Art in the Park Festival Celebrates Culture in Milton Keynes

Posted 17th July 2024

The Milton Keynes Islamic Arts & Culture (MKIAC)’s Art in the Park festival was a resounding success at the weekend, Saturday, 13 July 2024, at the Campbell Park Events Plateau in Milton Keynes. This year’s theme, “Green City”, beautifully intertwined the elements of culture, identity, and nature, creating an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and environmental consciousness.

The event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 18,000 attendees, featured a wide array of activities and performances that highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Milton Keynes while emphasising the importance of climate action.

The festival kicked off with a vibrant Parade of Colours, a spectacular display of Milton Keynes’ multicultural community. Participants donned traditional attire, creating a living tapestry of the city’s diverse heritage.

The festival stage was graced by an eclectic mix of performers, including the energetic Raka Balkan Band, the dynamic Taal Bhangra Dance Group, the melodious Northampton Orchestra, the traditional Greek Cultural Performance, and the rhythmic Brazilian Samba Drummers. 

Attendees enjoyed a variety of engaging art workshops and demonstrations, including Islamic Arts Calligraphy Sessions where participants explored the intricate beauty of Arabic calligraphy; a renowned Turkish artist captivated audiences with mesmerizing Turkish marbling demonstrations; a therapeutic stencil workshop provided a creative outlet for all ages and abilities, allowing participants to create unique pieces of art.

Internationally renowned photographer Peter Sanders delivered an inspiring talk on his new book, Heaven, Earth, and the Ten Thousand Things, offering a landmark visual story of Islam in China. Sanders’ work, which focuses on the traditional and spiritual aspects of the Muslim community worldwide, resonated deeply with the audience.

The festival’s Food Village was a culinary delight, featuring a global array of food vendors offering diverse and affordable cuisines, providing a gastronomic journey around the world.

The lively funfair added an extra layer of excitement and entertainment for attendees of all ages.

MKIAC’s Art in the Park festival once again proved to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, community spirit, and cultural diversity. The next event held by the MKIAC will be the City of Codes and lights festival in October. Stay tuned for more information!

Join the MKIAC for future events and initiatives as we continue to celebrate and enrich the cultural tapestry of Milton Keynes!