Willen Lake’s FREE Flavour Fest returns for Summer!

This edition’s vendors include:

• Good Times Cafe UK – Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Saf’s Kitchen – Punjabi Street Food
• Oh So Dough – Doughnuts
• Murphy’s Empawium Ltd – Dog Treats
• Soul’s Kitchen  – Vegan Meals
• Howe & Co – Fish and Chips
• The Rub – BBQ
• Home Farm – Pure English Honey
• Hodgey’s – Chilli Sauces
• Lorenzo’s Pizzeria – Pizza
• The Jockey Bar
• Facepainting by Agin
• The Mac Daddy – Mac and Cheese
• The Fat Mallow Company – Marshmallows
• Patisserie Sheree – Baked goods

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.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals has announced Jesus Christ Superstar will tour the UK following the conclusion of its West End engagements at The London Palladium. Sam Ryder brings his highly anticipated take on the iconic role of Jesus to theatres across the UK for the first time, arriving at Milton Keynes Theatre from 27 – 31 Jul 2027.

PRE-SALE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

GENERAL SALE STARTS 24 JUNE AT 10AM

Producer Michael Harrison said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a major UK tour following the phenomenal response to this extraordinary new production. The tremendous buzz generated by Saturday night’s first performance at The London Palladium underlines just how special this iconic musical remains, and we are thrilled that audiences across the country will now have the opportunity to experience Tim Sheader’s visionary staging, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score, and Sam Ryder’s electrifying performance.

This is fantastic news for touring theatre and audiences throughout the UK, ensuring that this remarkable production can be enjoyed by many more people following our seasons at The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”

Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. Reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production, which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, heads out on a tour of the UK following an 11-week season at The London Palladium and a 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.

Joining Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox & Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

LISTINGS

Jesus Christ Superstar
Performances: Tue 27 – Sat 31 Jul 2027
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

Willen Lake’s Flavour Fest returns for Summer!

This edition’s vendors include:

• Good Times Cafe UK – Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Saf’s Kitchen – Punjabi Street Food
• Oh So Dough – Doughnuts
• Murphy’s Empawium Ltd – Dog Treats
• Soul’s Kitchen  – Vegan Meals
• Howe & Co – Fish and Chips
• The Rub – BBQ
• Home Farm – Pure English Honey
• Hodgey’s – Chilli Sauces
• Lorenzo’s Pizzeria – Pizza
• The Jockey Bar
• Facepainting by Agin
• The Mac Daddy – Mac and Cheese
• The Fat Mallow Company – Marshmallows
• Patisserie Sheree – Baked goods

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.

A major new exhibition has opened at MK Gallery dedicated to the rarely seen colour photographs by pioneering 20th-century French photographer and painter Jacques Henri Lartigue, from 20 June to 4 October 2026.

Jacques Henri Lartigue (1894–1986) is best known for his black-and-white photographs capturing the elegance and joie de vivre of high society and modern life, particularly during the early 20th-century Parisian Belle Époque. Although he did not receive widespread critical acclaim until later in life, Lartigue was at the centre of France’s golden era of creativity, moving within a social circle that included cultural icons such as Jean Cocteau, Grace Kelly and Pablo Picasso.

Lartigue also became known for his interest in documenting the speed and movement of new innovations such as motor racing and aviation, and photographs of life on the French Riviera. He is regarded as a pioneer of the ‘spontaneous’ snapshot – a departure from the formal portraits that were typical of the time – which would later become known as street photography and popularised by Instagram.

Lartigue began experimenting with early colour photography as a teenager, at a time when the process was still technically demanding and rarely used. His colour photographs from this period show intimate portraits of his family, friends and everyday life. However, the long exposure times and cumbersome equipment led him to focus on painting throughout the 1930s, until the use of modern colour photography became more widespread in the 1950s.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour will explore Lartigue’s lifelong experimentation with colour. The exhibition will feature over 150 works, focusing on his lesser-known colour photographs. It will also include his early experimental stereoscopic images, which produce three-dimensional effects, as well as vintage prints, unique works on paper and archival documents.

The exhibition will showcase the breadth of Lartigue’s career, from drawings he made as a child in the 1900s to his work in the fashion world of the 1960s, and his abstract floral photographs of the 1970s. Until recently, the majority of Lartigue’s colour photographs had never been seen, despite representing a third of the 120,000 images in his archive, the Donation JH Lartigue.

