Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes is brewing up a spook-tacular week of fang-tastic fun this October half term — and you’re invited to join the ghoulish goings-on!

From potion-making to petrifying performances, there’s something for every little monster to enjoy – and all the activities are FREE and no need to book.

A purr-fect Halloween Hunt

Find the Black Cats – 25–31 October

Our mischievous black cats have escaped! Hunt them down around the centre between 25 and 31 October for a chance to win a prize – we have seven lucky £25 vouchers up for grabs – that’ll make you purr with delight. Keep your eyes peeled — they’re fur-tunately good at hiding!

Witchy Wednesday Potion Making – Wednesday 29 October 11am-4pm

Double, double, toil and bubble! Budding witches and wizards can mix up their very own magical brews during our Potion Making workshop. Expect sparkles, spells, and spine-tingling surprises — no prior witchcraft experience required! Find us by the bandstand.

Halloween fun fest: Friday 31 October

Face Painters 11am–4pm

Transform into your creepiest or cutest Halloween alter-ego with our frightfully talented face painter. Whether you fancy being a sparkly skeleton, a ghostly ghoul, or a batty vampire, we’ve got you covered (in paint, that is).

Disco Dracula 11am–4pm

Fangs for the memories! Horizon Radio’s very own Dracula will be swooping into Midsummer Place for a day of dancing, disco, and devilish fun. Join the Count himself for sweet treats and blood-curdling beats that’ll get your heart racing.

And beware the wandering ghouls! Our spooky walkabout characters will be haunting the centre throughout the week — perfect for eerie encounters and boo-tiful photo ops.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing and Commercialisation Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Halloween is one of our favourite times of the year and we can’t wait to welcome families for a week filled with fun, frights, and plenty of treats! Whether it’s mixing up a magical potion, spotting our hidden black cats, or joining Dracula on the dancefloor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re encouraging everyone to come along in costume and make it a Halloween to remember.”

So, grab your broomsticks, dust off your capes, and prepare for a monster mash like no other. Midsummer Place is the place to creep it real this Halloween!

For more information, visit www.midsummerplace.co.uk

As autumn arrives, the Stadium MK Group is gearing up for one of its most exciting months of the year. From football action to music festivals, Halloween parties and a spectacular fireworks display, there’s something for everyone across Stadium MK, Arena MK and The National Bowl.

MK Dons v Crewe Alexandra

Stadium MK | Saturday 18th October

All eyes then turn to the pitch as MK Dons welcome Crewe Alexandra to Stadium MK in Sky Bet League Two football action. Dons will be looking to deliver another strong performance and keep their league campaign on track.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy live football in the heart of Milton Keynes. Tickets are available now via the club’s official ticketing site.

RNB Forever – 00’s & 90’s with MKFM

Arena MK | Friday 24th October

Get ready to step back in time for the ultimate throwback night. RNB Forever celebrates the best of 90s and 00s R&B, with special guest Dappy.

Hosted in partnership with MKFM, it’s a night of smooth vibes, singalong classics and non-stop nostalgia – the perfect start to your weekend.

WAH Halloween 2025

Arena MK | Saturday 25th October

Arena MK transforms into a haven for dance music fans this Halloween as WAH brings its legendary Halloween party to town. Expect huge production, big beats and top names from the UK dance scene, including D Double E, Flava D and Badger – for a night that promises to be nothing short of electric.

Dizzee Rascal’s Halloween Junkies

Arena MK | Friday 31th October

The Halloween celebrations continue as UK music icon Dizzee Rascal brings his brand-new live show Halloween Junkies to Arena MK. Expect a high-energy set packed with hits like “Bonkers”, “Fix Up, Look Sharp” and “Dance Wiv Me”, all wrapped in a fully themed Halloween spectacle. It’s one of the biggest nights of the season, and one not to be missed.

The Return to V7 Saxon Street

Arena MK | Saturday 1 November

Milton Keynes’ legendary rave heritage comes alive again as The Return to V7 Saxon Street celebrates the iconic 90s venue that helped shape the city’s music scene.

Arena MK will play host to a full day and night of classic sounds, from jungle and hardcore to drum & bass, bringing together old-school ravers and new fans alike for a celebration of MK’s vibrant music culture.

