Milton Keynes shoppers are invited to kick off 2026 with a burst of colour, fun and feel-good vibes as Midsummer Place launches its Balloon Bingo – turning January Blues into Woohoos!
Taking place every Saturday throughout January, starting 10 January at 12pm, the centre will host Balloon Bingo at the Bandstand in the Boulevard, an exciting giveaway event with £1,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Each Saturday, 100 balloons – each with a unique number – will be handed out from 12pm and until they have gone – on a first come first served basis. Then at 1pm, one of MKFM’s illustrious presenters will start the Balloon Bingo! When your number is called — it’s time to celebrate.
Lucky winners will receive a £25 voucher to spend at a retailer within Midsummer Place. Prizes will be selected via a fun lucky dip, with vouchers available for a range of popular stores including LEGO, Hollister, Levi’s, Zara, Waterstone’s, Five Guys and more.
Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “January can feel like a long month for many people, so we wanted to create something fun, uplifting and genuinely rewarding for our visitors. Balloon Bingo at Midsummer Place is all about spreading positivity, bringing people together and giving shoppers a little extra reason to look forward to their weekends at Midsummer Place.”
Balloon Bingo is free to take part in and open to all visitors, with balloons available on a first-come, first-served basis each Saturday at 12pm.
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2 min read
If you’ve not visited the Land of Lights spectacular at Gulliver’s Resort this winter, there is still time to be dazzled!
For the fourth year running, visitors have been thrilled by the incredible Land of Lights displays, which opened at the end of October.
The festival, located at Gulliver’s Resort in Milton Keynes, is now open each Saturday throughout January and February.
Visitors set out on a mile-long visual voyage exploring multiple vivid dreamworlds of imagination and illumination – including a host of fantastic dinosaurs – and there is music and street food to enjoy.
Darren Hoy, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “This is an event that thrills the whole family, young and old, and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the displays over the last couple of months.
“Land of Lights will be open every Saturday until the end of February – what better way to brighten up a cold winter’s day!”
You can make your visit to Land of Lights into something extra special with an overnight stay in the wide range of accommodation at Gulliver’s Resort, which includes Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, Western Lodges, and Woodland Lodges.
Land of Lights is also taking place at Gulliver’s Word in Warrington, where it has been held since 2022, and for the first time at Gulliver’s Valley in the Rother Valley.
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2 min read
Stony Stratford is set for a huge night of laughter as The Comedy Cow brings a special Comedy Night to The Cock Hotel on Thursday 15th January, featuring an outstanding lineup from the UK comedy circuit.
Headlining the evening is Terry Alderton, one of Britain’s most original and unpredictable comedians. Known for his explosive energy, surreal storytelling and appearances on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and EastEnders, Alderton promises a headline set packed with big laughs and bold comedy.
Opening the show is rising star Tadiwa Mahlunge, whose sharp observations and infectious stage presence have quickly made him one of the most exciting new voices in stand-up.
The night will be hosted by Stevie Gray, an experienced and quick-witted MC who will keep the laughs flowing from start to finish.
The lineup is further strengthened by shorter performances from Ben Ashurst and Kate Robb, adding even more variety and laughs throughout the evening.
Set in the intimate and welcoming surroundings of The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, this Comedy Cow event offers audiences the chance to enjoy top-quality live stand-up in a relaxed, local setting.
Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm.
With a strong lineup and limited capacity, this event is expected to sell fast.
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5 min read
As the New Year begins, Milton Keynes is looking forward to a packed events programme in 2026 with live music, festivals, theatre and one-off events ready to stimulate the senses and bring the city to life!
What are you most looking forward to?
The National Bowl
Electronic music legends The Prodigy are returning to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes for the Warriors Dance Festival on Saturday 22 August 2026. This event will create history, bringing the undisputed heavyweight champions of the beats, The Prodigy, together with four masters of the game for the first time: the legendary Carl Cox, the king of drum & bass Andy C, Mr David “Ram Jam”, Japanese DJ/Producer ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U and the UK’s own SCARLXRD. Tickets are on sale now.
Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2026 for its sixth and biggest edition yet. The UK’s largest Reggae and Caribbean culture festival will once again welcome 100,000 fans across the weekend and unite an unrivalled curation of world-class talent, island flavours and community spirit for two days of unforgettable music and culture. NOW SOLD OUT.
Diaspora Calling! will make its UK debut on Friday 7 August 2026 with a major open-air event at Milton Keynes National Bowl. The inaugural edition will be headlined by the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill in what is currently her only confirmed UK performance for 2026. She will be joined by Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley and more! Tickets on sale now.
