City of Codes and Light Festival to return to Milton Keynes in October

Milton Keynes Islamic Arts & Culture (MKIAC) will be holding the City of Codes & Light Festival on Saturday 3 October.

Billed as a a chance for the community to come together, the City of Codes & Light Festival is a part of MKIAC’s year-round events programme.

Combining digital storyboards, illuminate displays and lantern parades, the City of Codes & Light Festival will bring vibrant and colourful artwork across Milton Keynes.

2026’s theme is intended to explore space and technology, with interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) sessions will also be available for young people to get involved in, allowing them to learn more about the festival themes in more detail.

Anouar Kassim MBE, Founder of MKIAC, said, “In a year which has seen a once-in-a-lifetime Solar Eclipse, this year’s theme of Moon Colonies & Future Architecture could not be more fitting. The City of Codes & Light Festival aims to highlight the rich and diverse culture of the city and bring all communities together, as well as celebrate the intersection of art, science, technology and culture.”

Alongside the extravagant displays and hands-on sessions, attendees will also get a chance to see Britain’s Got Talent 2024 semi-finalists Northants Sings Out choir perform live. Following standing ovations across the UK and performances alongside some of the country’s biggest artists, they will bring high-energy live music, powerhouse vocals and a feel-good spectacle to the festival. Local poet, Maureen Onwunali will also read her poem ‘Ode to Milton Keynes’ live on stage, this poem was commissioned as part of the city’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid.

On Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October, MKIAC will also host a STEAM Festival as an extension of City of Codes & Light Festival at centre:mk. There will be fun activities for all ages to enjoy and explore, including a Science Dome.

Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, MKIAC was established with the aim of using arts and creativity to bridge societal divisions and bring communities together. MKIAC is a national award-winning Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, holds the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and in January of this year, won the City of Sanctuary Arts Award.

City of Codes & Light Festival will be held on Saturday, October 3 and The STEAM Festival will be held across Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, 21 October. Both events are held at Middleton Hall, 300 Saxon Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Both events are free entry for all.