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Founded in 1595 Wellingborough School is a Through-School, offering a seamless educational journey from Nursery to Sixth Form.
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Discover why we received an excellent report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), with special praise for our outstanding co-curricular programme.
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Editor
Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
rom ancient gladiators to hair-raising rollercoasters, Northamptonshire is serving full-on drama this summer—and NN Pulse is here to make sure you’re front row for all of it.
Our bumper July issue kicks off with Hello Summer, packed tighter than a picnic basket with brilliant ways to make the most of those glorious (ish) British summer days. Whether you’re planning a full family outing, fancy nosing around local heritage, or just want something a bit left-field, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy—and grinning.
Top of the list? Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, where Gladiators of Britain is ready to sweep you off your sandals and straight into the arena. It’s fierce, fascinating, and just a little bit gory (in the best way). Prefer a different kind of drama? Their murder mystery game has all the thrills—no sandals required. Then there’s the new interactive trail marking 350 years since the Great Fire of Northampton. It’s part history, part high-tech, and all very clever. Using the ‘Explore Northampton’ app, you can follow in the soot-streaked footsteps of 1675 locals as the town’s biggest blaze gets the virtual treatment.
Wicksteed Park is also pulling out all the stops for summer— rides, animals, crazy golf, and that unbeatable whoosh of wind in your hair. It’s pure nostalgic fun, running through to September. Meanwhile, Delapré Abbey is keeping things cool with laid-back events and garden vibes perfect for a slower pace. And if you fancy a little detour, it’s well worth hopping over to Milton Keynes for the return of the brilliant IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. For ten glorious days, the city turns into a giant open-air stage—think jaw-dropping performances, quirky pop-ups and moments that make you stop, stare, and maybe even dance a bit in the street. It’s bold, bonkers and absolutely unmissable.
So if your summer plans involve sticking close to home and making the most of every free weekend, this issue’s stuffed with good ideas, great places and a healthy dose of local charm.
Read previous editions online: www.pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 01604 935300 nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines nnpulsemagazine
FINISHED READING? PASS PULSE MAGAZINE TO A FRIEND OR PLACE IT IN THE RECYCLING.
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New hummingbird bereavement service brings hope and help to northamptonshire families
A new bereavement support service has launched across Northamptonshire, offering specialist care and counselling to people facing the loss of a loved one.
Two of Northamptonshire’s hospice charities—Cransley Hospice Trust and Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity—have joined forces to launch the Hummingbird Bereavement Service, a much-needed source of support for local people dealing with terminal illness and loss.
After seeing the growing need for help across the county, the charities secured funding and invited applications to deliver the new service. Age UK and Mind, both known for their experience in care and mental health, were chosen to run the dayto-day support.
Open to anyone over 18 in Northamptonshire, the service offers
one-to-one counselling from qualified professionals, structured support groups, and access to advice via phone and email. It’s designed to support people in their last year of life and those who have lost someone to a terminal illness.
Victoria
Gray from Cransley Hospice Trust
played a key role in getting the service up and running. “Our research showed that while chaplaincy support was available, there was a real gap in access to counselling,” she explained. “This service is here to help fill that gap and make sure people aren’t facing grief alone.”
While the NHS was involved in shaping the service, funding is entirely independent and will cover the first 15 months. After that, future delivery will rely on community fundraising.
Anita Frith from Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity said, “It’s really encouraging to see four charities working together. With Hummingbird, we can offer proper, specialist support that can make a real difference during the hardest of times.” For more information, please contact either hospice or visit their websites.
Victoria Gray (centre), representing Cransley Hospice Trust and Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity, with Joanna Ruff (left), Bereavement Community Lead Counsellor at Age UK, and Vivien Jean-Paul, Bereavement Community Coordinator at Age UK
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Wellingborough School celebrates a year of enrichment beyond the classroom.
As the academic year draws to a close, Wellingborough School is celebrating the success of its co-curricular programme – praised as a ‘significant strength’ in its recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report.
Far from being an add-on, the school’s co-curricular offering is a core part of its educational approach, helping pupils of all ages develop confidence, creativity, and leadership. Over the past year, students have taken part in a wide range of activities designed to broaden horizons and build essential life skills.
Highlights include a visit to Cambridge University for an Alumni Lecture through the school’s Aspire Programme, and a West End theatre workshop inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where pupils worked with professional West End performers. Pupil ‘Sport Leaders’ also hosted a Bee Netball Festival in partnership with West Northants Sports, displaying their leadership skills.