Stadium MK Group, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, will bring SMK Live – a brand-new multi-artist live music spectacular to Stadium MK on 27 & 28 June 2026.
Designed to become a major annual moment in the UK live entertainment calendar, SMK Live will bring some of the world’s most exciting artists to Milton Keynes for an unforgettable summer celebration filled with iconic hits, electric performances, and an atmosphere like no other.
The first wave of artists for SMK Live has already been announced – Day One headlined by Basement Jaxx, with Clean Bandit, Ella Henderson, Jax Jones and Moonchild Sanelly also confirmed to appear.
Day Two headlined by Black Eyed Peas with special guest Jason Derulo, Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns joins the lineup together with Jaylen Ngonda and Maverick Sabre, and the one and only Big Narstie will be the Day Two host.
The FREE Midsummer Festival event organised by Milton Keynes City Council will return on Sunday 21 June. This family-friendly celebration, inspired by the summer solstice, is 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.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music on a stunning outdoor stage in Campbell Park, right in Central Milton Keynes headlined by the legendary Scouting For Girls on Saturday 15 August and Symphonic Ibiza on Friday 14 August.
Prepare for a festival of innovation, art, science, and technology, taking place in Milton Keynes on Saturday 3 October. The Festival team is working with talented artists and digital technologists, to curate an unforgettable experience. More details will be released later in 2026.
Milton Keynes Theatre
In 2026, Milton Keynes Theatre welcomes a stellar lineup of shows and performances further cementing its position as the region’s leading entertainment venue. This year, you can enjoy The Choir of Man, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Matilda, SIX and so much more.
1940 Weekend returns to Bletchley Park, 13 & 14 June 2026. Get ready for a weekend of vintage fun, music, dancing, food and surprises for all the family. Learn to swing dance and show off your moves to live bands, sing along to timeless tunes that kept spirits high, try your hand at cracking coded messages, meet characters from the 1940s brought to life by re-enactors and join in with 1940s themed activities.
The UK’s number one Tribute Festival will once again take over Campbell Park in Milton Keynes for the August Bank Holiday weekend. Line up details will be announced soon.
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3 min read
When the gifts have been given and the festivities finish, it’s a great time to wrap up and enjoy the great outdoors. The Parks Trust, the charity caring for MK’s amazing green spaces, invite you on an adventure this January.
Inclusive Stroll with Sensory Narration Tue 13 Jan at Campbell Park
Designed for all ages and abilities, this short descriptive and introductory walk offers accessible routes and facilities, aiming to raise awareness and provide an enjoyable experience while discovering the hidden gems of Milton Keynes’ green spaces.
The Golden Wassail Sat 24 Jan at Woughton Orchard
Celebrating 50 years of the community orchard, this special edition of the traditional Wassail ceremony is great fun for all members of the family. Bring whistles, drums, musical instruments or anything noisy to help chase away pesky spirits and wish for a bountiful harvest, as well as good health and wealth for communities! Tuck into tasty treats and enjoy a guided tour of the orchard led by the Mid-Shire Orchard Group.
Community Litter Pick Mon 26 Jan at Canal Broadwalk
A great way to get the whole family outdoors and help your local environment, with all equipment for a safe litter collection provided. This 1-hour session is led by Parks Trust staff, who also take the rubbish away for disposal.
Looking a little further ahead, February is shaping up to be an exciting month too. The Parks Trust’s first Night Hike offers a chance to safely stay active after dark, and the annual Corporate Pancake Race returns for another year of flipping-good-fun at Milton Keynes Rose. It’s a pan-tastic team building activity for local organisations wanting to get involved with their community – team registrations are now open!
Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust says “January is ideal for making memories together, and for kickstarting a healthy year in the great outdoors. From magical orchard celebrations to gentle strolls and helpful litter picks, there’s something for every age to enjoy. So wrap up warm, gather family and friends, and join us for adventures that bring people closer to nature in Milton Keynes’ beautiful parks.”
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3 min read
Let’s face it…you can’t go wrong with Julia Donaldson. Her books are found in pretty much every household where young children reside. Tales like The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Zog, Tabby McTat and The Scarecrow’s Wedding have been delighting young people and adults for over 25 years.
One of the most beloved of her books is Stick Man and now this wonderful story of an anthropomorphic wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home has been turned into an award-winning stage show by Freckle Productions.
