Living Archive is running a major new Arts Council-funded project, shining a spotlight on Milton Keynes’ rich Hip Hop scene.

In partnership with the OU’s OpenLearn, MÓTUS Dance, MK Council and others, we are celebrating the past, present and future of local Hip Hop, through the voices, moves and creativity of the people who shaped it.

We are looking forward to sharing some exciting new creations, produced as part of this ongoing project.

In May 2026, we will release a limited edition vinyl compilation album, Under The Grid, featuring MK Hip Hop music spanning nearly four decades. Fully re-mastered, these releases celebrate musical creativity in the city, showcasing some of our most exciting hip hop artists.

The album will normally retail at £18, but will be available for the special price of £15 at events connected with the MK Hip Hop project.

Also released in May, a new graphic zine, Under the Grid: MK Hip Hop culture, will feature contributions from a number of MK hip hop creatives, telling the story of hip hop in the city in their own words.

Later this year, we will open an MK Hip Hop exhibition, which will be shown at two venues in MK.

We will also release a brand-new MK Hip Hop documentary film, showcasing music, dance and street art from the city.

Upcoming MK Hip Hop events – click on the links below

Block Party with Break To The Beat – Coffee Hall

Block Party with Break To The Beat –  Netherfield

MK Hip Hop Festival in Middleton Hall

Hip Hop & Rhyme Time with Hip Hop Tots

Families searching for free activities to keep the little ones entertained during the Easter holidays need look no further than Unity Place.

Located in the heart of Milton Keynes and easily accessible via the city’s Redways, Unity Place is encouraging families to hop along to one of their free Easter events including an Egg Hunt Trail and a screening of Peter Rabbit 2.

Everyone is welcome and there’s no need to book for either activity, perfect for those days when you want to get out of the house, but you haven’t made any plans. So, round up a crowd and join in the eggs-cellent fun at Unity Place.

Unity Place Egg Hunt Trail

The Egg Hunt at Unity Place is a free digital trail with clues appearing on screens in and around Unity Place. Every player receives a free chocolate treat, and there’s plenty to enjoy before or after the trail including lunch or snacks in the Urban Food Market as well as giant games to play and a colouring station.

Drop in on weekdays between 11 am and 2 pm, from 30 March to 10 April (excluding bank holidays and weekends) and follow the clues across the screens to uncover every hidden egg.

Find out more here:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/easter-unity-place/

Family Cinema Screening: Peter Rabbit 2

Hop into Unity Place for a free family screening of Peter Rabbit 2 on the large screen in the Urban Food Market. Settle in for a relaxed morning surrounded by great food, fresh coffee and plenty of space for little ones to get comfy before the film begins.

Rye’s Deli will be serving a full range of hot drinks, pastries and light bites, and the Urban Food Market will be open with a wide choice of lunch options.

The screening takes place on Tuesday 31 March at 11 am, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. After the film, stay for lunch and browse the latest Urban Food Market menus.

Peter Rabbit 2 (PG) follows Peter as he ventures beyond the garden and discovers a world that embraces his mischievous streak, until his family sets out on a heartfelt mission to bring him home. It’s a lively, funny and warm family adventure, ideal for the school holidays.

A free, easy-going day out for families looking to make the most of the Easter break at Unity Place.

More details at:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/march-films/

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

The MK Festival of Running is set take over the streets of Milton Keynes on Sunday 15 March, as runners of all abilities lace up for a day of fitness, community and celebration.

Starting and finishing at Xscape Milton Keynes, the popular event will see participants tackle distances including the 5K, 10K, half marathon and 20-mile race.

To help runners prepare for the start of their race or recover after crossing the finish line, Xscape Milton Keynes has partnered with Nuffield Health to host a free Runner Recovery Zone, situated in Xscape’s main atrium on race day.

Open to all participants, the space will be equipped with stretch mats, foam rollers and resistance bands, providing a dedicated area to stretch, cool down and recover. Nuffield Health PTs and trained staff will also be on hand to offer recovery advice and guidance on safe, effective stretching techniques, helping runners with muscle recovery and post-race wellbeing.

Nuffield Health is also offering a complimentary one-week gym pass, redeemable throughout March. The pass provides access to the club’s fully equipped facilities, including treadmills, resistance machines and free weights, plus a dedicated HIIT training area and a wide variety of fitness classes (bookable on the day, subject to availability). Runners can also enjoy the centre’s spa facilities for ultimate relaxation and recovery, including a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Participants can redeem their pass by submitting their details via the online form.

Participants and spectators at MK Festival of Running can also take advantage of the wide range of entertainment, dining and leisure experiences available at Xscape Milton Keynes. Exclusive on-the-day offers will be available, including 20% off at Taco Bell between 2pm and 5pm – the perfect opportunity for runners to refuel after the race. Visitors can also take advantage of 10% off at InstaVR Arena using the code MKRUN10, and 10% off open jump sessions at Gravity Active when presenting a valid race number before 6pm. iFLY Indoor Skydiving is also offering two flights for one person for £20, available to book here for midweek term-time flights until the end of March. Nando’s will also be on hand with samples of its popular natas, alongside a chance to win prizes and free treats.*

Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said: “MK Festival of Running is always a fantastic occasion for the city, bringing the community together through movement, motivation and celebration. This year, we’re proud to team up with Nuffield Health to offer a free Runner Recovery Zone, supporting participants with active recovery and helping them look after their bodies before and after the race.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the centre filled with finish-line smiles, recovery sessions and post-race celebrations, as well as the chance to enjoy everything Xscape has to offer after they’ve crossed the finish line.”

For more information about Xscape Milton Keynes, please visit:
https://xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/

*T&Cs apply. Please check with individual brands for full terms and conditions.

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 

The Bradwell Windmill Project celebrates one of Milton Keynes’ most distinctive landmarks. Led by Milton Keynes City Council and made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Milton Keynes Museum and the City Council, the project was launched in May 2025 and is running until the end of 2026.

Built around 1805, Bradwell Windmill is believed to be the oldest tower mill in Buckinghamshire and featured on many of the advertisements used to promote the New Town in the 1970s. The Bradwell Windmill Project involves major restoration of the mill itself, as well as an events programme inviting local residents to build a deeper connection with the heritage of the structure, the area, the natural environment and food heritage. This programme has been developed as a partnership between Milton Keynes City Council, Milton Keynes Museum, Living Archive MK, Milton Keynes Arts Centre and resident groups.

To the end of 2025, over 1,500 people had taken part in Bradwell Windmill Project’s events programme: from history and nature walks to story-telling events, craft activities and a community lantern parade. In 2026, many more events and activities are planned, most of which are FREE; full details can be found at:
www.bradwellwindmillproject.co.uk

A new film by Ryan Harvey features contemporary and archival images of the Windmill, interviews with the people involved in the Bradwell Windmill Project and information about what’s happening – view the film on the
Bradwell Windmill website.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people getting involved with the Bradwell Windmill project, it shows just how much this landmark means to our community. We’re really proud to be restoring the mill and creating events that bring people together to share stories, learn something new and enjoy the area’s heritage.”

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.