#WhatsOnPulse

Parkland Play: Waterhall Park

Tuesday, August 1, 1-3pm

Join the rangers and The Parks Trust team for fun in the park with sports activities, ride-on cars and a baby and toddler area. No need to book – entry is free.

Parklife: theparkstrust.com

Guy Tortora Band

Tuesday, August 1

Blues with a touch of jazz, folk and roots from Guy and his band as they interpret the work of other writers and deliver some of his own material. His playing is flashy, but understated and the songs will make a real impact. Sounds like your bag?

Bottleneck slide: bletchleybluesclub.uk

The Damn Truth

Tuesday, August 1, 8pm

Montreal rock ‘n’ roll band return to the UK in support of their third studio album, Now or Nowhere, completed with Metallica’s producer Bob Rock. The time is now: stables.org

Blues Jam Night

Wednesday, August 2, doors 6.30pm

No house band in play here, instead the blues club regulars will take care of things. Amps and backline provided, just bring your sticks, guitars, basses and anything else. Plenty of space for improvisation before the 10pm ending.

You lead: bletchleybluesclub.uk

H20

Thursday, August 3

New York hardcore heroes hop across the pond for a select few shows – and Milton Keynes is in their sights. Use Your Voice: thecraufurdarms.com

Supakarma

Friday, August 4

A special album launch party for a release that was set to see the light of day two decades ago. This playback will be barside at The Craufurd Arms. Entry is free. Good things come to those who wait: thecraufurdarms.com

Around the World in 12 Trees

Friday, August 4, 10am

Great Linford Manor Park is home to a collection of exotic trees, and this is your opportunity to take part in a guided walk with The Parks Trust to learn more about their origins and the folklore surrounding them. Tree-mendous: theparkstrust.com

Casket Feeder

Friday, August 4

Milton Keynes heavyweights prepare for their set at the Bloodstock Festival with a date on home soil, at The Craufurd Arms Servants of Violence: thecraufurdarms.com

Reggae Land Festival

Saturday, August 5 & Sunday, August 6

Join artists including National Bowl headliners Beenie Man, Barrington Levy and Sean Paul at the celebration of all things reggae, with a reggae flea market, fairground, Carnival Float stage and dancers, merchandise, Caribbean Food village, Rum shacks, Gin bars and cocktails. It’s family-friendly too!

Temperature: reggaeland.co.uk

Multitude Festival

Saturday, August 5

Wolverton venue The Craufurd Arms presents its second annual one-day festival with more than 20 bands showing out across three stages, including KC Blackwater and Jack Valero. The best of the new breed in one place, for a fab price. It’ll be busy!

Talent spotting: thecraufurdarms.com

Rushden Classic Car Show

Sunday, August 6, 11am-4pm

Some 400 cars will be on display at Hall Park in Rushden, together with 40 local traders, lots of hot and cold food, a real ale bar and more. Ignition: findmecarshows.uk

Broughton Fire Station Open Day

Sunday, August 6, 11am-4pm

A free fun day for all the family – meet the crews, check out the appliances and watch demonstrations and enjoy a BBQ and refreshments. A bouncy castle, face painting and more will feature. You can even soak a firefighter!

Emergency events: Childs Way, MK10 9AP

The Northampton Comic Con and Toy Fair

Sunday, August 6, 10am-6pm

Spend the day immersed in Comic Con culture with people dressed as their favourite characters. Retro gaming, face painting, board and gaming areas and lots of exhibitors will also take attentions at this family friendly event at The Benham Sports Centre on the Kings Park Road.

May the force be with you: northamptoncomiccon.co.uk

Sex Pistols Expose

Friday, August 11, 7.30pm

Approved by the real Pistols, the band promises to deliver the same snarling persona as the real deal, together with witty stage banter and raw energy aplenty. Pretty Vacant: theroadmender.com

Bite Street

Friday, August 11 – Sunday, August 13 Northampton’s street food event cooks up the good stuff at Franklin’s Gardens. Feeling peckish? Not for much longer you won’t be! Please sir, can I have some more? FB @bitestreetnn

August Highlights

Bob Harris OBE in conversation with Martyn Joseph

Saturday 19 August, 8pm

“Whispering” Bob Harris and awardwining Welsh singersongwriter Martyn Jospeh have been friends for many years and these shows see them onstage together for an evening of conversation and music.

