MK City Council announce return of Midsummer Festival

Milton Keynes City Council have announced the return of the Midsummer Festival event in the city centre, which will take place in June.

The free event will happen on 22 June, with a day of music, food, interactive art and magical experiences for the whole family.

Following a successful debut that welcomed more than 7,000 visitors last year, the Festival is back with even more to discover — this time drawing on themes of fantasy, folklore and fairytales. Giant mischievous puppets will roam the site, enthralling stories will be told, and there’s a host of things to make and do in Festival Pavilions.

Multiple activities will run throughout the day and evening, whatever the weather, including the Orbitza – a twilight spectacular where giant totem puppets and a labyrinth of light create a sanctuary for reflection, play and wonder.

100 Miles of String is Leap Then Look’s epic interactive art project invites everyone to weave sunbeams across the boulevard, building a giant web of colour and light.

A Hip-Hop Ceilidh Jam will feature folk dance remixed mash-up traditional dance with street styles, while Dancing ‘Hearthfolk’ sees puppets bring mischief, fun and good-luck charms, while the Midsummer Machine celebrates the solar system in all its glory.

The Faerie Ball and Barn Owl Journey features storytelling and mystical encounters inside the enchanting performance yurt.

The Wandering Oracles is roaming mystical fortune-telling machines invite you into a playful world of riddles and folklore.

The Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun encourages visitors to swap a memory for a seed and celebrate nature at the whimsical Ceremony of the Seed.

The Midsummer Music Tent features lcal folk legends and mellow sunset sounds curated by Dry Wood and SLQY.

Finally, food and drink options feature an expanded feast curated by local food blogger Sophie Etc., offering delicious options for everyone.

A full programme can be found at www.midsummer-festival.co.uk

Midsummer Boulevard East will be closed to traffic during the event, with diversions and alternative bus stops clearly signposted. Details will be published closer to the event.

Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking said, “We’re delighted to bring the FREE Midsummer Festival back after the huge success of its first year. This exciting programme will bring families and communities together to celebrate in a fun and magical atmosphere. I strongly encourage everyone to come along and be part of it.”