Things to Do

Paulerspury Players have kicked off their 34th annual Pantomime “Robin Hood” in Paulerspury Village Hall, Towcester, NN12 7NA from Wednesday 21st February 2024 to Saturday 24th February 2024. Robin Hood is a traditional pantomime full of songs, jokes, slapstick and the odd inflatable palm tree. Robin, our hero and his friends Lady Marian, Dame Freya Tuck and Will and Scarlett are just some of the characters you will meet in this comic adventure. The story is one that everyone knows but with a some twists and turns along the way.  You can join in the fun and boo the Sheriff, King John and Hilda, and our baddie trio. But is panto just for kids… oh no it isn’t, panto is for everyone! There is something for all ages, an enjoyable evening of fun is guaranteed and not to be missed. Tickets are available by visiting paulerspuryplayers.com or by calling the..

As half term has approached, centre:mk have geared up for a week of family fun; offering visitors a whole host of entertainment and experiences to keep the kids occupied come rain or shine. Family Fair in Middleton Hall: 17th – 25th February Roll up to the Family Fair, enjoy traditional rides and games including tea cups and hook ‘a’ duck, have a bounce on the bungee trampolines, watch balloon modelling, enjoy the magic show and get your face painted. There’s something for all the family to enjoy. (Activities vary daily). Circus Skills Workshop, Middleton Hall: Monday 19th – Friday 23rd February. 12pm-2pm. Brush up on your hula hoop, or learn to juggle with a clown.. these free circus skills sessions run by the performing arts specialists from Black Sheep Collective are bound to entertain kids and grown-ups alike. Kids Club, Outside M&S: Saturday 24th February. 11am-4pm With a Mother’s Day..

The magnificent Meryl Streek (Feb 24) was last at The Craufurd Arms a year or so ago, with an angry, articulate and awesome show, and it was clear from the intensity and quality of the material that the politically-outspoken avant garde punk chap was going to be a highlight of the year, even at that early stage. And so it proved to be. We came away that night clutching a vinyl copy of his superb debut album 796 which is as brilliant and real as it is challenging. The pr blurb calls it ‘an emotionally volatile and heart-wrenching collection of cutting edge punk that pushes genre boundaries while traversing extremely challenging political subject matter with aplomb and vitriol,’ and frankly, we can’t better that. Since his last visit to the new city, Meryl has been making friends and influencing people quicker than lies drop from politicians’ mouths. Exactly. He’s had..

If you need free and low-cost ways to keep the kids entertained in half-term, look no further than the city’s beautiful parkland. The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes, has lots of family fun planned, including: FREE Howe Park Wood Open Mornings: Animals In Winter 20 – 22 February, 9:30am-12:30pm Learn all about the natural world and Animals in Winter by exploring nests, skulls, feathers and more that have been collected from local parks. There are also nature-themed challenges, self-guided trails and friendly volunteers to help you get the most from your visit. Howe Park Wood provides a safe home to many endangered animal and plant species and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value by Natural England. Open Mornings are completely free for everyone, simply drop-in anytime. Toddle Tots at Howe Park..

When Wilson & Wakeman make their return to The Stables at Wavendon this January, they arrive armed with a new album; their third release, ‘Can We Leave The Light On Longer?’ hits shelves on January 12. Aside from Damian’s vocal and acoustic guitar abilities, and Adam showing light work on piano, Hammond organ and acoustic and electric guitars (and percussion) the release is also swelled by trumpet and an 18-strong choir. There is a very personal depth to the songs, Damian said. “The album is about how we are connected as human beings and what drives us to be alive. It tells tales of hopeful inspiring dreams and our fight to live and function, with the ultimate and inevitable loss we face through mortality.” For those not already acquainted with these Pulse regulars, Damian is a songwriter and singer who has put his name to more than 70 album releases,..

In October, The Libertines released Run Run Run, their first single for the best part of a decade, and they caused more excitement with the announcement of a new album – All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade will find its way into record collections in March. Speaking about the upcoming single, Carl Barât said: “It’s about being trapped, and trying to escape your dismal life, a bit like the man in Bukowski’s ‘Post Office’. The worst thing for The Libertines would be to get stuck in a ‘Run-run-run’ rut, constantly trying to relive our past.” As for the forthcoming album? “Our first record was born out of panic, and disbelief that we were actually allowed to be in a studio; the second was born of total strife and misery; the third was born of complexity; this one feels like we were all actually in the same place, at the same..

Rock. Paper. Scissorhands Looking for a little post-Crimbo lift? How about some inspired asian culture, a ‘cutting-edge’ dance delivery, a new production that is simply kick ass-pirational and the multi-talented Miles Jupp. Sammy Jones has the lowdown of what's on at the theatre this month... Let’s be honest, January is the most miserable time of the year; you go from tinsel and cheer to month long drear. The weather is woeful, payday takes forever to arrive, and taking down the decorations just makes everything seem even more gloomy. If only there was a way to hang on to a little of the festive fun. But wait, there is; go see Cinderella at MK Theatre. Nothing, and we mean nothing, will stop Brian Conley and the panto clan from lifting your spirits. The Fairy Godmother of all Pantos also has the best Ugly Sisters around; Claudia and Tess bagged a prestigious..

