A Tree of Hope has been planted in the city, marking Milton Keynes’ role in a nationwide initiative to honour the legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and create a lasting symbol of hope for future generations.

On Friday 23 January, the sapling was officially planted by community representatives and dignitaries including the Lord-lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Elizabeth Howe. The planting ceremony took place in Stanton Low Park, the location chosen for the Tree of Hope due to its rich heritage, tranquil setting and connection to nature.

The Sycamore Gap tree held cultural and emotional significance for people from all walks of life, and the Tree of Hope initiative ensures that its legacy lives on. It’s hoped that each sapling will act as a living reminder of resilience, renewal and the importance of protecting the natural world.

The Parks Trust, the charity caring for MK’s parks, is proudly one of only 49 organisations across the UK to receive a sapling grown from the historic tree. Over time, the Tree of Hope will grow into a place for quiet reflection, community gathering and celebration.

Victoria Miles, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been chosen to be part of this national initiative! Having a Tree of Hope in our city echoes our charity’s purpose, to provide amazing green spaces for our communities to love forever. It symbolises renewal, connection and our shared responsibility to care for nature. I hope that people will find the Tree of Hope to be a meaningful place for our communities for many generations to come.”

Due to the very wet ground at the planting ceremony on Friday, The Parks Trust decided to temporarily care for the sapling in their nursery over the weekend. To give the tree it’s best chances, the sapling will be replanted in a location very nearby in Stanton Low Park with more ideal ground conditions.

If you’ve not been to Stanton Low Park before, discover it here:
theparkstrust.com/stantonlowpark

The first-ever UK and Ireland tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Milton Keynes Theatre direct from the West End from Tue 27 Jan – Sat 7 Feb 2026.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner, the twelve-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds.

The cast will be led by Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi (Moulin Rouge! Das Musical, Cologne; Sweet Charity, Nottingham Playhouse) and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Ghost the Musical, UK Tour; Hairspray, London Coliseum), who will share the iconic role of Tina Turner, alongside David King-Yombo (Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre; Oklahoma!, Wyndham’s Theatre) as Ike Turner.

Joining them in the cast is Martin Allanson, who will play Record Producer Phil Spector, with William Beckerleg as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Rushand Chambers as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Claude East as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (GG), Isaac Elder as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Georgia Gillam as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Kyle Richardson as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, and Gemma Sutton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL continues to run in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre, where it has played for over 6 years following its world premiere, receiving critical acclaim, and breaking all Box Office records at the venue. It is currently booking until 25 October 2025, making it the longest-running show to ever run at the Aldwych. The production is also a global success, with 8 productions having opened worldwide since 2018, including on Broadway and across North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. The show is currently on tour in both North America and Australia.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, and wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
Performances: Tue 27 Jan – Sat 7 Feb 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

Reggae Land has revealed their full line-up for its sixth and biggest edition to date when it returns to Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026. With more than 120 artists due to perform across seven stages, the announcement proves that this will be the celebrated festival’s most ambitious year yet, with one of the biggest ever reggae and dancehall festival line-ups ever assembled anywhere in the world.

Since moving to Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, Reggae Land has transformed the iconic venue into a Caribbean cultural hub that carefully combines world-class performances with Caribbean food villages, rum bars, flea markets, museum spaces and immersive decor. In 2026, the festival expands further with the addition of two new stages, even higher levels of production and sound and up to 100,000 attendees across the weekend. All this and more makes Reggae Land a truly authentic and tastefully curated showcase of Caribbean music, food and art in many different forms.

Across the much anticipated August weekend, Reggae Land will once again celebrate a full spectrum from roots and reggae royalty to dancehall, dub, jungle and carnival energy, all while bringing together legendary names, global stars, emerging artists and scene-defining selectors.

Saturday’s Main Stage is led by the return of two reggae and dancehall legends, bringing their exclusive world debut of landmark supergroup The King & The Royals, which unites the king of dancehall himself, Beenie Man, alongside reggae royalty, Morgan Heritage, both returning to Reggae Land having performed separately in 2023 and 2025 respectively. The King & The Royals serve up a historic, unifying live experience that brings together their two Grammy-winning legacies for one powerful, deeply authentic celebration, with spiritual uplift and lyrical mastery at its core. Dancehall fire and reggae soul will collide and feature many of their global hits, timeless classics and an emotional, high-energy vibe designed for all ages and all generations. They will be joined by debut performances from Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Jah9, as well as Konshens and Kranium, who both make their debut Reggae Land appearances.

