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

The paw-some Big Doggie Do returns on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, packed with pooch-themed shows, displays, activities, talks, stalls, food and more!

Grab the lead for walkies to Willen Lake and play fetch at flyball, make a splash at the pup-ular dock diving, or enjoy some tasty treats on the lawn. MK’s furry four-legged friends are invited (with their humans) to enter the spectacular dog show sponsored by MK Vet Group – register on the day, just £1 per entry.

Visitors can pick up tips from expert-led talks in the Club Tent, explore stalls with dog-related services and products, as well as chances to meet with local charities. It’s guaranteed fun for all the family too, as children can enjoy colouring activities, an art and craft session, and a dog trivia quiz with a chance to win a prize!

Sandra Adjei, Events & Community Engagement Assistant at The Parks Trust says: “Big Doggie Do brings together families, pet owners, local organisations, and charities for a joyful, educational, and tail-wagging weekend. We know that the city’s parks are popular with the pups and pooches of MK, and we’re looking forward to seeing them and their owners revelling in all the canine festivities!”

Running 12pm-5pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday, Big Doggie Do is one of the most popular free events in The Parks Trust calendar and a true celebration of one of the largest park user groups – dogs, and their walkers and owners.

Follow The Parks Trust on social for updates or find more info:
theparkstrust.com/bigdoggiedo

The musical theatre adaptation of the iconic 00s film Mean Girls comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 14 – Sat 18 April. That’s so fetch!

Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs.

The cast of Mean Girls The Musical is led by Faye Tozer (Steps; Strictly Come Dancing) as Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George, Emily Lane (Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) as Cady Heron, Vivian Panka (Dear Evan Hansen, UK Tour) as Regina George, Sophie Pourret (Elf the Musical, Aldwych Theatre) as Karen Smith, and Kiara Dario (The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum) as Gretchen Wieners.

MEAN GIRLS, the smash-hit musical comedy based on the iconic Paramount Pictures film of the same name, had its first West End performance at the Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024, where it was seen by over 330,000 people and played until 8 June 2025. MEAN GIRLS recently took home the coveted ‘Best New Musical’ award at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards.

MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and recently completed a second US tour. In addition, in 2024, Paramount Pictures released a new twist on the fan-favourite film from the comedic mind of Tina Fey with a fresh and fun re-telling of the story featuring sensational musical performances.

The musical MEAN GIRLS has a book by Tina Fey, music and vocal arrangements by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw, scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, hair design by Josh Marquette, musical supervision/vocal, dance, incidental and additional music arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by John Clancy and dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

Mean Girls
Performances: Tue 14 – Sat 18 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

Lights, camera, brass! Alina Brass return to The Stables, Milton Keynes on Saturday 18 April with a high-energy, family-friendly concert celebrating the unforgettable music of the movies.

In this lively and interactive performance, audiences can expect iconic themes from favourite films including Frozen, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and Coco, brought to life through bold brass arrangements and engaging storytelling.

Perfect for families and young music lovers, the concert invites children to come dressed as their favourite characters and join in the fun, creating a relaxed, immersive atmosphere where everyone is part of the show. With narration from Jessica Wise, the performance also offers a chance to learn about the instruments up close while enjoying some of cinema’s most recognisable tunes.

This 60-minute concert promises a joyful introduction to live performance and a memorable musical adventure for all ages.

Event Details:
Alina Brass: Music from the Movies
Saturday 18 April 2026, 1.00pm
The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

Book tickets – £6-£16.50 – at www.stables.org or call The Stables box office on 01908 280800.

More information at https://stables.org/event/alina-brass-music-from-the-movies

Comedy lovers are in for a night of sharp wit and big laughs as Comedy Cow brings another unmissable stand-up night to The Venue MK on Thursday, 17 April.

Headlining the evening is acclaimed political comedian Mark Thomas, known for his fearless satire and razor-sharp commentary. A veteran of the UK comedy scene, Thomas is best known for his hit Channel 4 show The Mark Thomas Comedy Product and the BBC Radio 4 series The Manifesto. He has also received multiple awards for his work, including several at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential political comics in the country. Audiences can expect a set that is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.

Opening the show is rising star Quincy, whose energetic stage presence and quick-fire punchlines have been making waves across the UK comedy circuit. With a fresh, relatable style and a knack for connecting with audiences, Quincy is fast becoming one to watch.

The evening will be expertly guided by MC Jon Pearson, a highly experienced compere known for his natural charm, crowd work, and ability to create a relaxed, laughter-filled atmosphere. A regular at top comedy clubs nationwide, Pearson ensures the night flows seamlessly from start to finish.

Taking the middle spot is Eleanor Conway, an acclaimed comedian and storyteller whose brutally honest and often outrageous material has earned her critical praise and a loyal following. Drawing on personal experiences with wit and candour, Conway delivers a set that is as compelling as it is hilarious.

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

Tickets are available now via the Comedy Cow website: www.thecomedycow.co.uk

Don’t miss this fantastic night of live comedy in Milton Keynes—early booking is strongly recommended.

Families looking for action-packed fun this Easter should make a beeline for the Spring Spectacular at Gulliver’s Land.

The theme park in Milton Keynes is serving up an array of colourful events for the holidays led by the Easter Bunny and Candy Crew. Discover Lollipop Trees, Colossal Candy Canes and take some Sweet Selfies along the way, with a chance to win fantastic spring surprises!

The Easter Bunny will be making appearances every day throughout the holiday with Bing & Flop also welcoming guests.

Once you are through the doors at Gulliver’s Land there are more than 50 rides, attractions, shows and activities to entertain all the family, including a brand new ride ‘The Wriggler’ which is a perfect first taste of rollercoasters for all young thrill-seekers!

And not forgetting the Jungle River Ride, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster to enjoy.

Gulliver’s resort Milton Keynes is also home to Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park, where this Easter you can get up close with roaring, tail-thrashing dinos – and meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer the Elephant!

Spring Spectacular runs from March 28 to April 12, with prices from £24 per person per day – and you can save money if you book in advance online.

Sue Conway, resort manager at Gulliver’s Land, said: “We have so much fun and adventure lined up for Easter, and we can’t wait to entertain everyone, young and old. The Easter Bunny and our other characters bring great fun to the resort and we have lots of activities and photo opportunities for all to enjoy as well as all our rides and attractions which will be ready and raring to go.”

If you are looking to make your Easter visit to Gulliver’s Land even more special, why not stay a night or two at the resort, which offers a wide range of accommodation options, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn themed lodges, Western Lodges and Woodland Lodges.

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

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/