Showing Things to Do in all locations
10th Jan 2025
Milton Keynes Museum unearths the past in stunning new gallery
January 23 is a big day for Milton Keynes Museum—and for anyone who loves a good time-travel adventure. Why? Because they’re cutting the ribbon on their brand-new Ancient Gallery, a space designed to bring the history of the area to life in jaw-dropping detail. Think cutting-edge tech meets ancient treasures, all wrapped up in a story that starts millions of years ago. The star of the show? Meet Iggy, a fossilised Ichthyosaur who swam these parts (back when it was all underwater!) a cool 180 million years ago. Discovered during excavations for Caldecotte Lake, Iggy is your first reminder that Milton Keynes has always been a place full of surprises. But it’s not all ancient oceans and sea creatures. Fast forward a few million years, and you’ll find woolly mammoths and rhinos roaming the same land that’s now home to..
Read More
09th Jan 2025
The Supreme Recreation of ‘Totally Tina’ is coming to Milton Keynes this February
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 her to stadium concert stardom. Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the ULTIMATE Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she's got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice...
Read More
09th Jan 2025
The Parks Trust’s accessible events dial up a notch for 2025
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 accessible parking. Wheelchair Rambles – new for 2025, these are community-led (i.e. by wheelchair users) and are designed to empower wheelchair users to get out and about and explore the parks. The rambles are supported by The Parks Trust staff and volunteers and carers/assistants are welcome. Walking Festival: Wheelchair Ramble..
Read More
02nd Jan 2025
Willen on Ice Schools Competition Winner Unveils Exclusive T-Shirt Design
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 to life as a custom T-shirt for Wilbur, who received it in person during a heartwarming ceremony at the ice rink. Speaking about her win, Aggie shared: “I felt shocked and proud when they announced me as the winner! Seeing my design on a T-shirt is so exciting.” To celebrate..
Read More
02nd Jan 2025
A Thriving Year For MK’s Parks
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 events brought different cultures and communities together to celebrate, from African Diaspora to MK Pride Festival, and the finale of City of Codes and Light Festival. It was great to see so many of MK’s furry residents enjoying the parks too, with regular Woof Walks around the city and the..
Read More
12th Dec 2024
Ten quirky Christmas facts you never knew you needed
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, it was a German export, and it was Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, Prince Albert, who first put one up at Windsor Castle in the 1840s. Soon, trees festooned with candles, tinsel, and baubles were popping up in living rooms across the country. Now, almost two centuries later, we’re still at..
Read More
12th Dec 2024
The best panto’s in MK this Christmas
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 Smee. West End star Ross Carpenter is Peter. Where: Milton Keynes Theatre When: Friday, December 6, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025 What to expect: “A strong cast, some incredible musical theatre performers, Craig flippin Revel flippin Horwood, and some bloke with puppets - it’s a nice balanced cast,” promises..
Read More
04th Dec 2024
The Parks Trust named as one of 49 recipients of a ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap sapling
Exciting news for Milton Keynes as The National Trust has announced The Parks Trust as one of the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK. The big reveal during National Tree Week [1] follows a nationwide invitation, on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September, for one of the saplings grown from Sycamore Gap seed. The Parks Trust was amongst nearly 500 applicants for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling [2]. Homes for the saplings will all be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to feel part of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy. Here in Milton Keynes, The Parks Trust has identified a suitable location in the north of the city within Stanton..
Read More
26th Nov 2024
There’s still plenty of activities to enjoy across the city’s parks this year
Getting out into nature is essential for our wellbeing, even when the weather is a little chillier! There’s still lots to enjoy and get involved in across the parks as we head into the festive period. Why not take a look at the listings below to find out more. Tree Tots is a perfect way for children to explore nature, whatever the weather. Taking place in a dedicated space at Howe Park Wood every Thursday at 10am, Tree Tots provides a range of seasonal activities specifically for under-5’s. At just £1 per person, there’s lots for kids to get stuck into and help them get connected with nature. Check the listing page for further information. Willen On Ice It’s that time of year again! Time to lose your shoes and don your skates as this year’s ice rink at Willen Lake makes its return - at double the size -..
Read More
19th Nov 2024
Carols are returning to the Tree Cathedral
The Tree Cathedral at Newlands is set to don its festive mantle again to host this year’s well-loved Carols event on Sunday 8th December. Expect all the usual favourite carols at this open-air event as well as immersive story-telling with Red Phoenix Stories to live performances by the Music Makers of Milton Keynes, DD Powers Trio and MK Brass. Soak up the festive spirit as music fills the ornately-lit tree nave, spire and chapels from 2pm until the early evening. There’ll be plenty of delicious food and drinks available on-site courtesy of Willen Hospice, who will be helping warm up your vocal chords with hot drinks, mulled wine and even delicious soup for sale. Camphill MK Communities will be keeping everyone well-fed with a tasty selection of pastries and cakes available to buy. As it’s the traditional season for giving, MK Food Bank will also have a donation point set..