FireworX – The UK’s Biggest Fireworks Show

The National Bowl | Saturday 1st November

Rounding off an incredible month, The National Bowl will light up the Milton Keynes skyline with FireworX – the UK’s biggest fireworks and pyrotechnic show.

Presented by SkyFest, this all-new event combines fireworks, lasers, drones, and live entertainment to create a truly immersive experience. With a family-friendly festival atmosphere, food stalls and funfair rides, it’s set to be a spectacular finale to the Stadium MK Group’s October lineup.

For more information and to book tickets for any of the upcoming events visit:
https://www.mkdons.com/news/2025/october/08/what-s-on-across-the-stadium-mk-group-this-october/

Things are getting ever more chillsome at Milton Keynes Museum with the history hub preparing to celebrate half term with a full week of Halloween spooks – Monday, 27 October – Friday, 31 October.

For the first time, the Museum will be delivering a Victorian themed event too, adding to the creepability!

Popular local performance troupe, The Black Sheep Collective will be occupying the Street of Shops with perfectly eerie interactive performances.

There have been some spooky goings on, reports of shadows, strange noises and people going missing in the street of shops.

Meet George the paperboy, Betty the Butcher and Victor the V… who disappears into the shadows. All have their own story to tell, if you are brave enough to listen!

In the farmhouse, the Parlour will be dressed with all kinds of authentic decoration from the time when Queen Victoria occupied the throne.

Elsewhere, Halloween activities are running – including cookie decorating, and the chance to make your own witch’s hat. Museum volunteers will be dressing to scare, too.

And there’s much more, including a Spooky Singalong with Lingotot (Oct 29), Victorian-inspired henna design candle painting (Oct 30) and – coinciding with Black History Month – Cultural storyteller Chinwe will explain the meaning behind Adinkra Symbols from Ghanaian Culture, cross referencing them with objects from the servant’s room (Oct 31).

“It’s frightening how quickly Halloween is upon us, but we are ready for it and can promise everyone who visits the Museum this half term a thoroughly creepy time!” promised deputy director Surbhi Bhambri, “We’ve got a full week of freaky and fabulous events and activities planned, which will be spine-chillingly great, and perfect for all ages!”

There is ample free parking for broomsticks – and cars – at the Museum.

Pay once at the Museum and you can visit for free for a whole year.

For more information visit www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

* Black Sheep Collective performances are 12-2pm daily, October 27-October 31.

Willen On Ice, Milton Keynes’ most enchanting winter destination, returns on Saturday, 15 November – bringing even more festive fun this season with Friday Disco Nights and exclusive character appearances that add an extra touch of magic to the Willen Lake experience.

Willen on Ice will host a series of special guests and of course Santa himself on 23 December. Families can meet, greet, and snap unforgettable photos with their favourite characters on the ice starting from 20 November.

Also, there are special Disco sessions for teens (age 11-18) every Friday night. Visitors can lace up their skates and glide under the twinkling lights to the music beats every Friday evening, bringing a vibrant party atmosphere to the iconic ice rink. With tickets starting from just £11.95, these disco events are the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Plus, just announced, fans will also have the unique chance to skate alongside the MK Lightning ice hockey team on 26 November, making this year’s festivities more exciting than ever.

Speaking about this year’s event, Operations Manager Emily Thorpe shared her excitement: “We’re thrilled to offer visitors not just the magic of skating, but a truly festive experience that brings families, friends, and the wider community together. This year, we’ve added even more festive fun with our Friday Disco Nights, a fantastic line-up of character visits, the unique opportunity to skate alongside the MK Lightning ice hockey team, plus much more. We want every guest to feel the joy of the season, whether they’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or continuing a Christmas tradition.”

Willen on Ice continues to be a seasonal highlight for the Milton Keynes community, offering sessions for all ages, from beginners to seasoned skaters, as well as group bookings for schools, businesses, and parties.

For more information or to book tickets, visit:
www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/ice-skating/

Families are invited to enjoy a freakily fantastic time during Gulliver’s Land’s Fright Fiesta this Halloween season.

Fright Fiesta is a festival-style event brimming with colour, costumes and music, running over selected weekends in October, and then for half-term week from October 25-31.

This year there will be a few new frights and delights for guests to enjoy with the Gulliver’s team ready to put the scares on visitors young and old, and of course lots of fun thrown in for good measure!

