up here, or you just love Milton Keynes, your ideas and your voice can help shape what we hope will be a brilliant celebratory year of culture. Winning the title would be transformative for many years but the journey is something great in itself – and our conversations are already sparking ideas, strengthening connections and creating new cultural opportunities we can all be proud of.”

FIND OUT MORE

A major new exhibition has opened at MK Gallery dedicated to the rarely seen colour photographs by pioneering 20th-century French photographer and painter Jacques Henri Lartigue, from 20 June to 4 October 2026.

Jacques Henri Lartigue (1894–1986) is best known for his black-and-white photographs capturing the elegance and joie de vivre of high society and modern life, particularly during the early 20th-century Parisian Belle Époque. Although he did not receive widespread critical acclaim until later in life, Lartigue was at the centre of France’s golden era of creativity, moving within a social circle that included cultural icons such as Jean Cocteau, Grace Kelly and Pablo Picasso.

Lartigue also became known for his interest in documenting the speed and movement of new innovations such as motor racing and aviation, and photographs of life on the French Riviera. He is regarded as a pioneer of the ‘spontaneous’ snapshot – a departure from the formal portraits that were typical of the time – which would later become known as street photography and popularised by Instagram.

Lartigue began experimenting with early colour photography as a teenager, at a time when the process was still technically demanding and rarely used. His colour photographs from this period show intimate portraits of his family, friends and everyday life. However, the long exposure times and cumbersome equipment led him to focus on painting throughout the 1930s, until the use of modern colour photography became more widespread in the 1950s.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour will explore Lartigue’s lifelong experimentation with colour. The exhibition will feature over 150 works, focusing on his lesser-known colour photographs. It will also include his early experimental stereoscopic images, which produce three-dimensional effects, as well as vintage prints, unique works on paper and archival documents.

The exhibition will showcase the breadth of Lartigue’s career, from drawings he made as a child in the 1900s to his work in the fashion world of the 1960s, and his abstract floral photographs of the 1970s. Until recently, the majority of Lartigue’s colour photographs had never been seen, despite representing a third of the 120,000 images in his archive, the Donation JH Lartigue.

About Jacques Henri Lartigue

Born in Courbevoie, in western Paris, to an affluent family, Lartigue began taking black-and-white photographs as a child after receiving a camera from his father. In 1912, he became interested in autochrome, an early technique used to apply colour to photographs, which had recently been invented by the Lumiere brothers.

In 1915, Lartigue attended painting classes at the Academie Julian in Paris before embarking on a career as a painter. In 1928, he stopped his autochrome practice. After the Second World War, photography became Lartigue’s main focus and he began receiving commissions from illustrated magazines and the Rapho press agency. In the early 1960s, Lartigue’s work was introduced to John Szarkowski, Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, culminating in a major solo exhibition in 1963, which brought him international recognition as a professional photographer.

Throughout his later life, Lartigue continued to photograph, paint and write, and published collections of his work, including Diary of a Century, edited by Richard Avedon and designed by Bea Feitler. Lartigue died in 1986, leaving behind a vast archive of photographs, paintings and diaries that capture a century of French society and technological change.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour is organised in collaboration with the Association des Amis de Jacques Henri Lartigue, Ministère de la Culture, France and diChroma Photography.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour
20 June – 4 October 2026
MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3QA
Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays
https://mkgallery.org/

MyMiltonKeynes has announced it bring a colourful and family‑friendly sculpture trail to the city centre this summer, with the launch of Elmer’s Art Parade.

Inspired by the much‑loved children’s book character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the trail will officially launch on Saturday 11th July and will run throughout the school summer holidays. The event will see 12 Elmer sculptures installed at key locations across Milton Keynes City Centre, transforming public spaces into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

Designed to engage children, families and visitors of all ages, Elmer’s Art Parade will encourage exploration, movement and discovery throughout the city centre. Participants will be invited to follow the trails, uncovering each uniquely designed Elmer while experiencing different areas of the city along the way.

The trail forms part of MyMiltonKeynes’ ongoing commitment to boosting footfall and increasing dwell time across multiple city‑centre zones. By installing eye‑catching sculptures and memorable moments, Elmer’s Art Parade is expected to generate strong social media engagement, helping to amplify Milton Keynes’ profile organically through shareable content. The launch also comes as Milton Keynes celebrates being longlisted for UK City of Culture 2026, further highlighting the city’s growing cultural ambition and making this the perfect moment to introduce a vibrant, family‑friendly art trail.

