WHAT’S ON

#WhatsOnPulse

Newport Pagnell and District Probus Club Tuesday, August 2, 12.15pm A friendly and diverse social club for retired and semi-retired men and women from all walks of life, meeting at the Swan Revived Hotel for lunch and a talk, ‘My life of Crime Tales from a Criminal Bar’, by Simon Michael. Get more: Call 01908 605378 or email johnbrimley37@btinternet.com

Mamma Mia! Tuesday, August 2 - Saturday, August 6 Leave the new city for a few hours and touch down on a Greek island when the sunny musical infused with ABBA goodness makes its return to MK Theatre. Here they go again: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Abington Animals Until Saturday, September 17 A family exhibition that takes a closer look at some of the animals and birds living in Abington Park – from squirrels to mallards. This show at Abington Park Museum will inspire youngsters to check in on the wildlife in their locality, and the display features beautiful artwork courtesy of illustrator Simon Watkins. Quackers: northamptonmuseums.com

Pond Dipping at Howe Park Wood Tuesday, August 2 Enjoy a guided family-friendly pond dipping session with The Parks Trust to see what minibeasts lurk beneath the water. You’ll be provided with the equipment and will learn about healthy pondlife and the fascinating creatures you’ll find. Sessions run from 10am and the last one begins at 2.30pm. What will you find? theparkstrust.com

Refreshments in the Courtyard Thursdays, August 4 & 18, 10.30am-12.30pm Treat yourselves to delicious homemade cakes, a choice of tea, coffee or juice, and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the beautiful 18th century, tranquil gardens. Refreshments at the Museum: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Bethany Clift in Conversation Thursday, August 4, 6pm Author Bethany will be in conversation with Nikki Bloomer at Waterstones in Midsummer Place, talking about the release of her new page-turner Love & Other Human Errors. Chapter and verse: waterstones.com/events The Ed Sheeran Songbook Friday, August 5, 8pm An authentic tribute to the world’s biggest selling pop phenomenon with a promise that ‘Jack Bowater can match Ed stride for stride in vocal ability, guitar playing and stage presence.’ Perfect: thepicturedrome.com

Jasmine Burns Friday, August 5 Jasmine laces her warm and rugged vocals around tales of a bruised and heavy heart, all mixed together with a jaunty, foot tapping rhythm, and no doubt composed on her narrowboat on The Grand Union Canal. Now she is ready to make a splash at The Craufurd Arms as she puts her own spin on the Neo Country genre. Vibes: thecraufurdarms.com

The Big Night Out Friday, August 5, 7.30pm Celebrate the rebirth of variety with an array of amazing talent and unusual acts. A fast moving extravaganza of singers, dancers, speciality acts, mind blowing magic, hilarious comedy, tributes and more. Performers will include Mick Miller. Variety is the spice of life: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Mamma Mia! Here we go again with the hit Abba musical at MK Theatre this August

Bite Street Northampton Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7 The pop-up food affair returns to the supporter village at Franklin’s Gardens with vendors, cocktails, great beer and table service. Rain won’t stop play either with a stretch tent ready in case of any inclement weather. Sounds tasty: bitestreet.co.uk

Martha Wainwright Saturday, August 6 Back in play with her new album Love Will Be Reborn, Martha is playing the intimate confines of The Stables in Wavendon, with support from Roseanne Reid. A special night awaits ticket holders. Don’t leave it to chance: stables.org

Willen Hospice Mini-Moo Sunday, August 7 The Mini Moo invites children to run, scoot or walk around Willen Lake North to swell funds for the charity. Get a Moo-ve on: willen-hospice.org.uk/moo

Debbie Bond Tuesday, August 9, 7.30pm Influenced by raw juke joint blues and the famed sounds of Muscle Shoals, the American lady has been deeply influenced by Alabama roots music and her collaboration with British born harmonica chap ‘Radiator’ Rick has added a swampy New Orleans edge to her sound. Swamp it up: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Catch Dan Evans performing at The Arches Theatre in Olney Debbie Bond brings the distrinct Blues sounds of New Orleans to the Bletchley Blues Club

Song of the Summer Thursday, August 11 - Sunday, August 21 A new coming-of-age comedy drama that explores the highs and lows of teenage life. It is set in Northampton in 2006 and features original indie rock inspired by the era. A cast of local actor musicians bring the piece to life. Highs and lows: royalandderngate.co.uk

Walk & Talk: Discover Great Linford Manor Park Friday, August 12, 10.30am A chance to discover more about the ancient origins of the park, including the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Haha, which survive from the 18th century English Landscape Garden design of the park. Step back in time: theparkstrust.com

Multitude Festival Saturday, August 13 Bringing the best in new bands and solo artists from Milton Keynes, Northampton and surrounding areas to three stages at Wolverton venue The Craufurd Arms. Enjoy 20 acts for £10 from 3pm. You’ve no excuse not to support live music with entry fees like that. Check the new breed and rising stars: thecraufurdarms.com

Dan Evans Sunday, August 14, 2pm Join the renowned dulcimer player, guitarist and composer as he performs a concert in his locality - at The Arches Theatre in Olney. Expect beautiful arrangements of popular folk songs and his own compositions when he delivers his first local concert for four years. Let your fingers do the walking: thearchestheatre.co.uk

August Highlights

Martha Wainwright Saturday 6 August, 8pm The beguiling performer and songwriter returns with Love Will Be Reborn, out in August. Not since 2012’s Come Home To Mama has a Martha Wainwright record been so full of original written material.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Saturday 20 August, 8pm

A rootsy rockin’ psychedelica, the Slambovian Circus of

Dreams has been expanding the borders of the Americana genre with their fantastic stories and performance since forming in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Colosseum Tuesday 23 August, 8pm Colosseum will be on the road again from 2022 with a new line-up consisting of original frontman Chris Farlowe, guitarist Clem Clempson and bassist Mark Clarke. Joining them will be Nick Steed on keyboards, Kim Nishikawara on saxophone and Malcolm Mortimore on drums.