This production is beautifully done, it stays very true to the book, keeping the misadventures of our hero very simple yet wonderfully creative. Just three actors take to the stage in a fully immersive adaptation but using minimal props and some very catchy songs.
They take you on Stick Man’s journey from getting lost in the park, chewed on by a dog, taken to a nest by a swan, being swept out to sea and being used as a bat on a beach and onto to his final adventure when he meets the big man in a red suit, who helps Stick Man get home to the family tree.
We went along with a four-year-old and an eight-year-old, both big fans of the book and both clutching their own Stick Man toys. They loved every second, taking part in the audience participation sections – the naughty dog chases Stick Man through the audience and catching the beach ball. They got swept along in the magic of the story, even reciting some of the most memorable lines word for word.
For young children, where this might be their very first time going to a theatre, it’s a brilliant introduction – nothing is too loud or too in your face. It runs for around 55-60 minutes, with no interval and you can take your own snacks in as well, it’s all very relaxed. Bringing a mix of puppetry, live music, dance and fun – it’s a lovely, gentle story that plays wonderfully to the audience of all ages.
Even as adults, who have read the story countless number of times – we found ourselves rooting for Stick Man to get back to the “…family tree and his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.”
With the Christmas-themed ending, it’s a perfect alternative to some of the bolder, brighter, louder pantomimes, and it plays at The Stables in Milton Keynes until 4 January, with various performance times to suit younger audiences. Don’t miss out, this really is a delightful, heart-warming production that will fill you with joy.
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2 min read
Brace yourselves, comedy lovers! The Comedy Cow is gearing up for one of its biggest nights yet on 23rd January at The Venue MK, bringing an electric lineup of some of the sharpest, funniest, and most exciting comedians on the UK circuit. If you’re looking for a night out that delivers from start to finish, this is the show you don’t want to miss.
Front and centre is the phenomenal Zoe Lyons, headlining with her trademark blend of whip-smart humour, bold observations, and unbeatable stage presence. Whether you’ve seen her on TV or live before, you know she brings the kind of energy that leaves audiences buzzing long after the show ends.
Steering the night is the unstoppable MC Lou Conran, a master of crowd work, charm, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. She’ll have the room in stitches before the first act even hits the stage.
Kicking things off with a bang is the brilliantly bold Eddy Brimson, renowned for his fearless comedy and powerhouse delivery. And right in the middle of the action, rising star Ricky Balshaw brings his unique style, sharp lines, and infectious personality – perfectly placed to keep the laughter rolling.
Showtime: 20:00 Doors Open: 19:00 Date: Thursday, 23rd January Tickets: Grab yours now at www.thecomedycow.co.uk
This isn’t just another comedy night—it’s a full-throttle, laugh-until-your-face-hurts experience. With talent this strong, seats won’t last long. Round up your mates, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable night at The Venue MK.
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3 min read
After a record-breaking year, the scene-leading Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026 for its sixth and biggest edition yet. The UK’s largest Reggae and Caribbean culture festival will once again welcome 100,000 fans across the weekend and unite an unrivalled curation of world-class talent, island flavours and community spirit for two days of unforgettable music and culture. Tickets are on sale now at www.reggaeland.co.uk
Reggae Land is by far the biggest reggae festival in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, and 2026 will mark its most ambitious year yet. The full artist line-up will be announced in January and promises to be the largest yet, expanding from 90 artists in 2025 to 120+ artists in 2026, all spread across seven stages with increased production, sound, facilities and immersive decor.
In the meantime, the first announcement for 2026 focuses on major expansions across the site including brand-new stages and the festival’s largest programme to date. This year, Reggae Land introduces the Dancehall Stage, a brand-new open-air, dedicated dancehall arena with a 7,000 capacity, delivering a huge new space for high-energy performances and culture. Then comes Bob’s Bar Stage, a new indoor stage paying tribute to the roots of reggae, giving roots reggae and lovers rock their own dedicated home at Reggae Land.
The full 2026 programme will once again showcase the entire spectrum of Caribbean sound and culture from roots and rocksteady to dancehall, dub, jungle and beyond with world-renowned names appearing alongside rising stars and genre innovators.
Since its move to The National Bowl in 2023, Reggae Land has transformed the historic open-air venue into a Caribbean wonderland. The Bowl’s natural amphitheatre provides unmatched acoustics and panoramic views, while its central location offers easy access for festival goers from across the UK and beyond. Beyond the music, the site comes alive with a Caribbean food village, rum bars and cocktail shacks, a reggae flea market, a reggae museum and a VIP zone creating a full sensory journey through Caribbean culture, rhythm and flavour.