About Jacques Henri Lartigue

Born in Courbevoie, in western Paris, to an affluent family, Lartigue began taking black-and-white photographs as a child after receiving a camera from his father. In 1912, he became interested in autochrome, an early technique used to apply colour to photographs, which had recently been invented by the Lumiere brothers.

In 1915, Lartigue attended painting classes at the Academie Julian in Paris before embarking on a career as a painter. In 1928, he stopped his autochrome practice. After the Second World War, photography became Lartigue’s main focus and he began receiving commissions from illustrated magazines and the Rapho press agency. In the early 1960s, Lartigue’s work was introduced to John Szarkowski, Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, culminating in a major solo exhibition in 1963, which brought him international recognition as a professional photographer.

Throughout his later life, Lartigue continued to photograph, paint and write, and published collections of his work, including Diary of a Century, edited by Richard Avedon and designed by Bea Feitler. Lartigue died in 1986, leaving behind a vast archive of photographs, paintings and diaries that capture a century of French society and technological change.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour is organised in collaboration with the Association des Amis de Jacques Henri Lartigue, Ministère de la Culture, France and diChroma Photography.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour
20 June – 4 October 2026
MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3QA
Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays
https://mkgallery.org/

The nationwide interactive bingo experience arrives in Milton Keynes following sold-out events across the UK, starring Miss Demeanour alongside queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race and a fabulous cast of live performers at Stadium MK on Saturday 5 September 2026.

The UK’s live entertainment scene is about to get a lot more fabulous as Drag Bingo UK struts into The Ballroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, Stadium MK on Saturday 5 September 2026. Created by award-winning drag performer Miss Demeanour, Drag Bingo UK transforms traditional bingo into a fully interactive night of live vocals, drag performances, audience games, iconic music and complete camp chaos. “We always say it’s less about the bingo and more about the atmosphere,” says Miss Demeanour.

“We just want people to come in, forget real life for a few hours and leave feeling fabulous”. Unlike traditional bingo events, you won’t win any money as it’s not a gambling event (although it is still strictly 18+), but you might win a toilet seat with Miss D’s face rhinestoned on it, or a gigantic bag of 440 tea bags. Drag Bingo UK uses song-filled bingo cards rather than endless number calling, with audiences marking off tracks as they’re played throughout the night alongside live singing, dance-offs, lip sync performances and interactive games. “We’ve also made the whole thing incredibly interactive,” says Miss D. “On the back of the bingo cards there’s a live event portal where audiences can enter competitions, send shoutouts, send pictures and videos directly to me throughout the night and properly become part of the event themselves. It feels more like a massive party than a traditional bingo night.”

The event has already built a growing reputation across the UK, after selling out in Folkestone,  Worthing and Tunbridge Wells with audiences ranging from hen parties and birthday groups to drag fans, couples, friendship groups and first-time attendees looking for something completely different from a standard night out. “Honestly? Everybody comes to Drag Bingo UK,” says Miss D. “We’ve had hen parties, an 80th birthday, drag queens, office groups, couples on date nights, mums and daughters, straight lads who got dragged along and ended up living their best lives by the end of the night.”

As drag entertainment continues to grow in mainstream popularity across the UK, Drag Bingo UK has become part of a wider shift towards immersive, experience-led nights out. “I think drag has become more popular because people have finally realised we’re fabulous full-throttle entertainers,” says Miss D. “At the heart of it all, our job is to make YOU feel fabulous, welcomed and part of the party.”

Event Information

Event: Drag Bingo UK
Venue: The Ballroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, Stadium MK,  Stadium Way West, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1ST
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
General Tickets: £35.00 | VIQ Tickets: £50.00.
Booking Link: www.DragBingo.UK

A luxury Buckinghamshire hotel has unveiled a new range of community-focused corporate packages to allow businesses to go beyond just booking a meeting room – with 58% of UK companies specifically seeking out experiential away days.

Horwood House Hotel, an award-winning, 4-star country house hotel and conference venue in Little Horwood, near Milton Keynes, has launched four new packages with meaningful and engaging team-building activities at their core.