The resort is open 10.30am-4.00pm for Fright Fiesta, with tickets priced from £19 per person, and children under 90cms going free.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “We are looking for brave adventurers, young and old, to take up the spooky challenges, preferably in colourful, scary fancy dress costumes! We will have lots of cool prizes on offer for the best costumes and the team will be pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone has a fantastic time during October. There will be some new activities this year which we know our visitors will really enjoy, too.”

The resort has 50+ rides, attractions, shows and activities to enjoy during Fright Fiesta, including The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

You can turn your Fright Fiesta visit into a spooky sleepover by booking in for an overnight stay in the fantastic range of accommodation available at Gulliver’s Resort, including Pirate Lodges, Captain’s Dens, Lost World Lodges and the mighty Megalodon Lodge.

Following hot on the heels of Fright Fiesta, Saturday, November 1 sees Gulliver’s Fireworks Spectacular*, with extended opening hours (10.30am-6.30pm) culminating in a magnificent fireworks display. Tickets for this event cost from £26 per person.

In fact, you could book into the theme park overnight for Friday, October 31 and experience both the Fright Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular.

For more information and tickets for Fright Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular, please visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

*Please note that fireworks shows may be subject to modification or cancellation without prior notice, particularly in the case of severe weather conditions

A day that promises a juicy experience for all, Apple Day, is back for another year of sensational family fun at the Woughton on the Green Community Orchard.

On Saturday 18th October, from 12-4pm, visitors can expect a fun-filled session learning about the orchard, its diverse varieties of apples, and themed crafts with The Parks Trust’s Outdoor Learning Team.

From face-painting to live storytelling, there’s something for everyone. Take an immersive tour with the Mid Shires Orchard Group, enjoy entertainment from a Bubble Performer, and even make your own apple bird feeder to take home. Dig into delicious food from local vendors, and enjoy live music from 2pm.

Amy Gerhard, Events Assistant at The Parks Trust, says “Apple Day is an event that many of us look forward to throughout the year! It is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to discover the delights of the Woughton on the Green Community Orchard. It’s a celebration of both nature and community, where visitors can explore this magical green space and learn from local volunteers about the rich heritage of apples and orchards, whilst also enjoying lots of apple-themed crafts and activities.”

Don’t miss out on apple pressing, face painting, crafts and storytelling for all ages – and even a giant apple catapult!

For further information about Apple Day, visit theparkstrust.com/appleday

It’s that time of year again! Pick up your skiing and snowboarding gear, book that trip to the slopes and start getting excited for the après ski food and drink, because Xscape Milton Keynes have everything you need to get ready for another fantastic snow season under one gigantic roof! From expert advice and services to all the latest equipment and real snow slopes for some extra practice, there’s a reason Xscape is the Home of Snow Season!

IN THE SNO (ZONE)

Some things can’t be learned in theory. Practice is the only way to get properly prepped for the slopes, so come and book a session at Snozone! With expert one-to-one and group coaching, sledging sessions and leisure slope time, Snozone has you covered whether you’re a complete beginner or a freestyle pro looking to up your game even further. And the slopes have real snow? Book your trip to Snozone now and approach the slopes with the utmost confidence.

GET THE GEAR

Getting geared up for your ski or snowboard trip involves careful planning as you’re investing in high-tech equipment that needs to last and last and keep you well protected on the slopes. Luckily, Trespass and Ellis Brigham have you covered! Find everything from quality ski jackets and outerwear to accessories and more, including a wide range of boards and skis. Plus, their expert staff are on hand to help make sure your purchase is perfect for you and your need this season.

TIPS, ADVICE & SERVICES

Still have some burning questions that you want answered by an expert? You’re in luck – Ellis Brigham’s in-store team live, sleep and breathe skiing and are happy to help! Whether you’re looking to get your ski and snowboard gear back into top condition with a service by one of the technicians or you need new ski boots fitted stat, book a consultation with the expert team at Ellis Brigham to help get you and your equipment ski-ready in no time.

FUEL UP!

