Horwood House has strengthened its commitment to environmental responsibility by announcing a new partnership with Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

The ‘Investors in Wildlife’ business membership will see the award-winning, 4-star country house hotel and conference venue in Little Horwood, near Milton Keynes, support the Trust’s vital conservation work, while enabling more nature to thrive within its own grounds.

As part of the collaboration, a forthcoming visit by the Trust will explore how Horwood House can make its 38-acre estate even more wildlife-friendly. This will directly support the hotel’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, which includes ongoing rewilding efforts, tree planting and organic gardening projects.

The new partnership also builds upon a series of successful sustainable practices and wildlife initiatives recently introduced at the hotel. In August 2025, Horwood House unveiled the UK’s first ‘Butterfly Resort’ to spotlight the urgent plight of native species, in response to Butterfly Conservation declaring a “butterfly emergency”. The project involved several local schools and was supported by Sir David Attenborough.

Prior to that, in May 2025, the hotel partnered with Urban Bee-lievers, an innovative, local social enterprise, to set up a hive for bees within its grounds – checking in 20,000 of the buzzing guests to encourage the region to become more ‘bee-friendly’.

Caroline Morrone, General Manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “We are incredibly proud to become an ‘Investor in Wildlife’ with the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust. Protecting and nurturing our local ecosystem is a big focus for us at Horwood House.

“Following the success of our ‘Butterfly Resort’ and our work with Urban Bee-lievers, this membership is the natural next step in building on our sustainable and environmental practices for 2026 and beyond. We are delighted to be partnering with the Trust and look forward to their upcoming visit to help us maximise the potential of our grounds for local wildlife.”

The BBOWT is a dedicated local charity that manages over 80 nature reserves across the three counties to protect and restore natural habitats. Its work focuses on safeguarding local wildlife, advising landowners on conservation and inspiring communities to connect with and protect the natural world around them.

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

For more information on the BBOWT, visit https://www.bbowt.org.uk/

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

The first phase of Hello Bletchley – the development of a new Alan Turing commemorative artwork – is now underway, marking an important milestone in the creation of a landmark sculpture for Bletchley town centre.

Local people are playing an active role in shaping the project through workshops and public sessions, sharing stories, memories and reflections on Alan Turing and Bletchley. These contributions are informing the evolving structure of the artwork, ensuring the final sculpture reflects the identity and lived experience of the community.

The artwork will celebrate Alan Turing’s life, his extraordinary legacy and his deep connection to Bletchley, where his codebreaking work played a vital role during the Second World War and helped lay the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence. Created by award-winning artist Nick Ryan, the sculpture is being developed through a co-creation process that places residents at its heart.

During community workshops, people have been invited to share personal reflections, hopes for the future and memories of Bletchley. A specially designed AI-assisted recorder captures these conversations and transforms them into unique digital forms known as citizen strata. Shaped by the sentiment and content of each contribution, alongside live contextual data such as weather and transport patterns, these strata will form the building blocks of the final sculpture. From particular viewpoints, the geometry will subtly reveal the figure of Alan Turing.

A project website, www.hellobletchley.com, provides background information about the process and ways for residents to stay involved as the artwork develops.

When completed at the end of 2026, the sculpture will stand within a newly landscaped public space designed for gathering and contemplation. In its first year, the artwork will include a mixed-reality dimension — a temporary digital ‘4D’ layer that extends beyond the physical structure. Visitors will be able to unlock digital patterns connected to the sculpture, exploring the stories, voices and data that helped shape its form. Those who took part in workshops will be able to trace how their own contribution informed the evolving structure.

Commissioned as part of the wider Town Deal regeneration programme, the Alan Turing commemorative artwork is a celebration of innovation, community and Bletchley’s unique history. This phase marks a significant step in the project’s journey as it continues to grow through local participation.

“This commission celebrates Alan Turing’s legacy which is woven into the very fabric of Bletchley and Milton Keynes. His groundbreaking work at Bletchley Park didn’t just help change the course of history but it laid the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence and this sculpture will honour his pioneering spirit.”

– Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran

“This commission asks the town to help shape something completely new. We’re inviting residents to become co-authors of the sculpture. Their voices, experiences and the daily rhythms of the place will literally form its structure, honouring a brilliant mind that shaped so much of how the world operates today.”

– Artist Nick Ryan

Community workshops exploring personal histories, data, machine learning and material expression will continue in the coming months, with free sessions for schools, local groups and the wider public.

Midsummer Place is entering an exciting new chapter, with 2026 set to be a year of major change as a series of long-planned redevelopment projects begin to come to life.

Over the coming weeks, visitors to the centre will start to see building works commence and hoarding installed across several areas, including Oak Court and former units such as Barclays and GAP. These works mark the start of an ambitious programme that will welcome a number of highly anticipated new retailers to the centre throughout 2026.

The projects have been in development for many months – in some cases years – and represent a significant investment in the future of Midsummer Place. While the names of the incoming brands cannot yet be revealed, the centre has confirmed that announcements will be made as soon as permitted.

During this period, disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum, with all surrounding retailers remaining open and trading as usual.

The transformation builds on a hugely successful period for the centre. In 2025, Midsummer Place welcomed the UK’s largest Lane7, a launch that dramatically enhanced the centre’s leisure offering and helped attract tens of thousands of additional visitors each week. Other notable openings last year included Popeyes, Søstrene Grene, Smoke & Pepper and a newly refurbished Hollister, all of which have contributed to increased footfall and dwell time.

The centre has also seen continued confidence from existing occupiers, highlighted by the reinvestment and reopening of HSBC this week, unveiling a modernised branch with an enhanced customer service offering.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said:

“This is a hugely exciting time for Midsummer Place. The works visitors will start to see are the visible signs of plans that have been carefully developed over a long period of time. We’re investing heavily in the future of the centre and in bringing brands and experiences that we know our customers want. While there will be some short-term change on site, the long-term result will be a stronger, more diverse destination for Milton Keynes.”

Further updates and retailer announcements will be shared in the coming months as the next phase of Midsummer Place’s transformation continues.

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

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.

The Shallow Gallery is a new exhibition space at centre:mk; a dynamic public art platform in the heart of Milton Keynes, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, activating a unique urban space and supporting the city’s creative community. Discover the gallery to the left of the Field Walk entrance of centre:mk (Door 13), close to Next. The exhibition is completely free and open to the public 24/7.

Currently exhibiting is An Extension of the Paranormal, a striking exhibition by Milton Keynes-based artist Joss Whittle which can be seen until 15^th February. Using recycled cardboard, she reimagines classic and forgotten artworks, transforming them into contemporary visual poetry that brings the past into the present. Presented by Arts Central Studios and curated by Rookie Services, Shallow Gallery is a public art platform celebrating contemporary artists and Milton Keynes’ creative community.

Joss Whittle’s exhibition is the first in a series of different artists that will occupy the space. New artists will be showcased back-to-back with details of their exhibitions found on the centre:mk website.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director said, “We are delighted to be able to host a new gallery space at centre:mk, to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work in such a central location in the city. We work with the artistic community across a number of projects already, from our ongoing sponsorship of MK International Festival to the busking programme running at the centre. The Shallow Gallery is yet another space that gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy art outside of a traditional gallery, making it accessible for everyone, showing how Milton Keynes is an interesting and vibrant place to visit.”

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