Designed for teams looking to make a meaningful social impact by weaving charitable and community-focused elements into every part of their event, experiences now include cocktail masterclasses, chocolate workshops, honey tasting experiences and painting classes.

Highlighting the hotel’s community-focused work, the cocktail masterclass is a unique 60-minute session led by the in-house bar team. Participants learn the inspiring story behind the venue’s partnership with the Crisis homelessness charity, while mastering the skills needed to create the perfect Espresso Martini or a bespoke mocktail to enjoy. Guests will also be able to create a second cocktail, using fresh lavender that children have planted on the 38-acre estate as part of ongoing community gardening projects with local schools.

The 60-minute chocolate workshop invites guests to discover the art of chocolate making alongside the hotel’s in-house chocolatiers. Ideal for team-building sessions, this hands-on, interactive experience features a demonstration of expert techniques, followed by a session where participants can create, decorate and take home their very own handmade chocolate truffles.

The honey tasting experience explores the crucial partnership between flowers and bees, uncovering the science of how the insects transform simple nectar into ‘liquid gold’. The sensory exploration guides teams through the diverse flavours of Horwood’s onsite hives, allowing guests to taste three to five unique varieties – including a ‘Mystery Honey’ – before taking their own jar home.

The experience is hosted by Urban Bee-lievers, a local social enterprise focussing on encouraging, educating and inspiring guests on the benefits of the threatened fuzzy insects.

Finally, to tie in with Horwood’s ‘Butterfly Resort’ campaign, which saw it work with local schools to design and decorate butterfly houses to raise awareness of the decline in UK butterfly numbers last summer, guests can now paint their own butterfly houses. The package builds on the hotel’s existing conservation and wildlife initiatives, while providing participants with a meaningful ESG-focused activity. Creations can also be used as table centrepieces if businesses choose to have a private dinner during their stay.

Caroline Morrone, General Manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “We’re excited to expand our range of experiential packages, allowing businesses and organisations to go beyond just booking a meeting room with us. Educating guests about the importance of local charities, wildlife and sustainable initiatives, while providing a space for team connection, is something we are deeply passionate about. We know that corporate teams are increasingly looking for these types of hands-on experiences, and we’ll look to add more experiential packages in the near future to meet those demands.”

Additionally, with wellness-focused corporate away-day activities on the rise, the hotel is currently exploring the inclusion of sound bath, yoga and breathwork sessions. More information on this experiential package will be announced in the coming months.

To find out more about the new experiential packages, please email meetings@horwoodhouse.co.uk.

For more information on Horwood House Hotel, visit https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/.

MERKUR Casino UK has renewed its commitment to Willen Hospice, entering a second year as a Platinum Corporate Partner and helping to fund essential care and support for local people living with life-limiting illnesses.

To date, the partnership has already generated more than £19,000 for the Milton Keynes charity, supporting a range of services that directly benefit patients and families across the city.

As part of its latest commitment, MERKUR will again sponsor Willen Hospice’s popular Corporate Golf Day, bringing together local businesses for a day of fundraising and networking in support of hospice care. Taking place this October at Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club, the event is expected to raise thousands of pounds to help ensure local people can continue to access the hospice’s palliative and end-of-life care when they need it most.

MERKUR’s sponsorship of the event totals £10,500 across two years, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in the local community.

The business has also supported the hospice’s Willen at Home service, contributing £3,000 towards community-based care that allows patients to receive support in the comfort of their own homes.

Additionally, MERKUR has donated £5,650 over the past three years to support the hospice’s Christmas dinners, with team members volunteering their time to help serve festive meals to patients and staff.

Every year, Willen Hospice supports hundreds of local people and their families, providing expert care, emotional support and practical guidance. As demand for services continues to grow, support from local businesses remains vital to ensuring care can continue to be delivered across Milton Keynes.

Keira Caso, Business & Partnerships Executive, Willen Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to MERKUR for continuing their support as a Platinum Corporate Partner for another year. Partnerships like this make a real difference to local people and families facing some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

“The support MERKUR has provided through fundraising, sponsorship, and volunteering helps us continue offering compassionate care to our community and ensures we can be there for those who need us most.”

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at MERKUR Casino UK, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Willen Hospice and support the incredible work they do for people across Milton Keynes.”

