Leisure

23rd Dec 2023

Candlelight Sessions at Delapré Abbey

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..

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25th Aug 2023

Unity Place: A Revolutionary Hub Opens in Milton Keynes

September 2023 heralds the launch of Unity Place, the beacon of sustainable innovation and community-centric destination in Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes, a city renowned for being the future's blueprint, is poised to welcome Unity Place this September. This purpose-designed space marries community, business, and leisure while championing sustainability and a planetary ethos. Mirroring the forward-thinking ethos of Milton Keynes, Unity Place is an inclusive destination designed with green principles at its core. Not only will it act as a cutting-edge workplace, but it's also set to become a bustling hotspot for locals and visitors. Strategically positioned, it stands as the first sight for those departing Milton Keynes Central train station. Ensconced in the city's heart, Unity Place is geared to usher in a new era of business and attractions. Its design ethos, which prioritises sustainability and connectivity, has positioned it as a leading social enterprise beacon in the region. It..

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21st Aug 2023

Oakgrove and Brooklands unite for community litter picks next week

After a brief summer hiatus, Broughton Ward's community clean-ups return, aiming to beautify the neighborhoods and foster unity among residents. Residents of Oakgrove and Brooklands, mark your calendars for Saturday, 26 August! The popular community litter picks are back, with Oakgrove's clean-up scheduled for the morning and Brooklands' in the afternoon. Under the stewardship of Broughton ward councillors Uroy Clarke, Sam Crooks, and Kerrie Bradburn, these events have transformed the areas, removing waste while connecting neighbors in a common purpose. The councillors now extend an invitation to even more residents to join in and bolster this community initiative. The events promise to be family-friendly, ensuring that participants of all ages can join in the environmental action. All necessary equipment—including litter pickers, gloves, and hi-vis jackets—will be provided. The Broughton ward Focus team, pioneers of this initiative since 2021, host these litter picks on the last Saturday of every month. Their..

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17th Aug 2023

FREE family fun not to be missed...

Whatever the weather, there’s still plenty of time to pack a picnic or wield your wellies, and head outdoors for some free family fun with The Parks Trust. Discover local nature at Howe Park Wood Open Mornings every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 31 August, 9.30-12.30. Why not head down a couple of times, as there’s a different theme each week - Minibeasts, Wildlife, and Birds. Enjoy the tranquil oasis of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, with free access to experts and artefacts in the Education Centre, nature-themed challenges, and self-guided trails. Some sessions also offer bookable activities like Nature Craft and Bug Hunting, for a small fee. The whole family is invited to step back in time as North Loughton Valley Park comes alive for Roman Day on 27 August, 11am-2pm. If you haven’t explored Bancroft Roman Villa yet, this is the perfect opportunity! Set in the..

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09th Jun 2023

MK’s Best Local & Independent Father’s Day Gifts, Days Out and Experiences this...

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..

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10th Mar 2023

Six local walks to put a ‘Spring’ in your step this March

Milton Keynes may now FINALLY be a city, but it is absolutely littered with beautiful countryside trails. As we (hopefully!) approach the warmer, clearer weather, check out MK Pulse’s handy guide to six-of-the-best local walks, courtesy of the AllTrails App, to try out this Spring. Trail One – Ampthill and Mauldon Circular The first trail takes you through the gentle rolling landscape of the Bedfordshire Hills, providing superb views of the countryside throughout. The circular walk starts from the ruins of Houghton House, said to be the inspiration for House Beautiful in John Bunyan's ‘The Pilgrim's Progress.’ This 8.5km trail is generally considered to be an easy route, taking an average of 2 hours and 28 minutes to complete. The walk itself has several steady but long climbs and descents throughout and there is one stile and several kissing gates. The paths are a mixture of tarmac/concrete lanes and field..

