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.

Get ready for a night of razor-sharp wit, quickfire crowd work and jaw-dropping improvised rap as Comedy Cows stampedes back into The Venue MK on Friday 13th March.

Headlining the night is the one and only Abandoman, the award-winning improvisational rapper who turns audience suggestions into side-splitting, fully-formed hip-hop bangers on the spot. Blending stand-up, freestyle rap and musical comedy into a truly unique experience, Abandoman has wowed audiences worldwide with his lightning-fast rhymes and unpredictable energy. No two shows are ever the same – and that’s exactly how he (and the crowd) likes it.

Opening the show is actor and comedian James Redmond, bringing his trademark warmth and sharp observational humour to kick the night off in style.

Holding the mic as MC is the ever-brilliant Steve Bugeja, a master of audience banter and perfectly crafted punchlines, ensuring the laughs keep rolling from start to finish.

Completing the stellar line-up is rising talent Louie Green, delivering clever material and confident stage presence that marks him out as one to watch.

Doors open at 19:00, with the show starting at 20:00 sharp. Whether you’re a hip-hop head, a stand-up superfan, or just in desperate need of a proper Friday night out, Comedy Cows promises an unforgettable evening packed with big laughs and even bigger beats.

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

Early booking is strongly advised – especially on a Friday 13th… because the only thing scarier than bad luck is missing out on this line-up.

Electric Paradise announces debut festival with Grace Jones, Candi Staton, UB40 and more at Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 8 August 2026.

The festival will also welcomes the likes of Cameo, Earth Wind & Fire By Al McKay, Armand Van Helden, Dimitri From Paris, Roger Sanchez, Graeme Park, Alison Limerick and many more.

Electric Paradise arrives this summer as a brand-new open-air festival experience at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 8 August. An era-spanning blend of disco, funk, soul and house plays out across multiple stages of this inaugural edition, which is a large-scale, feel-good celebration for a broad, music-loving audience. Tickets go on sale Friday 27 February at 9AM.  First release tickets start from £59.50, with VIP packages available from £150.

Set within one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor concert locations, Electric Paradise will welcome up to 50,000 attendees to the Bowl’s natural amphitheatre, which boasts high-spec production, premium sound and large-scale staging with a carefully curated cross-generational lineup. Promoted by the renowned and experienced JBM Music, Electric Paradise marks the launch of a long-term festival concept that will become an essential date on the annual festival calendar for years to come.

The spectacular Main Stage brings together globally influential live artists including Grace Jones, Candi Staton, UB40, Kool & The Gang and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge. The Big Love Stage continues the feel-good energy with Cameo, Earth, Wind & Fire (by Al McKay), Shalamar, Jocelyn Brown and Heather Small among others.

House and disco culture is strongly represented via the Glitterbox Stage, which will bring all its signature colour, diversity and authenticity with house heroes Armand Van Helden, Dimitri from Paris and Roger Sanchez, London party legend Fat Tony, celebrated house vocalists Barbara Tucker and Julie McKnight, eclectic and Balearic beats from Colleen Cosmo Murphy and more from Ella Knight.

The Fool’s Paradise Stage showcases timeless house in all its styles from Mark Knight, Todd Terry, Dave Lee (JN) and Michael Gray, soul selections from Norman Jay and more from Fleetmac Wood.  Completing the programme, the Clockwork Orange Stage delivers classic dance heritage with Graeme Park, Danny Rampling, Alison Limerick, Baby D, K-Klass ft. Bobbi, Livin Joy ft. Luzuahnn, Rozalla, and Andy Manston & Danny Clockwork all tapping into the classics.

The Data Transmission and Disco Infiltrators stage will feature the varied sounds of Ron Mexico, Hobbs, Carlos Van D, Slick Pete Flash, Oh! L’Amour, The Goddess Music and Lizzie Curious.

This inclusive celebration is designed for a wide audience of long-time disco and soul heads through to newer house and dance crowds, all united by uplifting music and strong community energy.