“Willen Hospice is a charity that touches the lives of so many local families, providing essential care and compassion when it matters most. As a business, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we’re delighted to continue contributing to the hospice’s vital work through our sponsorship of the Corporate Golf Day and wider fundraising efforts.”

SMK Live have announced the final artists set to complete a fabulous weekend of live music at Stadium MK, with the introduction of the C Stage.

The C Stage, situated near Gate 1, will host DJs DJ Hurley, Tony Dibbin and VICCARS on both Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June.

A well-known face in the MK area, award-winning DJ, producer and radio presenter, Keith Hurley – aka DJ Hurley – is a name synonymous with skill and longevity in the UK dance music scene. With over 35 years of experience behind the decks, he is the current host of the MKFM weekend mixshows.

From performing at private functions for Oscar winning Hollywood movie directors to sharing the stage with the giants of the music industry, Tony Dibbin is also fellow heavyweight of the dance floor.

Having spent decades working on radio brands such as Gold, Greatest Hits Radio, Absolute 80s, Nation Radio UK, Nation 80s and Nation 90, he brings a wealth of skill and experience to Stadium MK’s festival weekend.

Finally, VICCARS is another Milton Keynes-based DJ known for tightly crafted, high-energy club sets built on instinct, sharp selection, and a deep understanding of how to move a room. Rooted in years of playing bars, clubs, and private events, he has developed a reputation for fluid, responsive sets that build pressure, release it and keep dancefloors locked in.

Alongside his DJ work, Paul has presented on MKFM, bringing his musical identity and voice to local radio.

These DJs join a now complete line up, with the Main Stage set to showcase Basement Jaxx and Black Eyed Peas (UK Festival Exclusive), alongside Jason Derulo, Cat Burns, Clean Bandit, Groove Armada, Jalen Ngonda, Katy B, Jax Jones, Moonchild Sanelly, Maverick Sabre and Jaguar Skills. In addition to this, Bimini and Big Narstie bring their unwavering charisma and charm to the stage to host the festivities.

In addition, the B Stage – a second stage located by the Food Village – will host DJs throughout the weekend. Saturday will see party facilitators SoulGood take over with DJ sets from Welsh talents Paul Lyons, The Tribe of ViBE and Luna Amani. Sunday sees DJ, producer and TV personality Marcel Somerville take to the decks alongside DJ Twist and Kaptin & Dregz.

Housed inside Stadium MK’s stunning 30,000-seater stadium, the festival – the first of its kind in the stadium’s history – will offer music fans a jam-packed day-to-night schedule of high-octane performances, bringing some of the most memorable hits spanning the last two decades to the heart of Milton Keynes.

The festival is additionally set to host one of the biggest England vs Panama World Cup screenings in the country, with the game shown live on giant stadium and main stage screens inside Stadium MK on the 27th, transforming the venue into a one-night football and music extravaganza.

Day, Weekender, Group and VIP tickets remain available for SMK Live – although time is running out to snap one up!

Check out all ticket options HERE

New Look, one of the UK’s leading fashion brands, will open the doors to its new store at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes on 18 June, marking the next step of the retailer’s investment in omnichannel experiences.

Customers visiting on launch day can enjoy a packed programme of complimentary experiences, exclusive rewards and surprise prizes, including goody bags for the first 100 customers who make a purchase, prizes hidden across the store, complimentary matcha drinks and live music from an in-store DJ throughout the day.

Spanning 9,063 sq ft, the store brings New Look’s latest omni-hub concept to Milton Keynes, combining trend-led fashion, digital innovation and seamless customer service under one roof.  Customers can shop New Look’s latest womenswear, footwear and accessories collections, alongside the 915 teen range, while benefiting from dedicated customer service areas to support Click & Collect and returns.

The space also features digital inspiration points and enhanced in-store displays, helping shoppers discover the latest trends and seamlessly access New Look’s extended online range and services.

The opening is the latest milestone in New Look’s ongoing investment in its stores and digital capabilities. Following the success of its omni-hub stores at Bluewater and Lakeside, the retailer is set to open its largest-ever concept store at the Metrocentre this summer, with further openings planned across its estate.