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin Friday 26 August, 8pm Hats Off To Led Zeppelin are the only tribute act in the UK officially endorsed by Marshall Amplifiers. They have received many accolades over the years, including winning Best Led Zeppelin tribute for the eighth year running at the National Tribute Awards and Best Tribute Band In The UK 2020.

The Drifters Saturday 27 August, 8pm The Drifters are back on tour in the UK with a brand-new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades. The legendary group have previously been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine and have produced an incredible list of hits.

The Stables, Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

Inner Wheel Newport Pagnell Tuesday, August 16, 2pm A club quiz and bingo afternoon at The Olney Centre, followed by refreshments and an update on the club’s activities for the rest of the year. Members and newcomers welcomed from Newport Pagnell, Olney and all the surrounding villages. Get involved: 01908 217356 or email innerwheelnewportpagnell@gmail.com

Linford Eats Thursday, August 18, 5pm-8pm A mini foodie event in the newly restored parkland of Great Linford Manor park. Well-behaved dogs on leads will be welcome, and you are invited to bring your own camping chairs and picnic blankets. Very tasty: theparkstrust.com

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Saturday, August 20 The New York purveyors of psychedelia are making their return to Wavendon haunt The Stables as they tour in support of their fresh to the racks album, A Very Unusual Head. Rootsy rockin: stables.org Greenbelt Festival Friday, August 26 - Monday, August 29 A fantastic line-up of music, comedy, literature, performing arts, workshops and worship and spirituality at Boughton House near Kettering. Those appearing include Brian Eno, Beans on Toast, Martin Joseph, Thea Gilmore, Kae Tempest, Green Party MP Caroline lucas, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi and writer and speaker Bonnie Greer. Full line-up and more good stuff: greenbelt.org.uk

John Bickley and the Invisible Folk Club Band Saturday, August 27, 2-6pm Folk tradition and the Olney Hymns live in the picturesque gardens and courtyard. Folking fantastic: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Woof Walk: Waterhall Park Saturday, August 27 A chance to exercise your doggies, and for them, and you, to make new pals as you explore the park. Pooches must be kept on a lead at all times. A £1 booking is required to attend. Don’t forget the poop bags: theparkstrust.com Fun Dog Show Monday, August 29, 11am (judging from midday) Join Animals in Need at Irchester Country Park as they find the Best Kisser, Prettiest Pooch and Best Veteran (among others) on four legs. All raising necessary funds for the charity. Going walkies: animals-in-need.org

Scottish Country Dancing

Wednesday August 31st 8pm

Classes restart at Shenley Brook End, village hall. (Classes also held at Bradwell, restart Monday September 5). Look out for our beginners course starting September 19 Please contact Jan Jones 07877 153259 info@rscdsmk.co.uk or intro2scd@gmail.com

Record Fair Sunday, August 21, midday Vinyl is enjoying a massive resurgence, and if you are on the hunt for that elusive 12” or have spent ages chasing down that rare vinyl elpee that was only released in limited numbered edition on translucent pink vinyl (we’ve all been there), you might just find it here. Entry is free. Like a record, baby: thecraufurdarms.com

Krissy Matthews Tuesday, August 23, 7.30pm Having shared stages with artists including Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, Clawfinger and Los Lobos, Krissy brings his own band back to Bletchley Blues Club. Blues brilliance: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Elvana, never mind...

Elvana Saturday, August 27 How many times have you thought, ‘If only I could go and see a Nirvana tribute fronted by an Elvis impersonator’? We know, it’s a regular thing, right? Take a trip to Kiln Farm venue MK11 this month and your dreams will come true. You’re welcome. Smells like the devil in disguise: mk11kilnfarm.com

Rhythm of the 90’s Saturday, August 27, 9pm The Rhythm of the 90’s have spent years taking tunes that were never intended to be played live and honing them into a show like no other. Step back: unitninemk.com

Jane McDonald Sunday, August 28 Music and laughter from the BAFTA awardwinner who is on the road again in support of her new album, Let The Light In. Enlightening: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Ageing Well Talks – Home Instead Milton Keynes

Home Instead Milton Keynes will be hosting a series of talks on Ageing Well by Jitka Vseteckova phD, D.Prof. SFHEA from the Open University. The talks start at 11am and are approximately an hour long (plus time at the end to ask questions). 6th September 2022 - Pharmacotherapy While Ageing 1st November 2022 - Move It and Breathe 22nd November 2022 - Standing Tall The talks are FREE and are available to everyone – care staff, charities, clubs and societies .

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/ageing-welltalks-home-instead-milton-keynes-6sessions-tickets-321267970147 For more information, please email sarah.freshwater@homeinstead.co.uk/ miltonkeynes or call 01908 774333 www.homeinstead.co.uk/miltonkeynes