On Sunday, the Main Stage welcomes one of the most sought after dancehall artists on the planet, making his long awaited Reggae Land debut, the one and only Vybz Kartel. He is one of dancehall’s most influential and prolific artists and has long redefined the genre with his razor sharp lyricism, endless creativity and unmatched cultural impact. He’s a global hit machine with standouts including ‘Summertime,’ ‘Wine to the Top’ and “Party With Me” plus a catalogue that spans street anthems, club classics and melodic crossovers. On stage, Kartel brings intensity, presence and unifying singalongs charged with attitude and an unmistakable sound that has shaped modern dancehall.

Alongside him is another debut Reggae Land performance from the incredible Grammy nominated Shenseea, as well as the return of one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful exports, Shaggy, making his first appearance since headlining the very first Reggae Land back in 2022. Super Cat, Inner Circle and Mo’Kalamity & The Wizards make up the rest of Sunday’s mainstage line-up, who all continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing iconic voices alongside contemporary global stars.

The One Love Stage continues to honour roots, culture and conscious sounds. Saturday’s lineup includes Richie Spice, Ken Boothe, Jesse Royal, Samory I, League of Rebelz and Ras Kwame, while Sunday sees performances from Sanchez, Mr Vegas, Alborosie, Third World and Hollie Cook.

New for 2026, the Dancehall Stage delivers high-energy performances and sound system culture across both days. Saturday features T.O.K, Charly Black, Stylo G, The Heatwave presents Hot Wuk and sets from Seani B, Kash & Pharaoh G, DJ Larni and DJ Dennyhus & Prime. Sunday brings Cham, Serani, Ding Dong, David Rodigan, Becca D, Shayna Marie, DJ Nate and DJ Davda.

The Carnival Stage brings crossover energy and bass-driven sounds. Saturday includes General Levy, the Jungle Cakes takeover featuring Ed Solo, Deekline, Benny Page, Navigator and Killa P, Eva Lazarus, Robbo Ranx, Prince Fatty & Horseman, Jamie Rodigan and Sugarkane. Sunday hosts Congo Natty, Fabio & Grooverider & MC GQ, Top Cat (Live), Ragga Twins Crew, Shabba presents Janelle Wynter, Serocee & Friends, Ras Kwame’s Reggae Recipe and Kaya Fyah.

The Dub Stage returns with heavyweight sound system culture across both days, including Mad Professor, Little Lion Sound, Reggae Roast, Scientist, Mungos Hi Fi  & Charlie P, Aba Shanti I, YNG CPTN Sound, Sisters in Dub, Saxon Sound, Side by Side Soundsystem, King Tubby’s Soundsystem and more.

Rompa’s Reggae Shack returns with Ayito, Clapper Priest, Chez, Boxer Banton, Daddy Nature, DJ Ardi, DJ Dansey, Uncle Dugs, Lionpulse and more across the weekend, while the newly introduced Bob’s Bar Stage provides a dedicated space for roots reggae, dub and lovers rock. Across the weekend, artists include Earl Gateshead, Don Letts, Iration Steppas, Channel One, Dub Pistols Sound System, Rhoda Dakar,  Greensleeves Hi Fi, Josh Skints, Mark Ryder, Gully B and Queen Bee. 

Nowhere in the country, or arguably anywhere in Europe, serves up such a rich, tasteful blend of Caribbean music and culture than Reggae Land, as of 2 February 2026 – tickets were all sold out. Keep an eye on our socials for additional ticket releases.

Friday 23 January marks a major milestone for Milton Keynes: exactly one year until the city is 60 years old, having been officially designated as a New Town on 23 January 1967.

The countdown begins now to mark six decades of community spirit, growth, and creativity.

Over the years, Milton Keynes has grown from a bold idea into one of the UK’s most successful and fastest growing cities. Home to major national and international companies, world leading innovation, and one of the most diverse and welcoming populations in the country, Milton Keynes has truly made its mark. Its energy, ambition and strong community networks helped it achieve official city status in 2022, recognising the important role the city plays on both a national and global stage.