Say JBM Music, the festival’s organisers: “Every year we push ourselves to make Reggae Land bigger, better, and more vibrant for everyone who joins us. As the festival grows, we’re determined to give even more back to the amazing community that powers this event. By expanding the line-up and adding new stages, we’re bringing more music, more culture, and more energy than ever before.””
With its unique blend of live performances, cultural showcases and community spirit, Reggae Land 2026 is set to be the most complete and immersive deep dive into rhythm, roots and the unity that shapes the music.
Tickets are expected to sell out fast so secure your place at www.reggaeland.co.uk
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2 min read
Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, recently visited the Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve here in Milton Keynes. She joined Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North and members of The Parks Trust team to learn more about the charity’s work and its visionary Wetland Arc project.
Over the next two years, The Parks Trust will develop a masterplan for the Wetland Arc, an ambitious initiative covering 355 hectares (about 500 football pitches) of linear parkland along the River Great Ouse in the north of Milton Keynes. This masterplan will integrate:
Community ideas to ensure local voices shape the future of the landscape
Accessibility improvements to make the area welcoming for all
Ecological evidence to protect and enhance biodiversity
Climate and nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges
The goal is to create a landscape that works for people and nature long into the future.
The first phase of the Wetland Arc project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, reflecting its significance for heritage, ecology, and community engagement.
Victoria Miles MBE, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust says “It was a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State to Milton Keynes, admiring the city’s beautiful parkland and discussing the benefits that come with independent stewardship of green spaces.”
“Our Wetland Arc project is ambitious but incredibly important and sets out to create a resilient landscape that supports wildlife, commits to bold climate action, and provides accessible green spaces for everyone in Milton Keynes. We’re excited to work with local communities to shape a future where people and nature thrive together.”
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4 min read
Silverstone’s biggest festive season yet has just started, with its flagship event, Lap of Lights (12th December – 3rd January 2026). Tickets have been selling fast, and weekends are already close to selling out. Late planners needn’t worry as there’s still time to secure an incredible day out at one of the world’s largest Christmas light trails, and with prices starting from just £50 per car, you can bring the whole family or a carload of friends for exceptional value.
Stacey Solomon and her family attended the exclusive launch of Lap of Lights ahead of the public opening. The event turns the home of British motorsport into a spectacular festive wonderland, family-friendly activities including the Ice Trak ice rink and LEGO® Santa’s Garage, festive food and drink, and interactive F1 experiences. Visitors can drive their own car through the trail, with tickets from just £50 per car. Stacey Solomon said: “We’ve had a really special evening! It’s such a cool experience being at Silverstone at Christmas time – the light trail on the circuit was magical and there’s loads for the kids to do.”
Lap of Lights transforms the home of British motorsport into a glittering festive wonderland. Guests can follow in the tyre tracks of F1 legends as they drive their own car around the famous circuit, guided by 10 immersive light attractions, 35 lasers and more than 7,000 LED panels. And with tickets charged per car, the whole family can come for prices as low as £50.
Highlights include a pre-lap Elf Pit Stop at Copse, where elf performers will engage with visitors trackside and from the stage, the dazzling Glittering Gateway, where a spectacular LED light show will surround each vehicle, the towering LED spectacle of Sledspeed Straight, the Northern Lights effects at Aurora Apex complete with smoke bubble machines, and the festive finale of Candy Cane Curve with giant inflatable candy canes and festive characters before finishing in the legendary Fastest Lapland down the Hamilton Straight.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of festive food and drink, including German sausages, mince pies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine, providing the perfect way to refuel after a full day at Silverstone. Visitors will also have the chance to browse a wide selection of official Silverstone merchandise, ideal for stocking fillers and gifts for motorsport fans of all ages.
To make the festive trip even more memorable, visitors who book Lap of Lights tickets can also enjoy 10% off stays at Escapade Silverstone Hotel & Restaurant.
Guests can take advantage of these discounts to turn their festive day out into a full winter getaway at Escapade Silverstone Hotel & Restaurant, just moments from the Lap of Lights and the track. Choose from contemporary residences with trackside or countryside views and unwind after a day of lights and festive fun in the pool, gym, or at The Gallery Restaurant & Bar.
Prices start from £262 per night, including breakfast and dinner. Additional savings from £170 per night between 26th and 30th of December. To enjoy the full Lap of Lights experience without the worry of the drive home, book your Lap of Lights ticket to unlock your 10% discount, or visit escapade.silverstone.co.uk/festive-season to see what other offers are available this festive season.
