Arts & Exhibitions

After an extra special, unique event to impress your loved ones? Candlelight Concerts make for an evening to remember, as Pulse writer Emma-Rose Norris found out last month when visiting Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey. If you’re not sure what a concert by candlelight entails, think serene surroundings bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight - Fever’s Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Candlelight began by making the finest works of classical music accessible to all, and today this remains their mission. Thus, you’ll always find tributes to renowned classical composers, as well as film composers like Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi, on rotation. However, these Candlelight evenings have now expanded, and you can experience programmes dedicated to the likes of Rihanna, Oasis, the Jackson 5, Taylor Swift as well as other unforgettable tributes that are being continually added to its..

This month we take a look at one of the new city's biggest successes – a firm that is reaching dizzying heights in every sense of the word, and a business that has left its mark here at the Museum. We discovered more about the Niftylift story from its chairman and founder, Roger Bowden. Niftylift is one of Europe’s largest mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) manufacturers and while the business is anchored in these parts, it operates worldwide. “We specialise in compact, low-weight articulating booms that offer maximum performance with minimal environmental impact,” Roger says, explaining his business in relatively simple terms. The name ‘Nifty’ has synonyms including ‘particularly good, skilful, or effective” and ‘attractive and stylish’ – which all perfectly sum up what Roger wants to achieve with every lift the company designs: “Combining the two names seemed the perfect solution,” Roger recalled. 2013 Queens..

Step into the magnificent Marble Saloon of Stowe House and take in the spectacle of the universe. Designed to imitate the Pantheon of Rome, statues adorn the room, and light pours in from the majestic domed oculus to highlight a Roman triumphal procession carved into a frieze depicting 280 humans and 14 animals. It’s the perfect space to display the three-dimensional, six-metre floating sculpture of Gaia by internationally acclaimed artist, Luke Jerram. Visitors will be able to enjoy timed entry to the eighteenth-century historic house, allowing plenty of space to explore this multi-sensory experience and soak up the atmosphere – even being encouraged to lay on the floor to encounter Earth’s surface as it would be viewed from space using detailed NASA imagery. The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are..

As the Milton Keynes Museum continues to mark its half-century, Pulse's Sammy Jones takes another look back at how the history hub has evolved, by speaking with two of those volunteers whose input has been invaluable. “I remember my first job at the Museum, which would probably put anyone off for life,” Neil Loudon says, laughing at the memory, “It was in the print shop, cleaning all the parkay tiles and then laying them!” That was in 1980, and he has been a valued volunteer ever since. “I started off fairly unskilled. I had just moved here and was looking for something to do, although I don’t think I really knew that at the time. I just sort of fell into it really.” There isn’t one facet of the Museum that takes Neil’s attention – there are many. “I am really interested in the objects and do a little bit..

We are usually told that bigger is better, but there is at least one group in Milton Keynes who would strongly dispute that, and Milton Keynes Scale Model Club (MKSMC) members are out to shake up any stuffy preconceptions you might have about the hobby too. Pulse’s Sammy Jones learned more from club secretary John Willshere and keen member Andy Mc Glashan. MKSMC certainly has staying power – it’s been a permanent fixture in the town turned city for more than three decades. Members range from 12 years old to one chap in his 90s. How’s that for all encompassing? But before we get lost in jargon, what exactly is a scale model club? “It usually involves building, customising and painting a boxed plastic kit, like Airfix, Revell and Tamiya, and often setting it onto a base relevant to the subject,” explains club secretary John Willshere. John has been involved..

School’s out, and so too are the many shows that usually jostle for position on our stages. There are still a few possibilities for August though, and they are monstrous and marvellous. Pulse’s Sammy Jones leads the way... It’s a theatre-land classic and it is back on the stage here in Milton Keynes from Monday, August 7. Annie is the childhood favourite brimming with hits like Tomorrow, Easy Street and It’s the Hard-Knock Life, and its MK return comes with added fab-u-lous-ness; with Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood stepping out as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Just look at the pins on him! Annie is set in New York during The Great Depression of the 1930s, and our young lady the show is named after is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. When she is chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks, things..

Today, Milton Keynes Museum has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £222,850. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the grant will ensure that communities can work with the Museum on pilot displays planned to tell the story of Milton Keynes in a Gallery built in partnership with Milton Keynes City Council on the anniversary of the new City. The Museum was set up by the people, and for the people of Milton Keynes. In helping to unite communities in this, its 50th year it will create a hands-on adventure that engages all the senses to tell the internationally significant story of Milton Keynes - including its place today as a thriving 21st Century city. The city’s story is still unfolding and the galleries will change and evolve alongside its communities – just as the Museum has for 50 years. The series of displays will include;..

The biennial IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns this July, with 10 days of colourful, unusual and exceptional events and performances. Free events include The Place Between, which will explore the connection we have to our Earth, to each other, and our contribution to the cycle of life. Artist Rebecca Louise Law creates immersive installations with natural materials, with preserved flowers frequently featured in her work. This installation – which can be viewed in Middleton Hall in centre:mk – also has soundscapes by Jason Singh. Mechanical sandwriter Blom will draw on the streets, transforming bland pavements with picture outlines – from a flowery carpet to a flock of little hearts. Small buckets filled with coloured sand will be placed close by, ready for you to add your own touch to the art work. Get involved: July 21 – City Square, July 22 – Midsummer Place, July 23 – outside Door..