Milton Keynes City Council, working closely with partners, has begun exploring ideas for an exciting cultural programme for 2027 to celebrate the city’s achievements and shine a light on everything that makes Milton Keynes a special place to live, work and visit. The city council is inviting residents and community groups to share their ideas on what local events could help bring communities together, focusing on neighbourhood celebrations on the day itself, to a high profile summer event, and opportunities during the International Festival.

Cllr Shanika Mahendren, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said: “We want 2027 to be a truly outstanding celebration of culture, one where everyone can take part, share their stories and come together. It’s a chance for people across Milton Keynes to showcase their heritage, their ambitions and the ideas that continue to build our reputation as a city of innovation and imagination. I look forward to working with communities across Milton Keynes to create an unforgettable year of celebration.”

The Milton Keynes Museum team has been working closely with the city council and communities across the city for the past two years to develop the New City Gallery and to collect and celebrate the city’s shared story.

Bill Griffiths, Director of Milton Keynes Museum said: “Milton Keynes is one of the most important national city building projects of the twentieth century, and it continues to grow and evolve. It is a unique example of what can be achieved by people and communities coming together to build their own city and culture. The 60th birthday is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate this and look to the future together with optimism.”

There will be many other opportunities for local people to get involved, starting with a series of workshops consulting on a new Creative and Cultural Strategy, which is also due to begin in 2027.

For more information about the 60th anniversary plans, how to get involved, and the development of the new Creative and Cultural Strategy, visit:
City Council’s Culture Page

Milton Keynes is set for a night of big laughs as The Comedy Cow returns to The Venue MK on Friday 27 February, delivering an unmissable evening of live stand-up comedy.

Doors open at 19:00, with the show starting promptly at 20:00.

Headlining the night is the brilliantly anarchic Spencer Jones, star of Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show. Known for his surreal storytelling, musical madness, and unpredictable charm, Jones promises a headline set packed with originality and laughter.

Opening the show is comedy veteran Mike Gunn, one of the UK circuit’s most respected acts, bringing razor-sharp wit and masterful timing to kick the night off in style.

Holding the night together as MC is the ever-reliable Julian Deane, whose slick crowd work and warm delivery make him a favourite at comedy clubs across the country. Completing the line-up is rising star Ed Hedges, taking the middle spot with his clever, relatable humour and fast-growing reputation.

Event details:

• Event: The Comedy Cow
• Venue: The Venue MK
• Date: Friday 27 February
• Doors: 19:00
• Show starts: 20:00

With a carefully curated line-up of established names and exciting talent, The Comedy Cow continues its reputation for bringing high-quality comedy nights to Milton Keynes.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is strongly advised.

BOOK HERE

The Community Orchard at Woughton on the Green celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!

Planted in 1976 by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, the orchard is the largest of its kind in the city and is now cared for by The Parks Trust alongside volunteers from the Mid Shires Orchard Group.

Home to 19 native apple varieties, the orchard continues its original purpose of offering free fruit for local people to enjoy. To mark the golden anniversary, several community events will take place in 2026, including a traditional Wassail Ceremony on 24 January, a Spring Picnic on 9 May, a Summer Picnic on 25 July, and the popular Apple Day on 17 October. Full event details are available on theparkstrust.com/goldenorchard

The orchard’s history stretches back even further to its days as Cottage Farm, once home to Patch, a much‑loved Shire horse whose name lives on in the nearby allotments. As part of the anniversary, The Parks Trust is inviting residents to share personal memories and stories of the orchard. Visitors are reminded to collect apples from the ground rather than picking from the trees to help protect them.

Amy Gerhard, Events & Community Engagement Assistant at The Parks Trust says “The orchard has always been for the people of Milton Keynes, and this anniversary is a chance to celebrate that together. From the Wassail to picnics and Apple Day, these events are all about bringing neighbours, families, and friends together to share in its rich history and vibrant future.”

Find out more on theparkstrust.com/goldenorchard

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has selected ATG Entertainment (ATG) as its preferred partner to operate a brand-new, multi-purpose events venue in the heart of Milton Keynes.

ATG, the global leader in live entertainment with over 30 years of experience, will bring its national and international expertise to the 4,000-capacity venue at the Old Bus Station, Elder Gate. The venue is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually, hosting a diverse range of performers and acts. It will complement ATG’s highly successful operation of Milton Keynes Theatre since it opened in 1999 by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theatre cannot accommodate.