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10th Feb 2023

‘Valentine’s Day At Home’ Sharing Recipes for this February 14th

Are you thinking of saving up those precious pennies and celebrating Valentine’s Day at home next week? Here are three fail-safe and easy-to-follow recipes to impress your loved one with on February 14th this year. Middle-Eastern Style Shakshuka Serves 2-3 Ingredients: -1 Tbsp of Olive Oil -2 White Onions -4 Cloves of Garlic -2 Bell Peppers -2 Tins of Plum Tomatoes -2 Tbsp of Tomato Purée -1 Tsp Cumin -1 Tsp Coriander -1 Tsp Chilli Powder -1 Tsp Ras El Hanout -1 Tsp Rose Harissa Paste -1 Large (or small, if you don’t like it too spicy) Pinch of Cayenne Pepper -1 Pinch of Sugar -1 Handful of Coriander -1 Handful of Parsley -4 Eggs -Salt and Pepper to taste Fry the onions in olive oil on a low heat until translucent. Finely shop the garlic and add to the..

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24th Jan 2023

3 Bespoke Cocktails to Make at Home for Valentine’s Day

Why not save a little bit of money this month and celebrate Valentine’s Day at home? If it’s your first or your fifty-first Valentine’s Day with your beau, February 14th is the perfect occasion to crack out that cocktail shaker hidden at the back of your cupboard. Whether it’s an intimate 3-course dinner or more of a casual occasion, swap out your usual Mojito or Passionfruit Martini for something a little bit more special this year. Local cocktail designer and enthusiast Sunday Cocktail Club has created 3 bespoke recipes for you to try out and enjoy this year. Despite looking particularly eye-catching, these three cocktails are pretty low-maintenance. They only take a few minutes to shake up and require just a handful of ingredients. However you choose to celebrate V Day, Pulse Magazine has got you! Grab your ‘on the rocks’ glassware and then let Cupid take care of the..

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19th Dec 2022

Fresh Fast Food Giant itsu Celebrate their First Opening in Buckinghamshire

itsu has finally landed in Milton Keynes, having celebrated the opening of their first location in Buckinghamshire last Wednesday. The Asian-inspired, healthy fast-food restaurant brand opened inside Centre:MK in Milton Keynes at 11am on Wednesday 14th December. The healthy haven of fast, nutritious, beautiful food will offer local residents and businesses alike a delicious range of hot & cold dishes to takeaway, dine in with their friends or be delivered to local offices as a fresh meal option. “We’re looking forward to opening our first branch in Buckinghamshire while creating new career opportunities for locals on the lead-up to Christmas. Our new location nearby to John Lewis will be the perfect stop-off for those looking for a nutritious & affordable meal to keep them feeling healthy and happy throughout the festive shopping period.” - Neil Miller, Chief Customer Officer. itsu’s ‘steamed not fried’ philosophy sees their menu including hot noodle..

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14th Dec 2022

10 Alternatives to Going ‘Out Out’ this New Year

It’s certainly hard to believe, but the year will soon be coming to an end – yes, really! It seems to me like just yesterday we were saying hello to the summer sun but we’re now saying hello to 2023. Yes, there are the obvious ways to bring in the New Year – heading out to party until the early hours may be the choice for some but, if you’re anything like me, all of the celebrations surrounding Christmastime mean that NY seems like the perfect time for something a little different! Here are some unique ideas you could use to ring in the start of the next 12 months around the sun. Murder Mystery Night Whether you want to party Gatsby-style or throw a James Bond themed soirée, a classic ‘whodunnit’ murder mystery is a great alternative way to bring in the New Year with friends or family. I..