Jill Farnsworth, representing MyMiltonKeynes, said: “Elmer’s story is all about celebrating difference and recognising that being unique is something to be proud of, and that message really resonates with Milton Keynes. We’re not like other cities and that’s exactly what we love about this place. Elmer’s Art Parade allows us to showcase that uniqueness and transform our city centre into a colourful and memorable art gallery during the summer months.  It is part of a wider programme of standout city‑centre events being developed by the BID, that will create genuine excitement, draw people in and help establish Milton Keynes as a place known for big, memorable experiences.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, said:

“We’re delighted to be bringing Elmer’s Art Parade to Milton Keynes this summer in partnership with MyMiltonKeynes. This much-loved story has a unique ability to spark imagination across generations, and this trail turns that magic into a captivating, outdoor experience for the whole community.

Our trails are designed to bring people together, encourage exploration, and create moments of joy in everyday spaces. As families discover each beautifully designed Elmer sculpture, they’ll enjoy a trail that’s fun, imaginative and bursting with creativity.”

Full details of sculpture locations, trail maps and supporting activities will be released closer to the launch date.

The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced details of Make My Music, a brand-new creative music programme designed for young people aged 12–14.

Taking place from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July, the immersive summer programme invites young people to explore music-making through DJing, live beat creation, songwriting and world music workshops in a fun, supportive and inspiring environment.

Make My Music is open to any young person with a keen interest in music, but especially welcomes young people who have not had much chance to take part in practical and creative music-making. The Stables is also offering bursaries to help more of those young people who face barriers in attending to take part.

Running from 10am-4pm each day, Make My Music gives participants the chance to try new musical experiences, collaborate with others and build confidence through creativity.

Each day focuses on a different aspect of contemporary music-making:

• Monday 20 July – Turntablism: Introduction to DJing
  Participants will get hands-on with the fundamentals of scratch DJing and learn the basics of mixing and turntablism.
• Tuesday 21 July – iPad Live Beats: Perform and Create
  Young people will use free iPad music apps to create and perform their own live beats and electronic music.
• Wednesday 22 July – Sounds and Instruments From Around the World
  A practical workshop introducing instruments, rhythms and sounds from diverse musical traditions.
• Thursday 23 July – Creative Songwriting
  An opportunity for aspiring songwriters to collaborate, write lyrics and create original music together.

Young people can book individual days or attend the full four-day programme, with each day affordably priced at £40 per day, including lunch. No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge are required to take part.

The programme reflects The Stables’ ongoing commitment to music education and creative participation for young people across the region. Founded by Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, The Stables has been championing access to music and the arts for more than 50 years.

Graeme Surtees, Head of Learning & Participation at The Stables, said:

“Make My Music is all about creativity, curiosity and giving young people the chance to explore music in exciting new ways. Whether they’re interested in DJing, songwriting, beats or discovering instruments from around the world, we want participants to feel inspired, supported and empowered to express themselves through music.”

Places are limited to 30 people per workshop and advance application is required.

For more information and to apply for a place CLICK HERE

Modern architecture, huge green spaces, great shopping opportunities, world-famous history, and top-class entertainment make Milton Keynes one of the UK’s most surprising destinations.

Often known for its grid roads and redways, the city offers far more than visitors expect — from wartime codebreaking centres to lakeside adventures and indoor skiing – all waiting to be discovered

Here are the top 10 attractions visitors should add to their Milton Keynes itinerary…

1. Bletchley Park

No visit to Milton Keynes is complete without exploring the legendary wartime estate where Allied codebreakers cracked the German Enigma code during World War II. Interactive exhibitions, restored huts, and fascinating stories bring one of Britain’s greatest intelligence operations to life. It remains one of the city’s most internationally recognised attractions.

2. Willen Lake

Willen Lake is the recreational heart of Milton Keynes. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking and cycling routes, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water activities, cafés, and picnic areas. The surrounding parkland also includes adventure attractions and peaceful lakeside viewpoints, making it ideal for both families and couples.

3. Xscape Milton Keynes

This giant entertainment complex combines indoor skiing, climbing walls, skydiving simulation, cinemas, restaurants, and gaming experiences under one roof. It’s especially popular during rainy weather and offers year-round activities for all ages.