This landmark project represents a £76 million investment from MKDP and is forecast to deliver £158 million in economic and community benefits, alongside creating approximately 70 new jobs. The development forms part of MKDP’s updated Business Plan for 2024–2027, which focuses on transformative placemaking projects to enhance the city centre and provide facilities befitting a growing city. The venue will be located adjacent to the recently revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander UK’s new £150 million headquarters and community hub.

ATG has a proven track record of attracting major acts and strengthening cultural offerings. This new venue will expand Milton Keynes’ entertainment landscape, giving residents and visitors access to blockbuster concerts and large-scale live experiences, with over 100 headline events planned annually.

Later this year, MKDP will begin the planning process, including a public consultation to ensure local voices help shape the development. Construction is expected to start soon after, with the venue scheduled to open in 2029.

“Identifying ATG as our preferred partner takes us one step closer to delivering a world-class events venue for Milton Keynes. This project reflects our shared vision with Milton Keynes City Council to create a vibrant, welcoming city centre that offers something for everyone. The venue will not only bring incredible live entertainment to the heart of the city but also boost the local economy, create jobs, and strengthen Milton Keynes’ reputation as a destination for music, culture, and events. We’re excited to work with ATG and the community to make this vision a reality.”
– Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP

“We are delighted to be named preferred partner for this landmark new venue in Milton Keynes. The city has ambitious plans for its future, a growing population, and a strong cultural appetite, making it an ideal location for a large-scale, multi-purpose events venue of this kind.

This new venue will complement the success of Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale live music, comedy, and entertainment experiences that cannot currently be accommodated, broadening the city’s cultural offer for residents and visitors alike.

As the global leader in live entertainment, we work with the world’s leading artists, promoters, and producers to present concerts, comedy, and live events at scale, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to Milton Keynes. We’re excited to work in partnership with MKDP, the City Council, and the local community to create a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the city.”
– Nick Potter, Chief Operating Officer for ATG Entertainment

MKDP is an independent organisation owned by Milton Keynes City Council. Through strategic land development, MKDP generates funding to support placemaking projects across the city. By 2027, MKDP will have provided £7.8 million to the city council for placemaking projects, rising to £23 million by 2035/36.

The Milton Keynes branch of John Lewis, in partnership with the UK and Ireland tour of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, is showcasing costumes from the production ahead of its arrival at Milton Keynes Theatre, where it will play from Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 7 February. The costumes are on display now until 9 February.

Designed by set and costume designer Mark Thompson, costumes on display at the store include replicas of the iconic gold fringe dress worn by Tina Turner for her landmark performance of Proud Mary on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, and the unforgettable red leather outfit from Tina’s 1988 Rio de Janeiro concert. This unique opportunity gives Milton Keynes shoppers the chance to see the costumes up close.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner, the twelve-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds.

Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy will share the iconic role of Tina Turner alongside David King-Yombo as Ike Turner. Martin Allanson will play Record Producer Phil Spector, with William Beckerleg as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Rushand Chambers as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Claude East as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (GG), Isaac Elder as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Georgia Gillam as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Kyle Richardson as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Bree Smith as Standby Tina Turner and Gemma Sutton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

The National Theatre’s tour of Dear England will be entertaining football and non-football fans alike when it kicks off at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January 2026.

Following a record-breaking run in the West End in 2023, James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play Dear England is now on tour, visiting 16 venues across England, in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals. Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 20 – Sat 24 Jan 2026, with tickets available now via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

Dear England is ‘gripping, moving and funny…as good as theatre gets’ (★★★★ The Sunday Times). Audiences have been brought to their feet for this inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.

Heading the cast in “the decade’s biggest theatrical triumph” (★★★★ Daily Telegraph) is David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (EastEnders, Mount Pleasant) playing team psychologist Pippa Grange. The cast also includes: Jake Ashton-Nelson (Jordan Henderson), Luke Azille (Jadon Sancho), Ian Bartholomew (Greg Dyke), Jass Beki (Bukayo Saka), Ashley Byam (Raheem Sterling), Steven Dykes (Sam Allardyce), Courtney George (Alex Scott), Oscar Gough (Harry Kane), Jayden Hanley (Marcus Rashford), Connor Hawker (Harry Maguire), Tom Lane (Eric Dier), Ian Kirkby (Gary Lineker), Jack Maddison (Jordan Pickford), Liam Prince-Donnelly (Dele Alli), and George Rainsford (Mike Webster). Stuart Ash, Natalie Boakye, Ebube Chukwuma, Sam Craig, Miles Henderson and Alex Wadham complete the company. The cast are also playing additional roles as part of the ensemble.

