The producers of the UK and Ireland tour and WhatsOnStage Award-nominated musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation Steps, are delighted to bring the show to Milton Keynes Theatre for a week of performances, from Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr.

It’s Friday night, and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts? Or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending…

The show stars Lara Denning (& Juliet, UK Tour; Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End) as Caz, Sally Ann Matthews (Coronation Street, ITV) as Patricia, Jacqui Dubois (Ghost The Musical UK tour) as Vel, Blake Patrick Anderson (Emojiland, West End) as Robbie, Rosie Singha (& Juliet UK and Ireland tour) as Neeta, River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, BBC) as Jem, Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical UK and Ireland tour) as Gareth, Edward Baker-Duly (The King and I, Broadway & West End) as Max, Ben Darcy (Pretty Woman, West End) as Ben, John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate, Barbican) as Lesley and Lauren Woolf (I Should Be So Lucky, UK Tour) as Tracey.

Featuring Steps’ most beloved hit songs, HERE & NOW has an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is produced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole and Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger.

Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee) are the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time, with 14 top-five singles, 4 number-one albums, 22 million record sales, 500 million streams & 11 sold-out national arena tours under their belts. The band’s hits include #1 singles Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp, the gold certified One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten, the silver certified 5,6,7,8, Last Thing On My Mind, Love’s Got A Hold On My Heart, Chain Reaction, all of which will feature in the musical alongside many more.

Steps’ 2017 comeback tour sold out all 300,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pop tours of the year. The band have since continued to release new music, including two further iTunes #1 singles, the Sia-penned What The Future Holds in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet Heartbreak In This City in 2022. In 2022, Steps celebrated their 25th anniversary with a headline summer tour and released the #1 album Platinum Collection, which means they join ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades.

Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Matt Spencer-Smith, set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs and hair design by Sam Cox, make-up design by Jackie Saundercock, casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting, Music Technology by Phij Adams and Production Management by Setting Line.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS 

Here & Now – The Steps Musical
Performances: Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr 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 City Council is investing £40,000 to boost Milton Keynes’ grassroots music venues and bring fresh energy to the night-time economy. This funding will help create more free gigs, new DJ nights and better platforms for emerging local talent.

The Craufurd Arms (Wolverton), MK11 (Kiln Farm), The Stables (Wavendon) and Unit Nine (Wolverton) will each receive support to grow their event programmes and strengthen opportunities for local artists.

This shows the importance of grassroots venues to the city’s cultural life, especially for young people who want creative experiences close to home. These independent venues nurture new talent, create jobs in the creative industries and keep the MK night-time economy thriving and the council are committed to helping them continue that work.

Here’s how some of the funding will be used:

• The Craufurd Arms will run a series of live showcases, giving local bands the chance to perform on a professional stage and take home high quality recordings and video content.
• MK11 will launch a run of free-entry gigs, helping more people experience live music while ensuring artists are paid fairly.
• Unit Nine will expand its FUTURE SOUNDS events, giving aspiring DJs and producers the chance to play to large crowds and gain experience on a major stage.

Venues were selected using the Music Venues Trust definition of a Grassroots Music Venue, which recognises independent spaces that champion new and emerging talent, reinvest in their communities and operate with limited profit margins while prioritising cultural value.

Photo: The Stables MK

Living Archive is running a major new Arts Council-funded project, shining a spotlight on Milton Keynes’ rich Hip Hop scene.

In partnership with the OU’s OpenLearn, MÓTUS Dance, MK Council and others, we are celebrating the past, present and future of local Hip Hop, through the voices, moves and creativity of the people who shaped it.

We are looking forward to sharing some exciting new creations, produced as part of this ongoing project.

In May 2026, we will release a limited edition vinyl compilation album, Under The Grid, featuring MK Hip Hop music spanning nearly four decades. Fully re-mastered, these releases celebrate musical creativity in the city, showcasing some of our most exciting hip hop artists.