Spooky Men’s Chorale

Sunday 20 August, 8pm

As thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks, the Spooky Men’s Chorale are the gift that keeps on giving.

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin

Saturday 26 August, 8pm

HOTLZ are a truly professional outfit guaranteed to give you a night that you won’t forget in a hurry! Get ready for an evening featuring all your favourite Led Zeppelin hits.

Teach Rex Live

Sunday 27 August, performances at 10am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm

Teach Rex uses life-like dinosaurs to perform their one-hour show, teaching children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerizing creatures that have ever roamed our planet.

The Stables, Wavendon

Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

The Big Park Hangout

Saturday, August 12, midday - 5pm

Being hosted in Campbell Park, an opportunity for teenagers to discover what Milton Keynes can offer them; from arts, culture and sports facilities to health, wellbeing and safety services. Teens only: theparkstrust.com

Portrait Drawing

Tuesday, August 15, 3pm or 7pm

A lightly guided session drawing from a live portrait model with associate artist and portrait specialist Paul Berryman, at Milton Keynes Gallery.

Pencil perfect: mkgallery.org

Blues Situation

Tuesday, August 15

Authentic, raw rhythm & blues played with feel, energy and humour. Sharp lyrics, exciting guitar work and a gritty Chicago style harmonica. Real grooves: bletchleybluesclub.uk

SikTh

Thursday, August 17, 7.30pm

Watford’s British prog metallers make a welcome return to Milton Keynes. The date is a warm-up show for their Arctangent date. Peep Show: thecraufurdarms.com

Pretty Addicted

Friday, August 18

Dance punk madness from the upside down mind of Clown Spice Vicious Precious, visiting the town for her Summer Goths tour. Support comes from Drownd. Hard-hitting electro goth dance industrial sleaze: sbdpromotions.com

Northampton Balloon Festival

Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 20

Live entertainment, balloon glows, food and drink, fireworks, a giant fun fair and, of course, the stars of the show –the hot air balloons. Plenty of hot air: thenorthamptonballoonfestival.co.uk

Bob Harris OBE in conversation with Martyn Joseph

Saturday, August 19, 8pm

Enjoy an evening of talk, anecdotes and music at The Stables in Wavendon, a venue familiar to both of them. Whispering: stables.org

Life Drawing

Tuesday, August 22, 3pm or 7pm

A lightly guided life drawing session drawing from a nude model with specialist Paul Berryman, at Milton Keynes Gallery Event Space. Creativity: mkgallery.org

Dawg ‘n’ Bonez

Tuesday, August 22

Inspired by the British blues of leaders like Peter Green and Clapton, Steve and Dusty came together to play the music they love. A heady mix of energetic stone-cold classic blues, originals and just a sprinkling of Latin rhythms will be laid before you. Blues with a twist: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Friends of Northampton Castle Play Day

Sunday, August 27

Visit Delapre Abbey to discover what life was like in the castle and medieval Northampton. Activities include building a Lego Castle, completing jigsaws, laptop adventures, medieval music and more. Entry to the event is included in general admission.

Step back in time: delapreabbey.org

Teach Rex Live

Sunday, August 27, 10am or 12.30pm

Step back to the Jurassic period with life-like dinos performing the one hour show, which teaches children about the anatomy and life of one of the most mesmerizing creatures to have ever roamed the planet.

Roar-some: stables.org

Irchester Park Dog Show

Monday, August 28, 11am-3pm

A staple event in the fundraising calendar for Animals in Need, which has hosted the show for more than 15 years.

Waggy tails: FB @AnimalsInNeedMaxicare

Community Litter Pick: Lodge Lake

Tuesday, August 29, 10am

A chance to clear rubbish from the scenic parkland around the lake – all equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves and litter picker if you have them. This group event will involve a safety briefing before you head off.

Meet in the car park on Bradwell Road, off H4 Dansteed Way, Loughton.

Rubbish event: theparkstrust.com

Scottish Country Dancing

Monday, 4th September, 8pm

Classes restart at Bradwell Memorial Hall MK13 9AG

BEGINNERS COURSE starting Monday 18th September

Also Wednesdays, Shenley Brook End, 8pm

Contact: 07877 153 259 email: intro2scd@gmail.com www.rscdsmk.co.uk

No need to bring partner, soft shoes only needed.