Dear England is written by multi-award-winning stage and screen writer James Graham (Punch, West End; Sherwood, BBC One), directed by Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Ink; Almeida Theatre/West End/Broadway), with set design by Es Devlin (Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour; The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre).

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

The National Theatre will run a year-long schools engagement programme inspired by Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ open letter that he wrote to England fans in 2021.  This programme, which will prompt young people across the UK to reflect on their own place in history, just as the footballers in Southgate’s squad were encouraged to do, is in response to this year being the 80^th anniversary of the Second World War.  It will be delivered in schools across England with assemblies and workshops using spoken word and sound design to support students to share the hopes and aspirations they have for themselves and other young people, 80 years from now.  The resulting sound archive will form a unique 2025–2026 time capsule.  Students will also be invited to see performances of Dear England during the tour.  This year-long schools engagement programme is expected to reach over 10,000 young people.

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department.  Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre.  Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records.  Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK.  In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and it won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards later that year.  Dear England returned to the National Theatre in spring 2025, updated to reflect the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament and Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager.  The play had its regional premiere at the Lowry in Salford on 29 May, followed by a 4-week run.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

Dear England
Performances: Tue 20 Jan – Sat 24 Jan 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

Stony Stratford is set for a huge night of laughter as The Comedy Cow brings a special Comedy Night to The Cock Hotel on Thursday 15th January, featuring an outstanding lineup from the UK comedy circuit.

Headlining the evening is Terry Alderton, one of Britain’s most original and unpredictable comedians. Known for his explosive energy, surreal storytelling and appearances on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and EastEnders, Alderton promises a headline set packed with big laughs and bold comedy.

Opening the show is rising star Tadiwa Mahlunge, whose sharp observations and infectious stage presence have quickly made him one of the most exciting new voices in stand-up.

The night will be hosted by Stevie Gray, an experienced and quick-witted MC who will keep the laughs flowing from start to finish.

The lineup is further strengthened by shorter performances from Ben Ashurst and Kate Robb, adding even more variety and laughs throughout the evening.

Set in the intimate and welcoming surroundings of The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, this Comedy Cow event offers audiences the chance to enjoy top-quality live stand-up in a relaxed, local setting.

Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm.

With a strong lineup and limited capacity, this event is expected to sell fast.

Tickets are available from The Comedy Cow website: www.thecomedycow.co.uk

As the New Year begins, Milton Keynes is looking forward to a packed events programme in 2026 with live music, festivals, theatre and one-off events ready to stimulate the senses and bring the city to life!

What are you most looking forward to?

The National Bowl

Electronic music legends The Prodigy are returning to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes for the Warriors Dance Festival on Saturday 22 August 2026. This event will create history, bringing the undisputed heavyweight champions of the beats, The Prodigy, together with four masters of the game for the first time: the legendary Carl Cox, the king of drum & bass Andy C, Mr David “Ram Jam”, Japanese DJ/Producer ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U and the UK’s own SCARLXRD. Tickets are on sale now.

Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2026 for its sixth and biggest edition yet. The UK’s largest Reggae and Caribbean culture festival will once again welcome 100,000 fans across the weekend and unite an unrivalled curation of world-class talent, island flavours and community spirit for two days of unforgettable music and culture. NOW SOLD OUT.

More details on these events and to buy tickets: www.thenationalbowlmk.co.uk

Stadium MK

Stadium MK Group, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, will bring SMK Live – a brand-new multi-artist live music spectacular to Stadium MK on 27 & 28 June 2026.

Designed to become a major annual moment in the UK live entertainment calendar, SMK Live will bring some of the world’s most exciting artists to Milton Keynes for an unforgettable summer celebration filled with iconic hits, electric performances, and an atmosphere like no other.

The first wave of artists for SMK Live has already been announced – Day One headlined by Basement Jaxx, with Clean Bandit, Ella Henderson, Jax Jones and Moonchild Sanelly also confirmed to appear.

Day Two headlined by Black Eyed Peas with special guest Jason Derulo, Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns joins the lineup together with Jaylen Ngonda and Maverick Sabre, and the one and only Big Narstie will be the Day Two host.