The album will normally retail at £18, but will be available for the special price of £15 at events connected with the MK Hip Hop project.

Also released in May, a new graphic zine, Under the Grid: MK Hip Hop culture, will feature contributions from a number of MK hip hop creatives, telling the story of hip hop in the city in their own words.

Later this year, we will open an MK Hip Hop exhibition, which will be shown at two venues in MK.

We will also release a brand-new MK Hip Hop documentary film, showcasing music, dance and street art from the city.

Upcoming MK Hip Hop events – click on the links below

Block Party with Break To The Beat – Coffee Hall

Block Party with Break To The Beat –  Netherfield

MK Hip Hop Festival in Middleton Hall

Hip Hop & Rhyme Time with Hip Hop Tots

Families searching for free activities to keep the little ones entertained during the Easter holidays need look no further than Unity Place.

Located in the heart of Milton Keynes and easily accessible via the city’s Redways, Unity Place is encouraging families to hop along to one of their free Easter events including an Egg Hunt Trail and a screening of Peter Rabbit 2.

Everyone is welcome and there’s no need to book for either activity, perfect for those days when you want to get out of the house, but you haven’t made any plans. So, round up a crowd and join in the eggs-cellent fun at Unity Place.

Unity Place Egg Hunt Trail

The Egg Hunt at Unity Place is a free digital trail with clues appearing on screens in and around Unity Place. Every player receives a free chocolate treat, and there’s plenty to enjoy before or after the trail including lunch or snacks in the Urban Food Market as well as giant games to play and a colouring station.

Drop in on weekdays between 11 am and 2 pm, from 30 March to 10 April (excluding bank holidays and weekends) and follow the clues across the screens to uncover every hidden egg.

Find out more here:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/easter-unity-place/

Family Cinema Screening: Peter Rabbit 2

Hop into Unity Place for a free family screening of Peter Rabbit 2 on the large screen in the Urban Food Market. Settle in for a relaxed morning surrounded by great food, fresh coffee and plenty of space for little ones to get comfy before the film begins.

Rye’s Deli will be serving a full range of hot drinks, pastries and light bites, and the Urban Food Market will be open with a wide choice of lunch options.

The screening takes place on Tuesday 31 March at 11 am, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. After the film, stay for lunch and browse the latest Urban Food Market menus.

Peter Rabbit 2 (PG) follows Peter as he ventures beyond the garden and discovers a world that embraces his mischievous streak, until his family sets out on a heartfelt mission to bring him home. It’s a lively, funny and warm family adventure, ideal for the school holidays.

A free, easy-going day out for families looking to make the most of the Easter break at Unity Place.

More details at:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/march-films/

The Dinosaur & Farm Park at Gulliver’s Resort will roar back into action when it opens for the new season in time for the Easter holidays.

In the Dino & Farm Park you can explore the Lost World in Dinosaur Discovery, visit the Reptile and Bug Centre, and a farmyard with a host of animals to enjoy.

It is open 11.00am-5.00pm at weekends from Saturday 28 March and during school holidays throughout the season, with tickets starting at £11 per person.

Gulliver’s Resort in Milton Keynes also encompasses Gulliver’s Land theme park, which started its season at February half-term.

It has more than 50 exciting rides, attractions, shows and activities for young adventure-seekers to enjoy, including The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Resort, said: “Our dinosaurs and animals have been resting up over the winter, and we’re busy getting everything ready to open the Dinosaur & Farm Park for what promises to be a fantastic Easter holidays. We can’t wait to welcome everyone – and ensure families have a giganotosaurus amount of fun during their visit!”

Families looking to savour their time at Gulliver’s Resort can enjoy a super staycation in the theme park’s variety of accommodation, which includes Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, Western Lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

For more information and to book tickets for both Gulliver’s Land and the Dino & Farm Park, visit:
www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

On Saturday 21 March, some of the Gladiators from the hit BBC One show Gladiators will be coming to centre:mk for an action-packed day you won’t want to miss!