With weekends selling fast for Lap of Lights, now is your chance to experience Silverstone at its most festive. Packed with lights, winter fun, and motorsport excitement, it’s a day out that the whole family and friends will never forget. Book now before it’s too late.
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2 min read
Willen On Ice is now open, marking the return of the city’s biggest and most-loved festive attraction. The recent launch event brought together local ice-skating talent, influencers, media guests, and community partners for an exclusive first skate under the lakeside lights.
Guests were treated to a stunning evening of skating, fairground rides, and seasonal food, while local performers — including rising pro skaters Darcie, Elsie, and Grace — delivered breathtaking routines that set the tone for a spectacular season ahead.
This year’s rink is bigger and better than ever, complete with sparkling décor, the lakeside Observation Wheel backdrop, and a packed programme that promises something for everyone. Disco Skate Fridays are new for 2025 with high-energy music, along with the hugely popular character skate sessions.
Rob Wood, Willen Lake’s Executive Director, said: “The launch event was everything we hoped for and more. Seeing the community, performers, and invited guests come together to celebrate the opening was incredible. Willen On Ice has always been about creating magical moments for Milton Keynes, and this year we’ve gone bigger, brighter, and even more festive. We can’t wait for everyone to come down and experience it.”
Willen On Ice is open until Sunday 4th January, and with sessions selling quickly, visitors are encouraged to book asap to secure their preferred dates.
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3 min read
This Saturday, 13th December, marks Milton Keynes Hospital Charity’s Community Day at Stadium MK as one of MK Dons’ official charity partners for the 25/26 season.
This marks the first charity activation day of the season!
Milton Keynes Hospital Charity is dedicated to supporting all wards and departments at Milton Keynes University Hospital. They’re here to help enhance patient and family experience, making a difference through fundraising, volunteering, and developing vital projects with MKUH staff.
These projects can range from extra-special medical equipment to transforming clinical hospital environments into warm and welcoming spaces. MK Hospital Charity also supports Milton Keynes University Hospital’s Cancer Centre, funding treatments, wellbeing spaces, gardens, and new radiotherapy facilities through ongoing appeals and community donations.
As well as the Cancer Centre, the charity also supports the Neonatal Centre (NNU) at Milton Keynes University Hospital through donations, funding renovations, equipment, and support services such as counselling and community care. The NNU also provides family-integrated care, psychological support, and community nurse teams for premature or ill babies
These important centres are where your kind donations will go, and the money will be crucial towards supporting them in caring for patients there.
The Community Day will see a range of activities for supporters to enjoy before the match, as well as opportunities to raise money for this great cause.
The Community Day will bring all the festive cheer to fans, starting with a group of Cycling Santas, who will be arriving from the City Centre at Gate 5 at 1pm on matchday, so come and say hello, cheer them on and get on that nice list!
Also from 1pm, MK Hospital Charity’s mascot, Leo the Lion will join our very own Donny and Mooie on their own travels around the stadium, so make sure you find them and get a photo!
A team of volunteers will also be travelling around the Stadium with buckets from 1:30pm, raising funds for MK Hospital Charity, so please donate what you can when you see them!
There will also be an exciting Concourse Fanzone, open from 1:30pm, which will have a Spin the Wheel, Teddy Tombola and a Name the Teddy game! This will be located by Gate 7 (The Study Centre) on the concourse.
If that’s not enough Christmas joy for you, don’t worry! At 2:15pm, there will be Christmas Carols sung by volunteers at the Concourse Fanzone until 2:45pm for supporters to enjoy before the match.
Supporters are also kindly encouraged to donate what toys they can at selected locations around the Stadium on matchday. All donations go to MK Hospital Charity.
Toys must be NEW and can include Arts and Crafts materials, Board Games, Colouring Utensils, Musical Toys, Fidget Toys, Baby Toys and Dolls and Action Figures.
Toy Donation Drop-Off Locations:
Club Store (from 10am)
Club Red entrance (from 12pm)
Pitchside Bar (from 12pm)
Cowshed Shop (from 1:30pm)
All donations will be grouped together and delivered to MK Hospital.
The Charity will also be providing the First Team players with t-shirts to wear as they warm up ahead of the match. The shirts will be worn by the players, before being signed and given back to the charity to raffle off. This December, First Team players will also be visiting MK Hospital in person to give some festive cheer to residents there.