4. Milton Keynes Theatre

Milton Keynes Theatre is one of the city’s leading entertainment venues, known for hosting major West End productions, comedy shows, concerts, ballet, and family performances throughout the year. Located in the heart of the city centre, the modern theatre attracts visitors from across the region.

5. centre:mk & Midsummer Place

Milton Keynes is known for its great shopping. Right in the heart of the city centre, within easy reach of the main railway station and with excellent parking, you’ll find the two main undercover shopping centres offering a huge range of top brands including Apple, Lego, Reiss, Space NK, H&M, Primark, Zara, Mango and more. Plus, you’ll find many restaurants and eateries to help you rest and refuel in between shops.

6. Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort

Perfect for younger families, Gulliver’s Land features themed rides, adventure zones, seasonal events, and interactive attractions designed primarily for children aged 2–13. The park has become one of Milton Keynes’ best-known family destinations.

7. Milton Keynes Museum

Milton Keynes Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and heritage of the local area, from rural village life to the development of the modern new city. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historic farm buildings, vintage transport, and recreated period rooms, making it a fun and educational attraction for families and history enthusiasts alike.

8. MK Gallery

As the leading contemporary art venue in the region, MK Gallery showcases modern exhibitions from internationally recognised artists alongside photography, film, performance, and cultural events. The gallery also features a cinema, café, and creative spaces, making it a popular destination for art lovers and visitors exploring the city centre.

9. Campbell Park

Stretching from the city centre toward the Grand Union Canal, Campbell Park blends landscaped gardens, public art, event spaces, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s also home to the iconic Light Pyramid sculpture and regularly hosts festivals and outdoor performances, and is free to visit.

10. Ouzel Valley Park

For visitors who enjoy walking, wildlife, and open green spaces, Ouzel Valley Park showcases the natural side of Milton Keynes. The park features riverside trails, public art pieces, historic monuments, cycling routes, and links into the city’s famous Redway network. Free to explore.

Visitors are rediscovering Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes has steadily evolved into one of the UK’s most versatile short-break destinations, given the city’s combination of modern entertainment, extensive parks, cultural attractions, and easy transport links – what will you explore?

The iconic 80s movie comes to the stage: The Karate Kid – The Musical, based on the original Columbia Pictures motion picture written by Robert Mark Kamen, arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 16 – Sat 20 June.

Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane and Leo Stages present the UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL. Based on the smash hit Columbia Pictures motion picture, this new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 film that launched a 40-year global franchise, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.

Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this new musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations. Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within.

Adrian Pang will lead the company as Mr. Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.

Adrian Pang is an acclaimed Singaporean performer whose extensive stage career spans the UK and Asia. Credits include the title roles in Hamlet and Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, The Grand Babylon Hotel, The Glass Menagerie, Little Shop of Horrors, Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple and The God of Carnage. In 2024 he portrayed Ying Ruocheng in the world premiere of Salesman in China at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, later reprising the role at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Gino Ochello, a Gibraltar-born performer and singer makes his professional stage debut as Daniel LaRusso. Abigail Amin a recent Arts Ed graduate, recently completed filming James Graham’s feature film Ink directed by Danny Boyle. Joe Simmons also recently graduated from ArtsEd, with credits including Cruel Intentions (UK Tour) and Pippin (West End). Matt Mills’ theatre credits include MJ the Musical (West End), Dreamgirls (UK Tour), Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (West End), Motown the Musical (UK Tour) and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (UK Tour).

Featuring a Tony Award®-winning design team and an electrifying new score, this coming-of-age masterpiece is reimagined for the stage with stunning artistry and ground-breaking choreography.

Tickets are on sale now and are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS
The Karate Kid The Musical
Performances: Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jun
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

Following the seventeenth West End and fifth Broadway extensions, the Tony Award® and double Olivier Award®-winning musical Operation Mincemeat comes to Milton Keynes Theatre.

Having launched on 16 February 2026 at Lowry in Salford – the venue that first encouraged the writers’ extraordinary debut musical and hosted its first-ever scratch performance in 2017 – a 40-week run will play at theatres nationwide through 28 November 2026, including Milton Keynes Theatre from 8 – 13 June.