Shrove Tuesday 13 February 2024 marks the next historic Olney Pancake Race as the women of the town prepare for the 415-yard course, from the Market Place, down the High Street, to the race finish outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church. 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. There is another cause for celebration – it’s 75 years since the 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 two towns now compete annually and prizes are exchanged. Both races are run on a timed basis and the winner is declared after times are compared..

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..

Recognised as one of the founding fathers of the punk era, Eddie & The Hot Rods have been playing loud, fast, in your face Rock n Roll since the ‘70s. They preferred that attack rather than ‘bad mouthing the Queen or fermenting anarchy,’ and even without that middle finger in play they struck a chord – their single Do Anything You Wanna Do was eventually withdrawn by Island Records after sales of more than 475,000 kept it in the charts for the whole of the summer of ‘77. Punks loved their attitude and energy, and everyone else was smitten by their RnB, rock and blues components. The loss of frontman Barrie Masters shortly before the pandemic was tragic, but fan support helped the band reach the decision to continue, with Ian Dean now at the mic. The band even released a new album this year; Guardians of the Legacy is..

This weekend, Willen Hospice is delighted to open its festive grotto, with Santa stopping by on 9 – 10 and 16 – 22 December. The charity will be transforming its tranquil gardens into a winter wonderland, ready to welcome families for a very special one-on-one meet and greet with Santa. Visitors will spend five magical minutes with Mr. Claus where he will surprise them with a personalised special message and celebrate what they have been good at this year. It costs £15 per child which includes a high-end quality gift. Nikki Poole, Willen Hospice Community Fundraising Manager, said, “Our Santa’s Grotto is always good fun, and its setting by Willen Lake makes it so special. We are looking forward to welcoming families, not only to add some Christmas magic but to also raise vital funds for the Hospice.” Money raised from the Grotto will help Willen Hospice to continue providing..

Xscape Milton Keynes is the leading entertainment and leisure destination in the region, and this festive season they’re giving visitors the chance to win prizes worth over £1,300 as they invite you to experience ‘Your Kind of Christmas’. What type of Christmas personality are you? The Party Enthusiast, The Memory Maker, The Activity Seeker or maybe The Flavour Finder…whichever best suits you, Xscape can help your kind of Christmas become a reality. In the build up to the big day, head over to their Instagram channel for the chance to win some amazing prize bundles from brands such as Volcano Falls, The Casino MK, Cineworld and new the Casa Cento Italian restaurant. Xscape Milton Keynes have also teamed up with Heart FM to offer an additional festive competition where you can win £500 worth of gift cards, that can be used across various Xscape brands. Head over to the Heart..

The city’s unique and inspiring Tree Cathedral at Newlands will be bursting with festivity when the spectacular open-air carolling service returns, on Sunday 10th December. Carols, immersive story-telling, and live performances from MK Brass and DD Powers Trio, will fill the beautifully lit tree nave, spire and chapels with Christmas spirit from 2pm until 5pm. Willen Hospice will warm vocal chords with hot drinks, mulled wine and soup for sale, and Camphill MK Communities will keep tummy’s from rumbling with delightful cakes and pastries available. Plus, as it’s the season of giving, an MK Food Bank donation point hopes to collect tinned and dry goods. Organised by The Parks Trust, the charity that cares for over 6,000 acres of the city’s green space, Carols at the Cathedral is free to attend and perfect for a memorable family afternoon outing. Yule (seriously) not want to miss this fantastic opportunity to come..

Willen On Ice promises fun for families and friends alike, when the purpose-built ice rink with twinkling canopy opened on Friday, 17th November. Running at Willen Lake until 7th January, there’ll be a host of other treats too. Visitors can jump aboard a land train for a lakeside trip to the Observation Wheel or enjoy a mixture of fun rides and stalls such as Dodgems, Funhouse, Teacups, Tin Can Alley and more. Alongside the rink and rides, there’ll be a refreshing Apres Ski Bar serving mulled wine, beer and cider. Plus, festive feasting on trendy Yorkshire pudding wraps and bratwurst on a traditional German style swing grill. For those looking for something a little sweeter, Crepes, waffles and pick ‘n’ mix will be available too. Ice skating tickets cost up to £7.95 for under 4s, £12.50 for under 16s and £14.90 for adults. A 10% group discount automatically applies for..

The countdown to Christmas has officially started at Midsummer Place! On Saturday, the premium shopping centre unveiled its Christmas Tree Festival – 18 beautiful festive trees decorated by local companies in support of their chosen charities – and now voting has started! Everyone can vote here: www.midsummerplace.co.uk/events/christmas-tree-festival-2023 The winners will receive a prize donation for their nominated charity in January, the prizes will be: 1st place: £2,250 2nd place: £1,350 3rd place: £900 The sponsors and their charities are: Tree 1 - The Walnuts School supporting Friends of Walnuts Tree 2 - Source UK Hire & Sales supporting Samuel's Charity Tree 3 - Spinks Creative supporting Harry's Rainbow Tree 4 - Two Flags Limited supporting Emily's Star Tree 5 - BCQ Solutions supporting Off The Record by Willen Tree 6 - Broughton Manor Prep School supporting NSPCC Tree 7 - Slimming World Milton Keynes with Jane supporting Alzheimer's Research Tree..