Milton Keynes Dons are delighted to announce that Stadium MK will play host to a prestigious international football exhibition match between the Korea Republic national team and the Ivory Coast national team on Saturday, 28th March (kick-off 2pm GMT).

This exciting fixture will bring two dynamic footballing nations to Milton Keynes, offering supporters the rare opportunity to witness elite international talent on UK soil.

The match underscores Stadium MK’s growing reputation as a world‑class venue capable of staging major global sporting and live entertainment events.

Neil Hart, Group CEO of Milton Keynes Dons and the Stadium MK Group, said:

“We are incredibly proud to welcome the Korea Republic and the Ivory Coast to Stadium MK.

“Hosting an international fixture of this calibre reflects both the quality of our facilities and the ambition of our organisation.

“We look forward to providing a fantastic experience for players, staff and supporters from both nations, as well as showcasing Milton Keynes on the international stage.”

With both teams taking part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, this match provides one of the last opportunities for players to impress before selection is made.

Tickets for the match are available from £15 per person and can be purchased here. Korea Republic are the designated home team, with blocks 29 and 30 allocated to supporters of the Ivory Coast.

Hospitality packages are also available here, priced from £74 per person.

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

Following the success of its Wellbeing Pop Up Showcase event in January, Unity Place is rolling out a programme of simple, inclusive wellbeing initiatives designed to help people feel better at work – physically, mentally and socially. 

From guided breathwork and walking routes to cycling support and everyday movement, Unity Place’s Wellbeing programme focuses on making healthy habits easy, achievable and part of the working day. 

One of the new initiatives is breathwork, a wellbeing practice that is growing in popularity due to its ability to reduce stress, boost energy levels and improve focus. Unity Place is now hosting regular breathwork classes in its Community Hall, teaching guided breathing techniques that leave participants feeling grounded and refreshed. The sessions are open to all and suitable for beginners. 

Recognising that movement doesn’t have to mean high-intensity exercise, Unity Place is also encouraging people to get out for a walk. Milton Keynes benefits from its unique Redways, 200 miles of traffic free paths that enable residents and visitors to walk (or cycle) around the city. Unity Place has mapped out dedicated walking routes around and beyond the building to help people build steps into their day, with plans underway to introduce a series of 20-minute walking routes that fit easily into a lunch break or between meetings. 

These routes are supported by the Unity Place Strava Club, which allows participants to track their steps if they choose, discover local walking options and feel part of a wider community, with the emphasis firmly on movement, not performance. 

For those who prefer to travel actively, Unity Place is also promoting cycle routes and offering bike check sessions, helping commuters feel confident that their bikes are safe and road-ready. 

Together, these initiatives form part of Unity Place’s wider commitment to creating a workplace environment that supports the wellbeing of everyone who visits or works in the building, where small, positive choices are built into the fabric of the day. 

Adam Holbrook, Head of Placemaking at Unity Place, said: “Thanks to the positive feedback and reception for our inaugural Wellbeing Showcase event in January, we know there is an appetite and interest for more initiatives that support wellbeing.  

“Our programme of activities has been deliberately curated so they can be incorporated into the working day – think a walking lunch break instead of staying seated at your desk, cycling to and from work, or taking a breathwork class to reset after an important meeting.” 

Unity Place is located just two minutes’ walk from the train station and is conveniently located in the heart of the city. With food outlets, a shop, cocktail bar, free places to work, and a whole host of activities on offer, Unity Place has something for everyone.  

For more information about Wellbeing at Unity Place and upcoming activities, visit:
www.unityplace.co.uk/wellbeing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun, food, fuel, repeat

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

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

Adventures for all ages

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

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

Stress-free school breaks

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

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

Plan your visit HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

You don’t need to worry about how to keep little minds occupied this February half term – Milton Keynes Museum is coming to the rescue!

The Museum is always a great place to visit, and the new city’s living history hub will be offering lots of great activities to fill the lesson lull, with a whole week (Mon-Fri) of exciting activities.

Youngsters will need to get their thinking caps on to solve the Great Museum Mystery.