Say the promoters, “This event is about celebrating timeless music that brings people together – disco, funk, soul and house have shaped generations of culture and continue to unite audiences on dancefloors around the world. From day one, our vision has been to create a world-class experience that honours the legacy of these sounds while delivering the energy, production and atmosphere of a major modern festival. Launching the first edition is just the beginning, and we’re committed to growing this into a landmark annual event’”

With its cross-generational lineup, high production values and iconic open-air setting, Electric Paradise is one of the most anticipated new events of the year.

Tickets on sale Friday 27th February at 9AM: https://electric-paradise.co.uk/tickets/

Producers ROYO and Curve are bringing a brand-new Made at Curve production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL on tour! The UK & Ireland tour will be visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 10 – Sat 14 March.

The production will star Strictly 2025 finalist Amber Davies (The Great Gatsby, West End; Pretty Woman, UK Tour; Back to the Future The Musical, West End) as Elle Woods. Joining Amber will be musical theatre and TikTok star Hannah Lowther (SIX, West End; Heathers: The Musical, The Other Palace), who will play Margot and Alternate Elle Woods at certain performances.*

“Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed”

This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from ‘It Girl’ fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’

Amber Davies said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Elle Woods in ROYO and Curve’s new production of Legally Blonde. As a huge fan of the film and the musical, this part is the role of a lifetime, and I am honoured to be stepping into Elle’s perfect heels. I have always wanted to work with the incredible theatrical mind that is Nikolai Foster, and I am so excited to hit the road again and bring Laurence O’Keefe’s incredible score back to the UK! Get ready, Harvard… This is gonna be just like senior year, except for funner!”

The multi-award-winning LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL features original music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach, based on the novel LEGALLY BLONDE by Amanda Browning and the iconic 2001 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge. It is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL comes hot off the heels of the sell-out tour of KINKY BOOTS, also directed by Foster and co-produced by Curve and ROYO.

*Please check the website for Amber and Hannah’s performance dates.

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

LISTINGS

Legally Blonde The Musical
Performances: Tue 10 Mar – Sat 14 Mar
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

The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced the publication of its What’s On guide for March to June 2026, revealing a wide-ranging programme of live events and creative activity for the months ahead.

Across the spring and early summer season, audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of live music, with genres ranging from jazz, folk and blues to rock, classical and global sounds. The programme brings together celebrated artists, exciting new performers and returning favourites, presented across both the main auditorium and Stage 2, The Stables’ dedicated space for more intimate shows and emerging talent. Highlights of the programme include performances by Fairport Convention (17 March), Wonder Stuff lead singer Miles Hunt (26 March), T’Pau (29 April), Cowboy Junkies (13 May) and Seth Lakeman (19 May).

A busy programme of stand-up comedy features shows by Kane Brown (29 March), Sara Pascoe (10 April), Milton Jones (21 April), Ivo Graham (30 April) and Michelle Wolf (25 June).

Beyond the stage, The Stables continues to play a vital role in supporting participation and learning through a diverse programme of workshops, courses and creative opportunities. From introductory music sessions to advanced masterclasses and specialist training, the programme is designed to welcome people at every stage of their creative journey. Highlights of the season include The Stables’ popular Rock Experience Course (June-July), which provides an opportunity to play with other budding musicians in a band, culminating in a public performance on The Stables’ main stage.

The March-June What’s On guide is available from The Stables Box Office and online at www.stables.org, where audiences can explore full event listings and book tickets.

Following a record-breaking and fastest ever sell-out of its 2026 edition on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026, Reggae Land is matching demand by expanding into a three day festival for the first time, with Friday 31st July just announced and headlined by global superstar Burna Boy, who plays the festival for the first time. Sign up now for Friday 31st July tickets via www.reggaeland.co.uk because these are set to fly and capacity is strictly limited.

One of the most influential artists of his generation, Burna Boy’s appearance represents another landmark moment for Reggae Land. The newly added Friday transforms the festival into a three-day celebration for the first time in its history. It takes place at Milton Keynes National Bowl ahead of the sold-out weekend complete with the high production values Reggae Land is known for.

The award winning Nigerian singer and songwriter blends Afro fusion, dancehall and hip-hop into catchy, indelible hits that have soundtracked summers for the last decade.  Expect to hear favourites like ‘Last Last, Ye’ and ‘City Boys’, with magnetic charm and smooth flowing rhythms opening the weekend with a statement show and setting the tone for what is already shaping up to be the festival’s biggest year yet.