Alongside the continued growth of Club New Look and a £30 million programme to enhance digital capabilities, these investments are helping New Look redefine the shopping experience, bringing together fashion and technology to create a more personalised and connected journey for customers.

Mark Matthews, Retail Director at New Look, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the official opening of our new Milton Keynes store and welcome customers into the space for the first time.

“Following the success of our omni-hub stores elsewhere in the UK, we’re excited to bring this latest concept to Milton Keynes. By combining inspiring fashion, digital convenience and enhanced customer services all under one roof, we’re creating a more seamless and connected experience for customers, however they choose to shop.”

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “We’re delighted to welcome New Look to its new store within Midsummer Place. New Look continues to be a firm favourite with our visitors, and the opening promises to offer something very exciting indeed.

“The opening of New Look completes the next phase of the ongoing developments and investment into Midsummer Place that is transforming the customer experience to become both leisure and retail in one destination.

“It also reflects the continued confidence retailers have in both Midsummer Place and Central Milton Keynes. With significant investment being made across the city centre, alongside the arrival of new brands, we are helping to create a vibrant destination that continues to attract visitors, businesses and investment from across the region.”

Following the approval of planning permission for a new purpose-built padel facility, Willen Lake and UK PADEL have announced six brand-new padel courts opening this year.

Located within the much-loved park at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes, the new courts will enhance the area’s mix of activities and social spaces. Easy to access and set within an open, welcoming environment, it’s a natural home for padel – a fun, social sport for players of all ages and abilities.

The new padel facility is set to offer a unique outdoor padel venue in Milton Keynes, featuring four covered courts and two open-air courts, meaning the courts will be open all year long. The complex will feature doubles and singles courts, making them particularly appealing to those new to the sport or looking to meet other players.

When the courts open, players will be able to take part in daily social mix-in sessions. Led by UK PADEL, these sessions are designed for players of all levels and aim to help build confidence, develop skills, and most importantly connect people through play.

The addition of padel courts further enhances Willen Lake as a destination that brings together sport, leisure and nature. With walking trails, water sports, cafés and open green spaces already attracting families, couples and individuals throughout the year, padel will add another exciting way for people to enjoy the park.

Robert Wood, Executive Director at Willen Lake, said:

“Willen Lake has always been about bringing people together through activity, nature and shared experiences. Partnering with UK Padel allows us to introduce an exciting new sport in a way that feels open, welcoming and accessible. These courts will strengthen Willen Lake’s position as a key destination for everyone in Milton Keynes and beyond.”

Nick Baker, CEO of UK Padel, added:

“UK PADEL is all about making padel accessible to all and creating a real sense of community at our padel clubs. Our new club at Willen Lake fits perfectly with this – allowing everyone to enjoy playing padel at this wonderful setting in the lakeside park. With our team of expert padel professionals, we will ensure that it is a true hub for individuals, couples and families to play and join in at the club. We will have our usual line-up of great padel social mix-ins and tournaments for all to enjoy so we look forward to welcoming you there!”

When the courts open, bookings will follow the UK Padel model, with non-members able to book courts up to six days in advance. Players who choose to become annual members will be able to book courts up to 21 days in advance at a reduced rate.

As padel continues to grow in popularity across the UK, its arrival at Willen Lake will give people in and around Milton Keynes a new and exciting way to get active, social and try something different in a familiar outdoor setting.

A massive summer of sport in nearly here with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Wimbledon coming soon…and there’s no better place to build excitement ahead of the action than at Xscape Milton Keynes.

Whether you’re looking to get active, challenge your friends or simply soak up the competitive spirit, Xscape is the ultimate destination to gear up for an unforgettable summer. Packed with thrilling experiences, sporting inspiration and great places to eat, drink and catch the big games, there’s something for everyone under one gigantic roof.

Take on the challenge

Inspired by all the sporting action coming up this summer? If it’s got you raring to go and ready to challenge your nearest and dearest to a spot of friendly competition, we know just the place. It’s time to step up, get active and put your skills to the test at Xscape Milton Keynes! Planning a family day out or group visit? Don’t leave it to chance – book your adventure in advance to avoid missing out.