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Reprising their acclaimed roles, West End alumnae Christian Andrews (Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas), Seán Carey (The Play That Goes Wrong), Charlotte Hanna-Williams (Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella), and Holly Sumpton (Lovers Actually) are joined by new recruit Jamie- Rose Monk (Rome & Juliet) to form the cast, while Katy Ellis (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Georgina Hagen (Only Fools & Horses), Jordan Pearson (Back to the Future: The Musical), and
Morgan Phillips (The History Boys) complete the company.

SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, commented: “We’re so excited to see Operation Mincemeat heading out on a world tour next year, and the fact that it’s all kicking off at The Lowry, Salford – a venue who have fiercely championed us as theatre makers for over a decade, and where some of us made our professional debuts -is incredibly special. Having launched our show on Broadway this year, we know there’s an appetite (and a need) out there for shows which champion joy, and the power of small groups of people to change the world. We’re also delighted to be welcoming back our agents Christian, Charlotte, Holly and Seán, and welcoming our amazing new recruit Jamie-Rose, to kick off the UK leg of the tour – MI5 couldn’t be in more capable or more spectacularly stupid hands. Father’s never been prouder!”

The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice from SpitLip, a quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.

Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Mon 8 – Sat 13 Jun. Tickets are available now via
ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
Performances: Mon 8 Jun – Sat 13 Jun 2026
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 Theatre has unveiled its vibrant Summer Season for 2026, featuring an unparalleled line-up of West End hits, iconic concerts, award‑winning drama, side‑splitting comedy, beloved family favourites and world‑class dance.  The season promises unforgettable experiences for every audience.

June brings a packed programme of dance, comedy and musical theatre, including the internationally celebrated all-male comedy ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (2–3 June), Midge Ure (4 June), and Strictly Come Dancing favourites Amy Dowden & Carlos Gu (5 June).

One of the summer’s biggest highlights follows with the award-winning, record-breaking smash hit musical, Operation Mincemeat, running 8–13 June. This hilarious show tells the unbelievably true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. Get your tickets quick!

The Milton Keynes Theatre stage then welcomes The Karate Kid – The Musical (16–20 June) and the iconic Lord of the Dance for its 30th Anniversary Tour (22–28 June).

Families will also delight in the return of The Tiger Who Came to Tea on 29 June.

Closing the month, audiences can enjoy the political satire I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, opening 30 June, starring Simon Rouse (ITV’s The Bill) and Clive Francis (BBC’s Poldark, Netflix’s The Crown).

July kicks off with Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed and award-winning dance production The Car Man, running 7–11 July, followed by the gripping stage adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (14–18 July), starring Ralf Little (The Royale Family, Death in Paradise).

Music fans are treated to A Vision of Elvis (19 July) and Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (27 July), while families and musical lovers can look forward to the beloved classic Annie from 21–26 July.

August opens with the feel-good favourite The Magic of Motown on 1 August, bringing timeless hits and high energy choreography back to the Milton Keynes Theatre stage.

The summer season ends with a bang as the iconic Dirty Dancing arrives for a special run 27–29 August, giving audiences the chance to relive the romance, music and emotion of the beloved film live on stage.  Be the first to see the new tour as it opens in Milton Keynes!

View the full programme of events at Milton Keynes Theatre and book your tickets at:
ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

Milton Keynes Theatre – 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ

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

Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to take part and support the UK City of Culture 2029 Bid – come along, get creative and share your ideas. Everyone is welcome.

Join a session

Meet the team, connect with others and help imagine the future of Milton Keynes.

Future City Workshop

Join artists Tom Eke and Ciara Callaghan for a collaborative workshop exploring Milton Keynes as UK City of Culture 2029. Through drawing, large-scale mapping, model-making and conversation, we’ll reimagine the city – its festivals, public spaces, architecture and stories.

Add your ideas, dreams and provocations to a growing shared vision of what’s to come.

Locations:
The Box Arts Club
18–20 Burners Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3HB
Friday 5 June, 1:30–7pm

Market Hall, Wolverton
Glyn Square, 171b McConnell Drive, Milton Keynes MK12 5JQ
Friday 26 June, 5–7pm

The Book of Ideas

Ursula White and Rachel Wright with a team of artists are inviting people who live and work in MK to take part in a ‘Book of Ideas’. They are hosting 8 pop-up events with lots of activities designed to inspire creativity and conversation. Everyone is welcome. Everything created will be added to the Book of Ideas, capturing what MK means to the people who work here and call it home – its stories, hopes, imagination and identity.