The school’s music and drama departments continue to thrive, with students performing in ensembles and productions. Wellingborough’s long-
standing Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme remain central to pupil character development, while initiatives like Young Enterprise and student leadership roles empower pupils to take initiative and prepare them for life beyond the classroom. In an era where soft skills are more important than ever, Wellingborough School’s commitment to holistic education is preparing young people not just for exams, but for life.
Jamie Clarke, CEO of Tove Learning Trust, Awarded OBE for Services to Education
Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Tove Learning Trust, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his exceptional contributions to education.
Celebrating this honour with his family and colleagues, Jamie expressed pride in the collective achievements of the trust. With over 39 years of experience in the education sector, the Northamptonshire-based leader has dedicated his career to raising aspirations, implementing transformational change, and providing exceptional educational opportunities in supportive and inclusive environments.
As co-founder and CEO of Tove Learning Trust, which is a thriving family of 15 schools across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and the West Midlands, Jamie has played a pivotal role in establishing a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and strong collaboration. Founded nine years ago at Sponne School in Towcester, the trust’s mission remains focused on empowering every child, regardless of their background, to achieve academic and personal success through inspiring education that delivers outstanding outcomes.
The trust commended Jamie for his unwavering commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and opportunity, stating that under his leadership, schools have benefited from shared best practices, enhanced staff development, and remarkable outcomes for students and their communities.
“I’m incredibly proud to be awarded an OBE for services to education. This honour reflects the dedication of everyone at Tove Learning Trust, and I’m delighted to accept it on behalf of all our amazing staff and pupils.” said Jamie Clarke.
In addition to his role at the Trust, Jamie has been an Ofsted Lead Inspector for many years and was recently appointed as a RISE Adviser for the Department for Education, where he provides expert guidance to improve education at a national level.
This recognition celebrates not only Jamie’s personal accomplishments but also a lifelong commitment to the belief that education can transform lives.
Discover the Tove Learning Trust Difference
Families are warmly invited to attend open/evening days for Reception and Year 6 across their 15 schools. Come and see firsthand how a Tove Learning Trust education sets children on a path of lifelong learning and success.
From first steps to realworld experiences – pupils at Wellingborough School benefit from a broad and enriching education, from early years through to lifeshaping initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Jamie
Think DIY Wills save money? Here’s 10 reasons they don’t.
With the rising cost of living, it is understandable that many people look for ways to save money including drafting their own Wills. However, creating a Will without legal advice can end up costing you and your loved ones far more than the price of a professionally prepared one.
1. Ambiguous drafting can change your intentions
Wills must be precisely drafted. Even a simple phrase can have unintended consequences. For example, stating “I leave my estate to my children equally” may unintentionally exclude stepchildren as the term ‘children’ only refers to biological or legally adopted children unless specified otherwise.
2. Potentially Exempt Transfers
If your Will does not account for all your assets, any assets not accounted for will be distributed under the intestacy rules. For instance, if your Will says ‘I leave all my cash, cars, and jewellery to my daughter Anna’ but omits your house or investments, those assets could end up going to family members you may not have intended to benefit.
3. Incorrect execution can make your Will invalid
For a Will to be valid, it must be in writing, signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses (over the age of 18), signed by your witnesses in your presence and be made voluntarily and whilst you are of sound mind. If these requirements are not met, your Will may be invalid, and your estate would be distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules.
4. A beneficiary cannot be a witness
Another common mistake with a DIY Will is having a beneficiary act as a witness. If someone who is named as a beneficiary in your Will also signs as a witness, the gift left to them becomes void. Although the Will itself remains valid, that person would lose their entitlement which could potentially lead to disputes among your family.
5. Potential claims from excluded people
When drafting your own Will, you may overlook the consequences of excluding certain people. Especially those who
may have a legal right to make a claim against your estate such as a spouse, former partner or financially dependent child.
We would always consider who might have a potential claim and can help you make provision for it or include appropriate wording to reduce the risk of disputes whilst ensuring your intentions are protected as far as possible.
6. Tax considerations might be overlooked
DIY Wills often fail to consider the inheritance tax (IHT) implications. This oversight can lead to a larger tax burden on your estate. When you instruct us, we will help you understand the potential IHT liability of your estate and ensure your Will is drafted to maximise your available tax-free allowances should this be a priority to you.