You can meet your favourite superhumans, put your skills to the test with a head-to-head battle of balance in the inflatable challenge zone, and strike your ultimate power pose in a brand-new trading card booth.

Join the fun in Middleton Hall, outside John Lewis & Partners from 10am. The event is expected to be busy, so arrive early to make sure you don’t miss out.

FAQs

How does queueing work? / Is there a maximum capacity for the meet and greet? / What happens if the queue is full?

For safety reasons, we have a maximum capacity for the meet and greet of 2000 people which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 2000 guests in the queue will receive a wristband which will guarantee entry to the meet and greet.

If/when the attendee count reaches 2000, we will need to regrettably close the queue and will not guarantee entry. The event is extremely popular and first-come, first-serve is the fairest for all guests.

Once the queue is closed, our event team will clearly communicate this. If you cannot join the queue within the laid-out barrier system, please do not join as entry will not be permitted. We highly recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding — attendee safety always comes first.

How long is the meet & greet queue?

We’re thrilled so many of you want to join us! As you can imagine, the Gladiators draw a big crowd ????

Queue times vary depending on arrival time and time of day, but at peak times you may need to wait a while. Our team works hard to keep things moving safely and smoothly, and we’ll always do our best to see as many people as possible.

If you’re short on time and we recommend participating in the Duel experience as an alternative to the meet and greet.

How long will I get with some of the Gladiators?

The meet and greet is a quick hello, photo opportunity and autograph moment so we can make sure as many fans as possible get to take part.

We know you’d love a long chat (so would we!), but to keep the queue moving it’s a short interaction per group.

Our friendly security and team members will be there to assist you through the experience.

Will all the Gladiators be there? / Which Gladiators will be at Centre MK?

Up to 5 fan-favourite Gladiators will visit Centre MK, ready to meet you all. Please note that we cannot guarantee that all 5 Gladiators will be at the meet and greet when you visit due to breaks in the day.

Is the event free?

Yes — all aspects of the event are free.

Can children attend?

Absolutely! The roadshow is designed to be family-friendly and packed with Gladiator energy.

Can I bring something to be signed?

Yes — you’re welcome to bring one small item per person to be signed.

To keep things fair and moving quickly, signing may be restricted if demand is high.

What should I know about the queue and accessibility?

The queue moves as quickly as possible, but during peak times you may experience a longer wait — we really appreciate your patience. Please note that, for this roadshow, we don’t have a dedicated accessible queue. Everyone joins the same line to ensure safety and a smooth experience for all attendees.

If you or someone in your group has additional needs, our team on-site will do their best to support you. We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time and to speak to a staff member if you have specific concerns.

We’re so excited for you to meet the Gladiators — thank you for understanding and helping us keep the event safe and fun for everyone!

Cards and flowers are all well and good, but this Mother’s Day, why not do something a bit different? Eschew the ‘same old, same old’ for something she’ll genuinely love – a day out at Xscape packed with fun, laughter and time well spent together. From adrenaline-fuelled activities to relaxed family movie time and a celebratory meal, Xscape is your one-stop destination for a day that’s about shared experiences and making memories she’ll look back on long after the day is over.

Let the games begin

Why not turn the day into an adventure and create family teams for the day? If the losing team buys dessert, even better! Head to Funstation and work together to win tickets for those big prizes. Feeling brave? Take the experience up a level with a family indoor skydive at iFLY. Or, challenge each other to a round of golf at Volcano Falls. Whether it’s friendly rivalry or adrenaline-fuelled giggles, moments like these can bring the kind of silly fun that turns into family lore.

Unwind with a film

Slow things down with a family movie day at Vue. Grab a family sized bucket of snacks and catch a feel-good new release – like the adorable animated adventure Hoppers. Mother’s Day is all about uninterrupted quality time with no distractions, no rushing – just sitting side by side and enjoying the chance to relax, having a giggle and just be together. Plus, with free all day parking, there’s no excuse not to make a whole day of it!