• Speed & reflexes
  Get your adrenaline pumping and put your reactions to the test with exciting competitive experiences at Xscape Milton Keynes. Step into immersive new worlds at InstaVR, where fast-paced virtual reality adventures challenge your coordination and focus, or head to Hollywood Bowl for friendly competition across bowling lanes, arcade games and glow bowling fun.
• Precision & focus
  Head to Volcano Falls Adventure Golf and put your focus and precision to the test. From immersive themed courses to competitive family fun, it’s the perfect way to spark some friendly rivalry inspired by the summer sporting season.
• Agility & endurance
  Bounce into action at Gravity Active, where high-energy challenges help build agility, coordination and stamina in a fun and fast-paced environment. Looking for even more adrenaline? Take on climbing challenges and action-packed experiences at Gravity Rocks, designed to keep the whole group entertained!
• Balance & confidence
  Feel inspired to try something new? Snozone offers the chance to sharpen your balance, control and confidence on real snow, whether you’re a complete beginner or already slope-ready. Ski lessons and slope sessions are incredibly popular during the summer months, so don’t leave your booking until the last minute. Or maybe learn to indoor skydive at iFLY Milton Keynes for an adrenaline rush like no other.
• Reaction & competition
  Funstation is packed with quick-fire challenges, leaderboards and competitive fun. Test your reactions, chase high scores and challenge friends and family to see who comes out on top in a fast-paced gaming environment designed for all ages.

Gear up like a Pro

Ready for summer adventures, but still need the gear to match? Whether you’re planning fun days outdoors, cycling adventures or active family weekends, Xscape Milton Keynes has everything you need to look and perform your best. Visit Ellis Brigham, Evans Cycles and Trespass for outdoor clothing, sporting essentials, adventure-ready accessories and expert advice before your next challenge.

Summer of Sport – Where to watch

You’ve built up your competitive spirit – now it’s time to enjoy the main event.

At Xscape Milton Keynes, Wing Kingz continues to be a go-to destination for live sport, flavoured wings and match-day atmosphere seven days a week, while at The Moon Under Water you can expect tasty food, cask ales and plenty of big-screen sporting action. Plus, don’t forget that MERKUR Casino will be screening live World Cup action throughout the tournament.

Planning to visit? Don’t leave it until the last minute – activities, dining reservations and group experiences are likely to book up quickly throughout the summer season.

Secure your spot, plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable day out at Xscape Milton Keynes!

The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced details of Make My Music, a brand-new creative music programme designed for young people aged 12–14.

Taking place from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July, the immersive summer programme invites young people to explore music-making through DJing, live beat creation, songwriting and world music workshops in a fun, supportive and inspiring environment.

Make My Music is open to any young person with a keen interest in music, but especially welcomes young people who have not had much chance to take part in practical and creative music-making. The Stables is also offering bursaries to help more of those young people who face barriers in attending to take part.

Running from 10am-4pm each day, Make My Music gives participants the chance to try new musical experiences, collaborate with others and build confidence through creativity.

Each day focuses on a different aspect of contemporary music-making:

• Monday 20 July – Turntablism: Introduction to DJing
  Participants will get hands-on with the fundamentals of scratch DJing and learn the basics of mixing and turntablism.
• Tuesday 21 July – iPad Live Beats: Perform and Create
  Young people will use free iPad music apps to create and perform their own live beats and electronic music.
• Wednesday 22 July – Sounds and Instruments From Around the World
  A practical workshop introducing instruments, rhythms and sounds from diverse musical traditions.
• Thursday 23 July – Creative Songwriting
  An opportunity for aspiring songwriters to collaborate, write lyrics and create original music together.

Young people can book individual days or attend the full four-day programme, with each day affordably priced at £40 per day, including lunch. No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge are required to take part.

The programme reflects The Stables’ ongoing commitment to music education and creative participation for young people across the region. Founded by Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, The Stables has been championing access to music and the arts for more than 50 years.

Graeme Surtees, Head of Learning & Participation at The Stables, said:

“Make My Music is all about creativity, curiosity and giving young people the chance to explore music in exciting new ways. Whether they’re interested in DJing, songwriting, beats or discovering instruments from around the world, we want participants to feel inspired, supported and empowered to express themselves through music.”

Places are limited to 30 people per workshop and advance application is required.

For more information and to apply for a place CLICK HERE