The announcement follows extraordinary demand for Reggae Land 2026, which sold out in record time after tickets went on sale last week. With over 120 artists already confirmed across seven stages, Reggae Land’s rapid rise continues to position it as one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most culturally significant festivals.

From roots reggae and dancehall to dub, jungle and carnival energy, Reggae Land has become a defining platform for Caribbean music and culture in the UK. The addition of Friday underscores the festival’s evolution, driven directly by fan demand and community momentum.

Tickets for Friday 31st July go on sale Friday 20th February at 9AM from £69.50 + booking fee. Sign up now via www.reggaeland.co.uk

From action-packed days to family feasts, this February half-term is all about letting your hair down, blowing off some steam and enjoying quality time together in a way that works for you – head to Xscape Milton Keynes.

With everything from action-packed activities to delicious food to suit every craving under one gigantic roof, say goodbye to strict schedules and endless planning and hello to a half-term adventure that fits in with everyone’s mood and appetite.

Fun, food, fuel, repeat

Whether you’re just popping in for an hour or two or planning to make a whole day of it, you can rest assured that your half-term adventure will be as low-stress as possible with everything you need for a day out right at your fingertips.

While the little ones are busy burning off energy at the likes of Gravity, Hollywood Bowl and Funstation, parents can relax with a hot cup of Starbucks coffee, safe in the knowledge that there’s a whole host of family food favourites waiting for them when hunger strikes. From wagamama and PizzaExpress to Nando’s, Slim Chickens and quick bite options at McDonald’s and Taco Bell too, big entertainment and family feasts go hand in hand at Xscape Milton Keynes.

Adventures for all ages

From high-energy activities to chilled out days and everything in between, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy. Build your ideal family day out with a little bit of fun for all ages, whether they’re itching to race to the top of the Gravity Rocks climbing wall or enjoy a quieter day with the latest blockbusters at Cineworld.

Mix and match activities for a big day out everyone will enjoy, from little daredevils looking to try something new and jump into a freefall sensation at iFLY Indoor Skydiving to those wanting to flex their problem-solving skills with a chance to put their brain to the test by taking on an Escape Hunt challenge. Looking for a social dining spot for older children to enjoy? Creams offers up delicious desserts for every flavour craving, while T4 hosts a whole range of tasty bubble teas to add the perfect boost to their day.

Stress-free school breaks

With plenty of choice under one gigantic roof, the stage is already set for one epic half-term adventure, but we’re here to make your day out even easier still. Not only are we open 7 days a week from 8am and ready to welcome you to shop, dine and play at a time that suits you best, but we’ve got plenty of parking right on our doorstep – and parking is free with a valid Cineworld ticket too!

With easy parking, an outdoor play park, entertainment for the whole family and plenty of dining options all in one place, Xscape is the perfect place to make memories this half-term.

Plan your visit HERE

This Half Term, Midsummer Place invites families and visitors to explore the first of several ‘Naturally Curious’ adventures, starting with the Caterpillar Trail – a free, fun-filled adventure around the centre with fun prize up for grabs!

Part of the Naturally Curious year-long campaign – a celebration of the world we live and love – the caterpillar trail encourages guests of all ages to follow the colourful characters hidden throughout Midsummer Place. Collect all the clues, complete the trail and you could be in with a chance of winning a special prize!

Plus, take part in the Caterpillar Shoe Drive, which encourages visitors to give their pre-loved shoes a new purpose. Between 14–20 February, simply donate unwanted adult or children’s shoes at the in-centre schuh store and receive a £5 voucher per pair to spend in store. All donated shoes will be used to help build a larger-than-life caterpillar art installation — which will be revealed on 20th February at the Bandstand on The Boulevard – and afterward passed on to charities that give them a second life, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

And the excitement doesn’t stop here – the campaign will truly get its wings on 7 March, when The Boulevard will be transformed like never before for a stunning free community event. More details about this spectacular launch will be revealed closer to the date.

Don’t miss this chance to make your summer Naturally Curious — bring your sense of adventure and join the fun at Midsummer Place!

For more information about upcoming events and news from Midsummer Place, visit:
https://midsummerplace.co.uk/