Enjoy the moment

Mother’s Day is about the moments in between – the laughs, the spontaneous selfies, and reminiscing. Whether you’re in the mood for big flavours at wagamama, Italian classics at PizzaExpress, or something crowd-pleasing from Nando’s, there’s something for every generation. Take photos throughout the day to document your adventure, whether it’s a victorious arcade win, a pre-film family snap or a post-dinner selfie that the mother figure in your life will treasure long after Mother’s Day has passed.

Plan your visit: https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/en

Willen Lake’s FREE Flavour Fest returns for 2026!

This year’s vendors include:

• The Roast Wrap Co – Roast dinners
• Urban Spice Box – Punjabi cuisine
• Cornwall Place Kitchen – Burgers
• The Mac Daddy – Mac and cheese
• Murphy’s Empawium – Dog treats
• Mils Cookies – Baked goods
• Pampa Candi – Face painting, braids, and more
• The Lime Face – Malaysian street food
• Italian Indulgence – Italian treats

Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, or a fun family day out, Flavour Fest offers something for everyone. The event is open to all, free of charge, and no booking is required.

Normal car parking charges apply.

The hunt will be on at Milton Keynes Museum this Easter, as youngsters search for hidden eggs which lead the way to yummy chocolate rewards – and no-one will go home empty-handed.

This year’s hunt will see visitors trying to locate a couple of incredibly rare golden eggs that will be hiding somewhere in the Museum.

Find those, and you’ll win a large chocolate Easter egg!

The egg search runs daily from Good Friday to Easter Monday, and little creatives will be able to get busy with ancient-gallery-themed arts and crafts, where kids can make their very own paper plate bunny, and peekaboo peg chick (April 1-6 and April 8-10).

And you can decorate your own Easter themed cookie for a small charge (April 3-6), while history fans of all ages will also enjoy being able to get hands-on with replica and original artefacts.

Visitors can also enjoy so much more that the space has to offer; from playing Parlour Games in the farmhouse and peeking into the world of toys over the years, to taking a stroll along the popular Street of Shops with their original facades from stores once active in our towns.

You’ll also gain an understanding of farming habits locally, and can see some wonderful examples of yesteryear transport, including a Sinclair C5, a canal barge, a fab array of wheelie great bicycles, and even a fire truck from the turn of the last century.

The Easter holidays are also a great time to visit and investigate the Ancient Gallery, and if the day’s activities leave you eggs-hausted, the Museum’s Granary Tea Room will have a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks for an energy boost.

Pay once and you can visit the Museum as often as you like, for free, for a whole year.

For more information visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Mums can enjoy fantastic adventures with loved ones when Gulliver’s Land serves up a special Mother’s Day Weekend.

For Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 entry to the Milton Keynes theme park will be free for each adult who is accompanied by one full-paying child (over 90cms in height).

It promises to be a wonderful weekend of family fun, with resort mascots Gully and the gang helping create magical memories for mum to treasure.

Gulliver’s Land has 50+ magical rides, attractions, shows and activities to entertain mum and the family.

The thrilling rides at Gulliver’s Land include 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

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “What a fantastic first event weekend of 2026 this promises to be! Our special weekends aimed at mums, dads and grandparents are always incredibly popular and the team can’t wait to open the gates and make sure families – in particular the mums! – enjoy an exciting and fun time at Gulliver’s.”

You can save money if you book your tickets in advance, with tickets for each child from just £18 per person.

And why not turn your visit to Gulliver’s Resort into something truly special for mum by booking in for an overnight stay. The resort offers a variety of family accommodation options, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

Gulliver’s Resort opens 10.30am-5.00pm on weekends and is also open during school holidays.

It 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

Milton Keynes City Council has confirmed that its highly anticipated free Midsummer Festival will return to the city this June for its third edition. 