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05th Dec 2022

MK’s Cosy Winter Pub Guide – 2022

Brrrrrrrr. It's certainly starting to feel frosty out there! Here is your guide to 10 of the best local pubs that'll be sure to 'warm your cockles' this Winter! Remember: "Winter is not a season - it's a celebration." The Barge Inn and The Traveller’s Rest Part of the Vintage Inns group, The Barge at Woolstone was built in the early 19th Century to slake the thirsts of men working on The Grand Union Canal and has been a firm favourite of narrow boaters ever since. Having recently undergone a really impressive and modern refurbishment whilst keeping it’s country feel (and, importantly for the Winter, the roaring open fire) The Barge has been the pub of choice, especially for an evening drink, for my family for many years. On our recent lunchtime get together where we brought together family members from Milton Keynes, Enfield and even Ukraine, the lunchtime offerings..

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24th Oct 2022

10 Ways to Beat the End-Of-Summer Blues

I’m sure you’ve heard, but the ‘Summer Blues’ are real. SAD, or ‘seasonal affective disorder,’ can affect up to 1 in 3 of us and it is certainly hitting particularly hard for me this year. As I write this, the rain hammering on the window of this cold café in the centre of London and just days after my return from a sunny holiday in Majorca, I’m thinking of all the ways I’m planning on looking on the bright side this Autumn – even when it’s not so bright outside. Cold-Water Swimming There is nothing I love more in Summer than a sea-swim, so perhaps this is the next best thing. Something a number of my friends absolutely swear by, cold-water swimming has been scientifically proven to boost your immune system, activate endorphins for that natural high, burn calories, reduce stress and is a great way to make friends when..

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24th Oct 2022

Where to celebrate Firework Night with a BANG! in Milton Keynes this year

Ready to kick your November off with a BOOM? With less than a month to go until Bonfire Night, it’s time to start making some plans. Get prepared to don those warm winter hats and scarves – here is your handy guide to ten of the best Bucks fireworks bonanzas being held in and around Milton Keynes this year. __ Blackpit Brewery’s Bonfire Night Fired by the same team that man London’s NYE fireworks extravaganza, Blackpit’s Bonfire and Fireworks event is sure to be a great one. Taking place on Saturday 5th November from 3pm, Blackpit Brewery is out to impress this year. Set in their vast green space surrounded by a stunning lake and ancient woodland, this open-air event will be home to a hand-crafted bonfire sculpture, mind-blowing performances, some of the finest street food in Buckinghamshire and plenty more for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more..

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24th Sep 2021

It’s nearly time to party! Midsummer Place turns 21

Visit Midsummer Place on 25 and 26 September for games, prizes, entertainment, giveaways and more  In just a couple of days’ time, Midsummer Place will be kicking off their two-day celebration to mark their 21st birthday, with a host of activities, sweet treats, entertainment, games and more for visitors to enjoy on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September. As part of their grand celebrations, Midsummer Place launched a huge giveaway at the start of September, giving one lucky person the opportunity to win £1000 in gift cards to spend at more than 20 stores within the centre. The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 26 September – so there’s still time to enter! For your chance to win, all you need to do it subscribe to the e-newsletter at www.midsummerplace.co.uk/misc/centre-info/sign-up before the closing deadline. Throughout the birthday weekend, the centre will be full of the sounds from generations past and..

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31st Aug 2021

MyMiltonKeynes Boosts leisure and hospitality sector this summer

MySummer, presented by the Business Improvement District (BID) for Milton Keynes, saw unprecedented success this August, with activities in its ‘Fun for a Fiver!’ campaign selling out in record time!  The leisure attraction and restaurant offers, which aimed to encourage an increase in visitors to Central Milton Keynes during the summer holidays, saw more than 600 families benefit from the sought-after £5 tickets, and raised more than £3,000 for MK SNAP, a local charity dedicated to supporting disabled adults. With hundreds of tickets on offer, including iFly, Gravity, Cineworld, Mr Mulligans, Blossom Room and DeRoka, one of those lucky enough to snap up some family fun in CMK this summer took to social media to say: “We really enjoyed our £5 game, thank you MyMiltonKeynes, and all for a fantastic cause!” Melanie Beck MBE, Chief Executive of MyMiltonKeynes explains: “After a challenging few years, we really wanted to support the..

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