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/

Landsec, owner of Xscape Milton Keynes, has announced a new partnership with leading mental health charity, Mind, to champion mental health awareness and support. The initiative launches today to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October).

Mind is a national charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing mental health challenges by tackling stigma, improving access to services, and campaigning for positive change. With one in five people in the UK living with a mental health problem – and many struggling to access timely support – Mind works to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone. Across the UK, 107 Local Minds operate as independent charities, collectively supporting more than 500,000 people each year through community-based mental health services, a national helpline, and accessible online resources.

Together, Xscape Milton Keynes and Mind are encouraging guests to take moments to pause, reflect, and reset as part of a new mental health awareness campaign in the centre.

Throughout Xscape, visitors will find thoughtfully placed artwork, including mirror stickers and selfie stands, featuring uplifting prompts that inspire positivity and mindfulness. The installations also direct guests to practical resources and information, both on and offline, about where to access further mental health support locally.

Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships for Mind, said, “Right now, the nation’s mental health is in crisis. One in five people are living with a mental health problem, and far too many are not getting the help they need.

“Our partnership with Xscape Milton Keynes allows us to reach people in an everyday setting — reminding them that mental health affects us all, and that support is always available. The installations will help us potentially connect with millions of guests over the next year encouraging small moments of reflection and letting people know that Mind is here whenever they need us.”

Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said, “We’re proud to partner with Mind to help promote positive mental health among our guests. Places like Xscape can often be busy, fast-paced environments, so we wanted to create moments within the mall that encourage people to pause and take a breath.

“This initiative is about reminding our visitors that taking time for themselves, even in small ways, can make a big difference — and that help and support is always available if they need it.”

For more information about Mind and its partnership with Xscape Milton Keynes, please visit:
https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk

Prime Midsummer Place mall space opens to local businesses

Midsummer Place is delighted to announce that its much-anticipated Christmas Tree Community Festival is officially open, launching a festive celebration that offers local businesses prime festive exposure in exchange for supporting local charities.

From 15 November through to 24 December 2025, participating businesses will have the unique opportunity to sponsor and decorate one of the 20 available Christmas trees within the mall – giving their business huge exposure during increased footfall.

Previous business sponsors have included Red Bull Racing, Franklins Solicitors LLP, Hays Travel, Redway Runners and many more.

The fee to secure a tree is just £300 and all proceeds collected during the campaign will be added to the prize fund and distributed among the three trees receiving the most public votes—50% for first place, 30% for second, and 20% for third.

“Kicking off today, the Christmas Tree Community Festival offers local businesses not just tremendous visibility in our mall over the festive period, but also a meaningful way to give back to our community,” said Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place. “We’re excited to welcome creative entries that shine throughout the season and help make the holidays brighter for everyone.”

Shoppers will be able to vote for their favourite trees between 15 November and 24 December 2025.

Businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring a tree are encouraged to complete the application form via the Midsummer Place website. Be Part Of Our Community Christmas Tree Festival | Midsummer Place

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

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