The Midsummer Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration inspired by the summer solstice. 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 than 14,000 people have enjoyed the festival so far and each year brings new ideas, new artists and new ways for communities to come together. The 2026 programme will take place on Sunday 21 June and is expected to be even bigger, brighter and more imaginative. 

To help shape this year’s festival, the city council is inviting artists, collectives and creative practitioners to submit proposals for a new commissioned artwork or supporting projects. Submissions should include bold, engaging and high-quality ideas that celebrate midsummer themes such as light, nature, connection and renewal. 

Projects should be suitable for outdoor public spaces, inclusive and accessible, and designed to bring people together through participation or shared experience. Proposals may include temporary installations, performances, digital or light-based works, interactive sculptures, immersive pieces or community co-created projects. 

Further information about the commission and details on how to apply are available on: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/culture 

Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran said: “The Midsummer Festival has become a real highlight of our cultural calendar and a celebration of what makes Milton Keynes special. Each year it brings people together in the heart of the city for creativity, colour and fun. We are excited to see ambitious ideas from artists who want to help shape an unforgettable 2026 festival. This is a chance to create something joyful for the whole city to experience.” 

Earlier this year, Milton Keynes City Council announced Milton Keynes would be bidding to become the UK City of Culture 2029. This could bring millions of pounds of investment, boost local jobs and unlock new cultural opportunities for residents, businesses and young people. 

www.midsummer-festival.co.uk 

Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes is set to welcome the arrival of spring in spectacular style with the launch of Wings of Wonder, an immersive celebration marking the unveiling of its stunning butterfly canopy installation.

Part of the centre’s Naturally Curious campaign for 2026, the launch event takes place on Saturday 7 March 2026. This free, all-ages event will run from 11:00am to 4:00pm within Midsummer Boulevard, offering a vibrant programme of entertainment, creativity and family-friendly experiences.

Adding to the excitement, the event will also host the first Midsummer Market of 2026, running from 9:30am to 7:00pm, bringing together an inspiring mix of local independent traders and artisans.

Wings of Wonder Highlights:

The unveiling of a dazzling butterfly canopy installation, symbolising transformation and the beginning of a naturally curious year at Midsummer Place

• Live entertainment on the Bandstand from Little White Lights, Manny and Amber Clxre
• Free face painting and animal mask-making workshops
• Butterfly stilt walkers bringing colour and energy to the Boulevard
• Interactive experiences and vibrant market stalls throughout the day

Midsummer Market – Stall Holders Attending:

The first market of the year will showcase a diverse collection of creative and artisan businesses, including:

3D Make Me – Custom 3D-printed models, toys and figures
Bubbles with Scent – Handcrafted natural skincare
Blissfully Broke – Children’s tracksuits
RaDiKo.Art – Paintings, coasters and art prints
Handmade by Betty – Resin jewellery and floral arrangements
Sally’s Jewellery – Sterling silver designs
Spiritual Glow – Crystals, incense and gifts
Lactodorum Whiskey – Whisky tastings and bottles
MG Perfumery – Affordable quality fragrances
Maggie Lou Crocheting – Crocheted goods and accessories
Maria Custom Portrait – Live watercolour portraits
Made By Parksy – Handmade bags, stationery and accessories
Pin & Giggle – Retro-inspired pins
Fern & Wild – High-end faux flower bouquets
Cheesecake to Go – Flavoursome hand-made desserts
Italian Indulgence – Italian street-food and authentic delicacies
Gifted Toybox – Quality wooden toys and soft teddies
Moorend Road Distillery – Flavoured gins blended with botanicals, citrus, warming spices and sherbet notes

Find links to each business here: Midsummer Markets | Midsummer Place

Together, the event and market promise a lively celebration of creativity, community and independent talent, offering visitors the opportunity to shop local, enjoy live entertainment and experience something truly uplifting in the heart of Milton Keynes.