Milton Keynes Museum With school out, finding ways to keep the little ‘uns entertained for six whole weeks can feel a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, Milton Keynes Museum is on hand to make things easy for you, and fun for them! On July 15, the Museum will mark its 50-year anniversary with a special celebration party, and then between July 24 and September 1 the Wolverton-based history hub will be offering additional activities to take attention. All the usual attractions will be open as usual of course; start your visit with a look inside the Victorian farmhouse, play on music machines from the era, make hot buttered toast in the parlour, see what the role of a servant entailed and look back on more than a century of toys. Then stroll through the Street of Shops with its many original facades from stores that once served residents of Stony Stratford, Newport..

Pigs Might Fly is a new farmyard musical about the joy of unlikely friendships – and the tour comes to a close at Milton Keynes Theatre on July 16. Based on the book Mudpuddle Farm by Michael Morpurgo (the man responsible for the splendid War Horse), the star of the piece is Pintsize, the most daring piglet on the farm. Pintsize is great pals with Diana the sheep and the duo love playing together...until a fence is built between them denying them their fun. Keen to reunite with his pal, Pintsize is determined to fly over it. But can his ingenuity and determination defy the laws of physics? Catchy songs, imagination and slapstick humour make this 50 minute show a total treat for youngsters aged three to 11 years. Hoses will be at the ready on July 29 for another adventure with Fireman Sam! When his friends go away, Norman..

The Parks Trust A celebration of the natural world will take place in the ancient woodland of Howe Park Wood in Milton Keynes on July 1 and is sure to get little minds all fired up to help our wildlife. Love Nature Day is an all-ages event giving you the opportunity to meet volunteers who are passionate about moths, swifts and bats.The free session – running between 11am and 4pm – will have opportunities to go bug hunting and pond dipping, and Parks Trust rangers will offer guided walks. The woodland boasts more than 200 plant species and is home to 30 different species of butterfly. On July 4, Howe Park Wood will host a Discover Nature Day tailored to those aged 11 to 13 years old. The five hour session (from 10am, £22.50) will include wildlife identification, biology, bushcraft and more. Participants get to learn new skills, be inspired..

The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes, has joined forces with local nature groups to celebrate Milton Keynes’ natural world - and everyone is invited! Love Nature Day returns to Howe Park Wood on Saturday 1 July from 11am until 4pm. Aiming to bring local people closer to nature, there will be lots of fun things to do inside the Education and Visitor Centre and plenty to explore outside in the stunning local woodland too. What’s in store: Bug-hunting to find minibeasts Guided walks around the ancient woodland Bird-ringing demonstrations and talks Specimens from the Natural History Museum at Tring All-things flying mammals with North Bucks Bat Group The chance to observe honeybees at work in their hive Caribbean sounds of Steel Pantasy There’ll be story-telling and outdoor games too, as well as special guests from Wolverton Swifts Group,..

You better hurry because Father's Day is fast approaching! We here at MK Pulse know that Milton Keynes is a truly vibrant city – it is host to a plethora of fantastic independent businesses, shops and sellers. From delicious meals, drinks and discounted experiences, this year's local Father's Day offers are not to be missed. We’ll walk you through some of the best deals, ensuring that your Dad has a Father's Day to remember! Experiences The Shack MK Home to all things BBQ, the Shack MK is a fantastic Father’s Day find; hosting a variety of day-classes, treat the special man in your life to lessons in over-the-fire cooking. Check out the Shack MK’s future classes here: https://buyabbq.com/collections/bbq-class. Alternatively, you could always pick up some grill-based goodies from their shop! Find out more on their website https://buyabbq.com/ D Pizza Guy Hosting a variety of pop-up supper clubs in the Hanslope..

The art of conversation is sometimes lost in the 21st century, so this special event is an opportunity to stop and hear from the wild and wonderful people of Milton Keynes. Leave your smart phone in your pocket and take a journey into the lives of others. For one morning only, visitors will be invited to engage in a speed-learning event with fascinating thought leaders, experts and mavericks drawn from or who have a strong connection to our City. People from a wide range of life experiences and fields of expertise will gather on the morning of Saturday 29th July to share their passions, thoughts, insights and revelations - working with our Knowledge Partner The Open University to promote lifelong learning. After the audience have been plied with good coffee and a pastry, they are invited to lucky-dip for four 20 minute conversations. Within The Stables Spiegeltent, a bell marks..

Willen Hospice are inviting the people of Milton Keynes to come together for a Eurovision Party at the exclusive venue, The Marshall Studio in Bletchley. This fun event takes place on Saturday 13th May, with doors opening at 6:30pm. The popular song contest will be live-streamed on a large screen, with plenty of entertainment to keep guests busy in-between rounds, including a Silent Disco, Eurovision quiz, games and bar. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Eurovision star with a prize going to the best fancy dress! Tickets cost £20 which includes light snacks. The money raised from this event will help Willen Hospice to continue caring for local people affected by life limiting illnesses and support for their families. Nikki Poole, Willen Hospice Events and Community Fundraising Manager, said: “This is going to be a great event and one not to be missed by any Eurovision fans!..