MK City Council announce details of celebration of Emberton Country Park

Milton Keynes Council are putting together the final touches for a 60th anniversary celebration of the Emberton Country Park.

The 60th anniversary of the park’s opening will be marked by a two-day family-friendly event taking place on 12–13 July.

The theme, ‘Back to the 60s’, reflects Emberton Country Park opening as the nation’s first country park in 1965.

Emberton Country Park was developed on a former gravel extraction site, where sand and gravel had been dug that was used to construct the adjacent M1 motorway, which was the first motorway opened in the UK.

This was the first country park of its type, where the land was restored, trees were planted, the lakes formed by gravel extraction were filled with fish and a static caravan site was created and a camping field, along with three play areas and a café.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the birthday event, where they can expect live music, vintage displays, and family-friendly activities set against the backdrop of 200 acres of lakes, wildlife, fishing, sailing, play areas and camping.

Planned for the event include live music, performances including a battle re-enactment, food from local suppliers, nature-inspired walks and talks, a falconry display, bug hunting and family crafts such as making bat and bird boxes.

Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, said, “For 60 years, Emberton Country Park has been a special place for local people and visitors alike. This anniversary is about celebrating its contribution and getting together for a really great community event.”