Special Request…if you have a favourite family recipe to add to city recipe chapter of the Book of Ideas, please bring it along and pop it in the big cooking pot.

Book of Ideas POP-UP Events:

Saturday 6 June 1.30pm – 6.30pm
Art in the Park, Campbell Park Plateau, MK9 4BL

Saturday 13 June 10.30am – 12.30pm
Central Library (Foyer), Silbury Boulevard, MK9 3HL

Sunday 14 June 12pm – 7pm
Folk on the Green (The Memorial Garden), Horsehair Green, Stony Stratford, MK11 1JP

Sunday 21 June 10am – 6.30pm
Midsummer Festival, Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3QA

Tuesday 23 June 10.30am -12.30pm
Kingston Library, Winchester Circle, Kingston, MK10 OBA

Thursday 25 June 11am – 4.30pm
Milton Keynes Market (opposite the shopping centre clock just outside centre:mk), MK9 3BB

Sunday 28 June 11am – 4.30pm
Middleton Hall (Near Pret A Manger), centre:mk,

Saturday 4 July 12pm- 3pm
African Diaspora Festival 2026, Campbell Park, MK9 4BA

Creative Collage with Robin Clements

Join Milton Keynes Arts Centre and artist Robin Clements for a series of fun, relaxed collage sessions. Meet the team, get creative and share your hopes, dreams and ideas for 2029. There are sessions suitable for both adults and children*. People who prefer not to get their hands dirty are also very welcome to come along and tell us their ideas. Refreshments will be provided.

Dates and locations are as follows:

Mon 15 June – Rowans Family Centre
Family: 4pm & 5pm | Adult (16+): 6pm
13a Moorfoot, Fullers Slade, MK11 2BD

Tue 16 June – Frank Moran Centre
Adult (16+): 3pm, 4pm & 5pm
12 Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PA

Wed 17 June – Eaglestone Activity Centre
Family: 3:30pm & 4:30pm | Adult (16+): 5:30pm
5 Harrier Court, MK6 5BZ

Thu 18 June – Ellen Pettit Memorial Hall, Woburn Sands
Family: 4pm & 5pm | Adult (16+): 6pm
High Street, MK17 8RH

Fri 19 June – New Bradwell Community Centre
Family: 3pm & 4pm | Adult (16+): 5pm
Church Street, MK13 0DA

Tue 23 & Wed 24 June – Bow Brickhill Pavilion
Adult (16+): 7pm & 8pm
Rushmere Close, MK17 9JB

Thu 25 June – Broughton Pavilion
Family: 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
139 Tanfield Lane, MK10 9NJ

Fri 26 June – Oxley Park Community Centre
Family: 4pm & 5pm | Adult (16+): 6pm
Redgrave Drive, MK4 4TA

All workshops are FREE but due to limited space book a free ticket here: https://www.miltonkeynesartscentre.org/events

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Activities are suitable for ages 7+.

MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes is proud to announce its sponsorship of MK Weekender 2026, taking place at Campbell Park on 14 and 15 August, one of the city’s most anticipated summer events.

The popular music weekend will bring thousands of people together in the heart of Milton Keynes to celebrate live music, entertainment and community spirit. This year’s event features an exciting line up including Scouting for Girls, alongside DJ sets from Charlie Hedges, Martin Kemp and Chris Gregg, promising a weekend full of iconic songs and unforgettable moments.

As part of the Milton Keynes leisure and hospitality scene, MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes is proud to support events that help bring the community together and showcase the city’s vibrant cultural life.

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at MERKUR Casino UK, said:

“Milton Keynes is a city with a strong sense of community and an exciting cultural scene. Events like MK Weekender bring people together through music and shared experiences, and we are proud for MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes to support an event that celebrates everything that makes the city such a vibrant place to live and visit. Supporting local events like this reflects our commitment to being a positive part of the Milton Keynes community.”

The sponsorship reflects MERKUR Casino’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and contributing to the entertainment and cultural life of the city.

George Gordon, Venue Manager at MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes, added:

“MK Weekender is a fantastic event for the city and something the whole community can enjoy. We are incredibly proud to support such a major local event and to see Campbell Park come alive with music and entertainment. As a venue based in the heart of Milton Keynes, it means a lot for us to be involved in something that brings so many people together.”