Buy tickets: www.smklive.com

Midsummer Festival

The FREE Midsummer Festival event organised by Milton Keynes City Council will return on Sunday 21 June. This family-friendly celebration, inspired by the summer solstice, is held on Midsummer Boulevard, which was famously designed to align with the rising and setting sun. The festival transforms the street and surrounding public spaces into a colourful stage filled with performances, creative workshops, live music, art installations, street food and plenty of activities for all ages. 

More: www.midsummer-festival.co.uk

MK Weekender

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music on a stunning outdoor stage in Campbell Park, right in Central Milton Keynes headlined by the legendary Scouting For Girls on Saturday 15 August and Symphonic Ibiza on Friday 14 August.

Tickets on sale now: https://mkweekender.com/

City of Codes & Light 2026

Prepare for a festival of innovation, art, science, and technology, taking place in Milton Keynes on Saturday 3 October. The Festival team is working with talented artists and digital technologists, to curate an unforgettable experience. More details will be released later in 2026.

Milton Keynes Theatre

In 2026, Milton Keynes Theatre welcomes a stellar lineup of shows and performances further cementing its position as the region’s leading entertainment venue.  This year, you can enjoy The Choir of Man, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Matilda, SIX and so much more.

For tickets visit: www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

MK Gallery

The gallery has an exciting programme of exhibitions coming up in 2026 including:

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour (20 Jun – 4 Oct) will see the UK’s first exhibition of the French photographer’s work in over 10 years.

S. Lowry (24 Oct – 28 Feb) marks the biggest retrospective of the artist’s work in over 50 years.

Find out more: https://mkgallery.org/

Bletchley Park

1940 Weekend returns to Bletchley Park, 13 & 14 June 2026. Get ready for a weekend of vintage fun, music, dancing, food and surprises for all the family. Learn to swing dance and show off your moves to live bands, sing along to timeless tunes that kept spirits high, try your hand at cracking coded messages, meet characters from the 1940s brought to life by re-enactors and join in with 1940s themed activities.

More: www.bletchleypark.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Festival

The UK’s number one Tribute Festival will once again take over Campbell Park in Milton Keynes for the August Bank Holiday weekend. Line up details will be announced soon.

Tickets on sale – 30 January – https://m-k-f.com/

For a full What’s On listing for Milton Keynes – CLICK HERE

Let’s face it…you can’t go wrong with Julia Donaldson. Her books are found in pretty much every household where young children reside. Tales like The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Zog, Tabby McTat and The Scarecrow’s Wedding have been delighting young people and adults for over 25 years.

One of the most beloved of her books is Stick Man and now this wonderful story of an anthropomorphic wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home has been turned into an award-winning stage show by Freckle Productions.

This production is beautifully done, it stays very true to the book, keeping the misadventures of our hero very simple yet wonderfully creative. Just three actors take to the stage in a fully immersive adaptation but using minimal props and some very catchy songs.

They take you on Stick Man’s journey from getting lost in the park, chewed on by a dog, taken to a nest by a swan, being swept out to sea and being used as a bat on a beach and onto to his final adventure when he meets the big man in a red suit, who helps Stick Man get home to the family tree.

We went along with a four-year-old and an eight-year-old, both big fans of the book and both clutching their own Stick Man toys. They loved every second, taking part in the audience participation sections – the naughty dog chases Stick Man through the audience and catching the beach ball. They got swept along in the magic of the story, even reciting some of the most memorable lines word for word.

For young children, where this might be their very first time going to a theatre, it’s a brilliant introduction – nothing is too loud or too in your face. It runs for around 55-60 minutes, with no interval and you can take your own snacks in as well, it’s all very relaxed. Bringing a mix of puppetry, live music, dance and fun – it’s a lovely, gentle story that plays wonderfully to the audience of all ages.

Even as adults, who have read the story countless number of times – we found ourselves rooting for Stick Man to get back to the “…family tree and his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.”

With the Christmas-themed ending, it’s a perfect alternative to some of the bolder, brighter, louder pantomimes, and it plays at The Stables in Milton Keynes until 4 January, with various performance times to suit younger audiences. Don’t miss out, this really is a delightful, heart-warming production that will fill you with joy.

Book here: https://stables.org/event/freckle-theatre-stick-man