Read More
19th Nov 2024
The Christmas Tree Festival vote is now open at Midsummer Place
Following the sensational city centre Light Switch On this Saturday, Midsummer Place unveiled its Christmas Tree Festival – 14 beautiful festive trees decorated by local companies in support of their chosen charities, and now the community of Milton Keynes, can now vote for their favourite. Everyone can vote here: www.midsummerplace.co.uk/events/christmas-tree-festival The winners will receive a prize donation for their nominated charity in January 2025, the prizes will be: 1st Place: £1,750 2nd Place: £1,050 3rd Place: £700 The sponsors and their charities are: Tree 1 - Tickford Security Systems Limited supporting Milton Keynes Safety Centre Tree 2 - Slimming World Milton Keynes with Jane supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK Tree 3 - Samaritans (Milton Keynes) supporting themselves Tree 4 - Brian Currie (Milton Keynes) Limited supporting Pancreatic Cancer Tree 5 - GXO Logistics UK Limited supporting Milton Keynes Hospital Charity Tree 6 - Franklins Solicitors LLP supporting YMCA Milton Keynes Tree..
Read More
18th Nov 2024
Willen Hospice to hold annual Christmas remembrance service this month
Willen Hospice are inviting local people to remember, and celebrate, the lives of their loved ones at their annual Lights of Love service on Saturday 30 November at The Ridgeway Centre in Wolverton, Milton Keynes. The event is open to the whole community, where families and friends can come together for this heartwarming occasion. Guests can look forward to performances from the Musica Charity Choir, Broughton Fields School Choir, poetry readings, a soloist, and talks from Willen Hospice nurses. New for this year is an in-memory lantern, included with every booking, for guests to decorate and bring with them to display in the auditorium. There is also an opportunity to add the name of their loved ones to a tribute video to be played during the service. Nikki Poole, Willen Hospice Events and Community Fundraising Manager, said “As a charity that provides specialist care to people with a life-limiting illness,..
Read More
14th Nov 2024
Milton Keynes unveils full line-up for Christmas lights switch-on at new city centre venue
Milton Keynes will officially begin its Christmas festivities this Saturday, 16 November, with its largest-ever Christmas Lights Switch-On event, taking place for the first time at the spacious car park adjacent to The Point. Organised by the MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District (MyMK BID), this year’s occasion promises an enhanced spectacle, featuring a star-studded programme, including popular social media personalities, local performers and a show-stopping finale. Festivities will commence at 2 pm, with family attractions, including funfair rides and roaming entertainers to engage visitors upon arrival. Hosting the main programme from 4 pm, celebrated magician and comedian David Allen – a Magic Circle member known for his appearances on ITV, BBC and the Discovery Channel – will bring his renowned charm and humour to the stage, promising to engage audiences throughout the event. Max Fulham, star of the MK Theatre’s pantomime and a social media sensation known..
Read More
06th Nov 2024
Christmas on a shoestring all of the festivities, but for less of the green
It’s supposed to be a time for togetherness, but it’s difficult to forget the commercialism that accompanies Christmas – and if you are struggling with rising costs throughout the year, the season of goodwill will only exacerbate the worries. But Christmas need not cost the earth – you really can do it on a tight budget. Here are some tips to get you started... Christmas Tree For many, a resplendently dressed tree is the centre point of the home, but you don’t need the biggest tree in the plantation. Consider downsizing a little, or perhaps opt for a fake tree – which can be used year on year and will save you cash time and again. Pop to the charity stores and you’ll likely find a large number of plastic alternatives; shops save donated trees all year ready for now. The charity benefits, you benefit, and landfill is eased. It’s..
Read More
06th Nov 2024
Fantastic Christmas trees this December
Yule be wowed by these tree options... They are only with us for a short while, but smartly dressed trees bring Christmas alive and deliver a warming glow. A fabulous fir or sensational spruce is, for many, the best bit of our seasonal decorations, and if you make a trip to Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees you’ll be able to collect all you need to give your abode the wow factor. Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees also help with a small number of potted trees that can be popped into the garden once the tinsel comes down and the boxes of choccies are ditched in favour of New Year resolutions. Its plantation is rooted with thousands of Nordman Firs and homegrown Norway Spruce, and they’ll have a size to suit – from 2ft teeny’s to 14ft giants. If picking a tree is a family tradition, you’ll all be made welcome on site..
Read More