Hitting the slopes is hungry work… so be sure to fuel up right at Xscape. Get your pre-ski coffee in at Starbucks, or treat yourself to a Creams milkshake for added snow season indulgence. Worked up an appetite after hitting the slopes? Enjoy your very own après-ski at The Alpine Kitchen – a great spot for loaded burgers and well-stuffed toasties – or tuck into familiar favourites at Nando’s and Slim Chickens, or warm up with spicier fare at Namji and wagamama.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

With everything you need to prepare for the slopes and make a day out of it too, Xscape is your one-stop shop this snow season.

https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, perennial festive favourite Stick Man is going to be this year’s family Christmas show at The Stables in Milton Keynes.

“Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three…”

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?

Performances will run from Tuesday 16 December through to Sunday 4 January.

This much-loved adaptation from Freckle Productions, the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Julia Donaldson is the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books including The Gruffalo and Zog. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which have sold over 75 million copies and have been published in over 100 languages.

Tickets for all performances are now on sale and can be booked online at
www.stables.org or by phone by calling The Stables box office on 01908 280800. The show is suitable for all children over 3 years old and the performance lasts approximately one hour.

Children can treat their grandparents to a fantastic, fun-packed visit to Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes during a special weekend in October.

Grandparents Weekend takes place on 4-5 October, with free entry for two grandparents with each full-paying person.

Resort mascots Gully and Gilly Mouse have lots of excitement in store for families, with 50+ magical rides, attractions, shows and activities at the resort.

The exciting rides at Gulliver’s Land include The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “The feedback we receive each year from Grandparents Weekend is so enthusiastic, children love bringing their grandparents to the resort and all the grandmas and grandpas seem to have such fun letting their hair down! We can’t wait to see everyone during the first weekend in October enjoying everything the resort has to offer.”

Day tickets to Gulliver’s Resort for Grandparents Weekend cost £23 per person, with free entry for children under 90cms tall.

If you want to make it an extra special treat for nan and grandad, why not book the family in for an overnight stay. Gulliver’s has a variety of family accommodation options to choose from, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

Gulliver’s Land 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

Visit Santa this Christmas at centre:mk and experience the brand-new tale of Peter Rabbit and Friends, in a heartwarming new festive adventure!

Families will enter Peter Rabbit’s cosy burrow, warmly welcomed by Mrs Rabbit who will tell the tale of Peter’s lost Christmas presents. The Children will use clues to help Mrs Rabbit search for the missing presents, before adventuring out into the snowy forest through Peter’s secret tunnel.

Within the snowy forest, families will join Peter Rabbit and friends in some festive fun, where they will decorate gingerbread biscuits for the Christmas feast, before heading off to meet with Santa himself to complete their journey.

Each child will take away their decorated biscuit and receive a lovely gift from Santa.

Grotto Ticket Prices:

*all tickets will incur a booking fee at checkout

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying into Milton Keynes Theatre from 29 October 2025 for four weeks only, with performances until Saturday 22 November.

Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 million people have witnessed the magic worldwide, with the production having been translated into 13 languages.

Leading the company are Australian stars Stefanie Jones (the Australian National Tour of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) and Jack Chambers (winner of So You Think You Can Dance Australia), who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. The pair opened this UK and Ireland tour in Bristol last year, to critical and audience acclaim. Patti Boulaye (Hair, Shaftesbury Theatre; Two Gentlemen of Verona, Phoenix Theatre) will play the role of Bird Woman until Sun 16 Nov, and from Tue 18 Nov onwards, international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will take over the role.

The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson (Les Misérables, West End) as Miss Andrew, Sharon Wattis (Book of Mormon, West End) as Mrs Corry, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.

Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Ryden and Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs: Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Feed the Birds.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Mary Poppins

Performances: Wednesday 29 Oct – Saturday 22 Nov 2025 (Evenings @ 7:30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat matinees @ 2:30pm, Sun matinees @ 2pm)
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

UK’s Largest 360° Fireworks Show Comes to Milton Keynes

On Saturday, 1 November 2025, Milton Keynes will host FireworX, the UK’s largest 360° fireworks experience, as the iconic National Bowl is transformed into an immersive festival of light, sound and entertainment, marking one of the biggest fireworks celebrations the UK has ever seen.

Produced by two of the UK’s most innovative large-scale event teams – who together have staged over 250 spectacular shows for more than 5 million people – FireworX also involves Keith Emmett & Sons, the family fireworks specialists who delivered many of Milton Keynes’ most memorable displays, ensuring the city’s legacy of fireworks continues into a bold new era.

For more information and to sign up for ticket information