What's On

Milton Keynes Museum is known for preserving local history, but with the launch of its Ancient Gallery this month, the Museum is realising the next milestone in its own history. The hub has grown in line with the new city, and in 2015, in partnership with MK Council, it announced plans for an ambitious multi-million pound expansion, with the aim of telling the whole story of our local heritage, from prehistory right up to the present, writes Sammy Jones. Milton Keynes is a city where dreams are realised - but it is also a place with a rich, significant historical..

A new chapter in compassionate care begins in the heart of Milton Keynes as a dynamic couple launches GoodOaks Homecare Milton Keynes. With a shared passion for helping others and a commitment to sustainability, the duo are set to provide high-quality visiting and live-in care services that support individuals to live independently and comfortably in their own homes. Milton Keynes, renowned as one of the UK’s most eco-conscious cities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this innovative and values-driven business. Simon and Evangeline Webb, who are passionate about the city, aim to integrate GoodOaks’ well-established reputation for excellence in care..

See in the new year with Cuba, crooners and comedy Forget the post-Crimbo lull, January in theatre-land is poised to deliver plenty, as Sammy Jones discovered... If you are keen to hold on to the festive feels that little bit longer, a reminder that Peter Pan continues at Milton Keynes Theatre (until Jan 5) with Craig Revel Horwood leading the cast of class. When the curtain falls on the seasonal show, there are still reasons to be cheerful, starting with the return of Milton Jones, bringing his new show Ha! Milton to town. The king of the one-liner and recipient..

Willen Hospice is a local charity in Milton Keynes, supporting local people with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice care is about providing wrap-around care, looking at the patient holistically and not just seeing to their physical needs. For Ann, this has been invaluable for her, improving her quality of life, independence and her outlook on life. Ann was referred to the Hospice’s Lymphoedema service by her GP when she moved to Milton Keynes from the south-west in 2021. While Ann was having her treatment, the expert staff at Willen Hospice were able to spot what other therapeutic and wellbeing support she might..

‘The idea of hope is so important’ Dear Evan Hansen makes its Milton Keynes debut later this month, as part of its much anticipated UK tour. As mentioned across the page, the story centres around high school kid Evan who desperately wants to fit in. When a classmate, Connor Murphy, himself struggling with drug abuse and depression, scrawls his name across the cast on Evan’s broken arm, it is assumed that Connor and Evan must have been close friends when, a short time later Connor takes his own life. It’s a deceit Evan initially goes along with, and as events..

Live Nation and Cuffe & Taylor are pleased to announce the return of Bedford favourites, Café Mambo Ibiza, as headliners for TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions on Friday 11 July 2025. Having delighted Bedford audiences with unforgettable performances in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Café Mambo has cemented their place as a beloved part of the local live music scene. This latest addition previously announced headliners including McFly, Supergrass, The Human League, Simple Minds, and Rag’n’Bone Man. Tickets for the show will go on general sale on Friday, 31 January December at smmrsessions.com / ticketmaster.co.uk. Following celebrated shows in 2019,..

The women of Olney are under starters orders as they prepare for the historic Olney Pancake Race, which takes place on Shrove Tuesday 4 March 2025.  The runners, dressed in a skirt and head scarf and clutching their frying pan and pancake, will be following a great tradition; the race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021. In 1950 the Pancake Race became an international event when the town of Liberal in Kansas, USA issued a challenge to Olney. In a spirit of international goodwill and friendship, the..

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute …. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast. The live show will be coming to Milton Keynes, Stables, on Wednesday 26th February. When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs! Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over  propelled..

As we shake off the cobwebs and head into a brand-new year, there are plenty of activities to enjoy across the city’s parks. This year, The Parks Trust are pleased to announce many new accessible events and activities that enable more people to enjoy local green spaces. Inclusive Strolls – these are gentle guided walks designed for all abilities and led by The Parks Trust staff and volunteers who have participated in disability awareness and sighted guide training. Attendees are advised to request adjustments in advance so staff can best support on the day. Walks often have toilet facilities and..

On Monday 9 December, creativity and festive cheer took centre stage as Aggie Mok, the winner of the Willen On Ice Schools Competition, proudly unveiled her winning T-shirt design to Wilbur, the beloved mascot of Willen Lake. The competition, launched earlier this year, encouraged local students to design a festive new T-shirt for Wilbur, showcasing the magic of the holiday season. With hundreds of entries received, each filled with imaginative flair and seasonal sparkle, the judges faced a tough task narrowing it down to just one winner. Aggie’s bold and colourful design stood out from the rest and was brought..

Through the year there have been lots of events and activities across the city’s parks for residents to enjoy, including the MK Health Walks programme of 528 walks attended by more than 12,000 participants getting active outdoors. This year’s calendar included all the fan favourites like Bat Walks, Parkland Play, and community litter picks, as well as the popular new series of Parks & Ride cycling events for families. There was record attendance for Parks & Run in 2024, and the Walking Festival featured new collaboration events with both MK Lit Fest and artists of the Gyosei Art Trail. Park..

Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and cherished traditions – but have you ever wondered how some of our festive customs came to be? From decorated trees to pantomime shout-outs, the story of Christmas is filled with quirky facts and unexpected origins. Whether it’s a Victorian invention, a touch of folklore, or a snowy scene brought to life by a famous author, these snippets will make you see the holiday season in a whole new light... Christmas Trees: Germany’s Gift to the UK Believe it or not, the Christmas tree wasn’t always part of a British Christmas. In fact,..

For those of us fortunate to have a roof over our heads and family and friends to share our down time with, Christmas really is the season of goodwill and togetherness. But for others who have no safe space to lay their heads, Christmas amplifies feelings of loneliness and desperation, writes Sammy Jones. It’s a sad fact that while we hunt for that ‘must have’ Christmas gift, there are others in our community whose greatest wish is to find somewhere to rest without fear. Here in Milton Keynes, UnityMK is working hard to be the change for good. The charity,..

During its half century of entertaining locals, Stantonbury Theatre has welcomed a diverse array of leading names to its stage. Sammy Jones looks back at its colourful history with those who have steered the creative ship... Jazz stars George Melly and Stephane Grappelli, stage and screen comedian Tommy Trinder, singer Helen Shapiro and astronomer Sir Patrick Moore have all taken the stage in times past. But when the doors opened for the very first time in 1974, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth played the first concert. A note from the event programme, written by Mr Ireland, the Chair..

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin carriages, naughty crocodiles, fairies and baddies and simply bonkers humour, would it? For many of us, a trip to the pantomime seals the yuletide deal! Pulse’s Sammy Jones fought Captain Hook, kicked the Ugly Sisters to the curb and battled the giant at the top of the beanstalk to deliver your round-up of the seasonal shows you can’t afford to miss! Peter Pan Starring: This is one production that will truly sparkle, with Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood in the role of Captain Hook, and comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham in place as..