A precious artefact has been stolen. Solve the clues and help catch the culprit and recover the relic. Copies of the trail can be collected from the reception.

There will be children’s crafts to get stuck into as well, and the weather won’t stop play, with the Museum hosting all activities in the cosy farmhouse and galleries.

Pop in for puppet making sessions with the focus on Chinese New Year, or try out the Pottery Workshop which returns by popular demand.

From sending morse code, to making and enjoying hot buttered toast over the range in the traditional farmhouse kitchen, and dialling delight in the fun Connected Earth Gallery, there is plenty for all ages to get stuck into.

In case anyone is missing school, they can step up for a lesson the way things used to be, in the Victorian school room. Without the cane, though, obviously!

And the Museum’s hands-on policy will let you show off your skills on the ever-popular pianola, which makes anyone sound like an ace on the keys.

Step back in time with a walk through the historic Street of Shops, explore the Ancient Gallery packed with fossils and remnants left here by our ancestors, and don’t miss the opportunity to get up close with MK’s oldest resident, Iggy the Ichthyosaur – the Museum’s 160 million year old marine reptile!

“Children work hard during term time, but half term is about having fun, and we’ve got more than enough to make them smile and send them home happy!” said Surbhi Bhambri, MK Museum’s deputy director, “It’s an inclusive, welcoming space where you can make memories to cherish in a laid-back, chilled out atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy.”

Pay once and you can visit the Museum as often as you like, for free, for a whole year.

For guaranteed fun, treat the kids – and yourselves – to some time at Milton Keynes Museum this half term.

More information at miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Gulliver’s Land will throw open its doors for February half-term to mark the start of an exciting new season at the Milton Keynes theme park.

Mascots Gully Mouse and his gang are all geared up to show visitors a rip-roaringly great time with a selection of fantastic rides and attractions, including play areas that are perfect for younger children all on offer from the grand opening day of Saturday 14 February and for the following half term week.

The resort will then open at weekends and during school holidays throughout the year.

And in a great deal for families, the resort has announced an Early Season Special, with tickets just £17 per person until March 8, when you book at least two days in advance.

Gulliver’s Land has more than 50 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 Land, said: “The team has been busy making sure the theme park is ready to welcome everyone back through our doors for February half-term and we can’t wait for the new season to start. We’ve all recharged our batteries and want to ensure families have an extra-special time when they come to see us. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for 2026 so watch this space!”

Families looking to savour their time at Gulliver’s 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.

Gulliver’s Land opened in 1999, the third of the four Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts to open, the others being Gulliver’s Kingdom in Derbyshire, Gulliver’s World in Warrington, and Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham.

For a full year of fun at an unbeatable price of just £99 per person, a Gulliver’s annual passport provides unlimited entry for 12 months to all Gulliver’s theme parks around the country.

For more information and to book your tickets for Gulliver’s Resort, visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

MK Gallery is set to present three major exhibitions by artists whose work encapsulates the spirit of the 20th century. 2026 marks the largest solo exhibition of British painter Euan Uglow in 40 years, an exploration of iconic French photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue’s use of colour and the biggest career survey of L. S. Lowry in fifty years to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Visitors to MK Gallery will have the chance to enjoy Uglow’s obsessive painting from life, Lartigue’s ground-breaking experiments with the photographic image and the full range of Lowry’s subjects and techniques.

Euan Uglow: An Arc from the Eye

Saturday 14 February – Sunday 31 May 2026

Curated by Catherine Lampert, this landmark exhibition brings together over 70 paintings and drawings by Euan Uglow and includes nudes, still lifes and landscapes, many seen in public for the first time in many years. Renowned for his methodical systems, Uglow was meticulous in painting from life and often took months – sometimes years – to complete nudes and still life paintings in his studio. The artist also painted landscape scenes of Europe in the summer, many of which will be exhibited at MK Gallery in 2026. This retrospective of Uglow’s work will place the artist in dialogue with those who inspired him, including Paul Cézanne and Alberto Giacometti, and his tutors at the Slade School of Art in London, William Coldstream, Victor Pasmore and Claude Rogers.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour

Saturday 20 June – Sunday 4 October 2026

Best known for his black and white scenes of Parisian society during the Belle Époque, Jacques Henri Lartigue was a pioneer of what later became known as street photography. Lartigue captured an age of innovation in the early twentieth century on camera, documenting car racing, aviation and early tourist resorts on camera. This exhibition – the first in the UK in over ten years – focuses on a little-known and rarely seen aspect of Lartigue’s work and explores his lifelong experimentation with colour. The exhibition brings together more than 150 prints, photographs and unique works on paper from the 1900s to the late 1980s that shine a light on Lartigue’s innovative use of colour photography.

This exhibition has been organised in collaboration with the Association des Amis de Jacques Henri Lartigue, Ministère de la Culture, France and diChroma photography.

L. S. Lowry

24 October 2026 – 28 February 2027

Fifty years after the death of Laurence Stephen Lowry in 1976, this will be the much-loved painter’s first major exhibition in over a decade. In addition to his well-known scenes of industrial life, this significant overview explores the full breadth of Lowry’s subject matter, including portraits, seascapes, early academic studies and enigmatic later works recalling Surrealism. Lowry’s career ran alongside huge changes in British society, with much of the industrial landscape he depicted closed, cleared and replaced during his lifetime. The artist’s technique involved just five colours of undiluted oil paint: ivory black, vermillion, Prussian blue and yellow ochre; his use of flake white as a background colour is synonymous with Lowry’s landscapes.

BOOK FOR ALL EXHIBITIONS NOW

Love is most definitely in the air right now, and whether you’re heading out to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple, grabbing the girls for a Galentine’s special or celebrating your closest friendships with an epic mate date and the ultimate group hangout activities, there’s only one place you need to visit. From action-packed days out to romantic dinner plans, a visit to Xscape Milton Keynes is sure to level up all your date night.

Just the two of you

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like celebrating the love of your life – and inviting them to take on the challenge of beating your high score. Whether you’re facing off on the bowling lanes to see who can score the most strikes at Hollywood Bowl or inviting them to win you a prize (or two) on the claw machines at Funstation, your next date night doesn’t get any better than this. Ramp up the challenge with a game of adventure golf at Volcano Falls, or relax into a cosier date night by catching Wuthering Heights on the big screen at Cineworld.

Feeling hungry? Share a pizza with PizzaExpress Valentine’s set menu or head to Creams Café to split your favourite desserts – because true love means getting to taste what they ordered too!

Let’s hear it for the girls

You don’t have to be in a relationship to make the most of the season of love! That’s why Galentine’s Day exists after all. It may not be an official holiday, but there’s no better excuse to round up your friends and enjoy the ultimate girls’ day. Taking place annually on 13th February, Galentine’s is best spent with brunch, cocktails and big celebrations. We’re talking VIP treatment at Hollywood Bowl, private karaoke booths at Volcano Falls and group bonding at Escape Hunt – followed by a celebratory drink or two, naturally.

Plus with T4 Bubble Tea to fuel your day, shareworthy bites to eat to enjoy at Slim Chickens and The Moon Under Water, and our on-site MERKUR Casino to help turn your girls’ day into a girls’ night, there’s no better place to plan your Galentine’s date.

All in this together

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, you know! No matter if you’re single, seeing someone or a deeply committed relationship, this year, why not make the time to fall in love with your closest friends all over again with the ultimate mate date.

Share the thrill of the flight with an iFLY Indoor Skydiving group event, tap into a new skill with a visit to Snozone’s open sessions or turn your trip into a celebration with Volcano Falls’ party packages – cocktails and golf, anyone? When it comes to dining, there’s a whole host of dining options that are designed for sharing too. Pull up a bench at wagamama to swap stories over nourishing ramen bowls, get stuck into mouth-watering nachos, wings and more at Wing Kingz or settle in for flame-grilled chicken favourites made just how you like them at Nando’s too.

Planning your next Xscape date night? They’ve got everything you need under one gigantic roof!

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