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.

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.