With Campbell Park set to transform into a vibrant festival site for the weekend, MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes looks forward to welcoming music fans from across the region and celebrating another memorable event in the city’s calendar.

Diaspora Calling! will make its UK debut on Friday 7th August 2026 with a major open-air event at Milton Keynes National Bowl. The inaugural edition will be headlined by the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill in what is currently her only confirmed UK performance for 2026. She will be joined by Wyclef Jean, YG Marley and Zion Marley, with further artists across the two stages to be announced in the coming months.

Originally launched in 2016, Diaspora Calling! was conceived by Ms. Lauryn Hill as a music and art initiative celebrating the culture, creativity and shared histories of the African diaspora. The project began with a curated art exhibition and live performance at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, where Ms. Hill presented a gallery focused heavily on Haitian art alongside a programme of live music. The concept later expanded into a tour that featured artists including Nas, Kehlani, Noname and Little Simz. Across its various iterations, the platform has centred on themes of unity, resilience and cultural exchange among African descendant communities worldwide.

Ms. Lauryn Hill is a Grammy-winning singer, rapper and songwriter whose vast influence spans hip-hop, soul and R&B. She first rose to prominence as part of the game-changing Fugees before releasing her landmark solo album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, which earned five Grammy Awards. Hill is celebrated for her lyrical depth and genre-blending sound and is a culturally significant artist whose work continues to centre identity, spirituality and social consciousness.

Supporting her is Wyclef Jean, a fellow Grammy-winning artist, producer and founding member of the Fugees whose sound blends hip-hop with Caribbean, soul and global influences. Representing a new generation is YG Marley who brings conscious lyricism and reggae-rooted sounds that reflect the legacy of his family while carving out his own contemporary voice. Zion Marley continues the Marley lineage with his own modern fusion of reggae, soul and hip-hop to the diaspora-inspired lineup.

The 2026 UK edition brings this vision to one of the country’s largest outdoor venues with a full food village offering a range of different tastes and treats from several traders. Milton Keynes National Bowl is a haven for large-scale concerts and festivals with high-spec lights and sound with easy access that makes it a perfect setting for a show of this importance.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31st March at 9am!

Sign up for access via diasporacalling.com

Milton Keynes is gearing up for four unforgettable days of laughter as tickets are now officially on sale for the first ever Milton Keynes Comedy Festival, taking place from 9–12 July 2026 across multiple venues in the city centre.

Following February’s announcement of the festival’s star‑studded line‑up, comedy fans can now secure their seats for some of the biggest names in British comedy, with tickets available exclusively through the Festival’s new website: www.miltonkeynescomedyfestival.com.

Created by MyMiltonKeynes BID in partnership with The Comedy Cow, the festival will transform iconic city locations — including Hotel La Tour, MK Gallery, Blossom Room, Midsummer Tap, Revolución de Cuba, MERKUR Casino and The Residence — into a buzzing four‑day celebration of comedy talent.

Audiences can look forward to major headline acts including:

Ed Byrne | Joe Pasquale | Sara Pascoe | Simon Brodkin | Rhys James | Nina Benjamin | Matt Richardson | Ria Lina | Felicity Ward | Fiona Allen | Darren Harriott | Hal Cruttenden | Brennan Reece | Tez Ilyas | Eshaan Akbar

These national favourites will be joined by a diverse programme of alternative and interactive shows such as John Robertson’s The Dark Room, The Noise Next Door, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, along with the much‑loved Faulty Towers dining experience.

Jill Farnsworth, CEO of MyMiltonKeynes BID, said:
“The reaction to the launch of the Milton Keynes Comedy Festival has been phenomenal. We’re thrilled to now open ticket sales and give people the chance to book to see these great acts. This is a huge moment for Milton Keynes and we can’t wait to welcome audiences for four days of brilliant entertainment this July.”

Mark Row and Ben Robinson of The Comedy Cow added:
“We’ve curated a festival that mixes household names with innovative and immersive comedy experiences. MK is ready for a major comedy moment — and this is just the beginning.”

With shows running day and night across the long weekend, the festival promises to bring new audiences into the city, boost the local economy and shine a light on Milton Keynes’ growing cultural scene.

Get tickets: www.miltonkeynescomedyfestival.com