7. Missing Will
DIY Wills are often stored in locations unknown to executors, solicitors or family members. We have seen Wills stored in the most unexpected places like in the deceased’s bathroom! It is important that your Will can be located easily and quickly following your death so that your estate is administered correctly.
When you make your Will with us, we can store it securely and register it with the National Will Register to ensure that it can be located easily when needed.
8. Inconsistencies can cause delays
Using different coloured pens, handwritten amendments or unclear amendments can raise concerns during the administration process. The Probate Registry may require additional evidence from your witnesses’ causing delays, unnecessary complications and incurring additional costs.
9. Amendments are not valid
Amending a Will after it has been dated and executed is not valid. To make changes to your Will, you must either address the changes by way of a Codicil or draft a new Will ensuring it revokes the previous one.
10. Marriage revokes your Will
If you create a Will and do not address that you are due to get married after execution of that Will, your Will will be revoked. This means your estate would then pass under intestacy rules which could have a significant impact on your spouse.
Your Will is more than just a formality. It is an important legal document that protects your wishes and makes dealing with your estate a lot easier. The cost of a professional prepared Will is a small investment compared to the financial and emotional impact of a poorly drafted or invalid Will.
By instructing us, you can be confident that your Will is:
• legally valid and correctly executed
• clearly reflects your wishes
• considers your tax implications and any potential claims
• stored securely and can be easily retrieved
If you would like to create a new Will or review your current one, please contact our Private Client team. We are here to make the process simple, thorough, and tailored to your needs. We are #AllTheHelpYouNeed.
What rights do I have regarding pensions in my divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership?
Connor Williams Litigation Executive
When going through a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, there are many important things to consider and one area that often requires careful attention is the question of what will happen to any pensions.
It is helpful to think of your pensions as your future security; savings you have built up over the years to provide for you both in your retirement which you had been planning to spend together. One person may have been able to build up a bigger pension pot as they concentrated on their career, while the other person sacrificed earning and saving opportunities to focus on caring responsibilities.
‘When we talk about pensions in divorce or dissolution and how to divide them, it is not always as straightforward as splitting a bank account,’ explains Connor Williams in the family law team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.
‘Because you and your spouse built your lives together, the law recognises that these pensions are often considered a joint asset, so something you both have a stake in.’
A dispute can arise if the person with the larger pension pot does not see this as a shared asset.
Am I entitled to a share of my spouse’s pension?
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You might be wondering whether you are even entitled to a share of your spouse’s pension, but generally the answer is ‘yes’. Pensions built up during the marriage are usually considered marital property, regardless of whose name the pension is in.
It is important to understand that this does not automatically mean there will be a 50:50 split. The courts will consider all of the relevant factors before deciding how those pension assets should be fairly divided.
A particular consideration for the court would be whether there is a significant disparity in your respective pension pots, and if the party who has less in the pot could build theirs up or not.
We lived together before marriage, does that count?
Cohabitation before marriage may be relevant, but it would have to be seamless cohabitation, in essence where you lived together without any breaks and that led to the marriage. Generally, a divorce or dissolution considers the assets accrued during the marriage or civil partnership. However, the court has a wide discretion in achieving fairness, especially in a ‘needs case’ which is where all assets may have to be put into the pot, whether accrued during the marriage or civil partnership, or otherwise, to meet the reasonable needs of both parties.
How does the court divide a pension?
There are three main ways the court can divide a pension on divorce or dissolution, to achieve a financial settlement.
These are:
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
1. A pension sharing order – often this is the preferred method as it can help achieve a clean break, so you are not financially tied to your former spouse. It is an order telling the pension provider to carve out a portion of one spouse’s pension arrangement, and transfer that to the other spouse. Some providers offer the option to have a
separate pension plan with them, or you can choose to invest your share with a different pension provider.
2. A pension attachment order - this is less common as it keeps parties tied to one another. The pension would fully remain in one spouse’s name and the provider would be told to pay a portion of the pension benefits (income and lump sum) to the other spouse. There would be no separate pension plan for the receiving spouse and a lot would still depend on the other party. A clean break would not be achieved.
3. Pension off-setting - this approach achieves a clean break without directly sharing the pension if there are sufficient other assets. Once a value is agreed for the relevant pension(s), you can decide to off-set your portion against other available assets. For instance, if your spouse had a pension worth £200,000 and it was settled that you had a claim for 50% of it, but you preferred to keep the matrimonial home instead of having a pension share. This would help to achieve a clean break.
How can we help?
When going through a divorce or dissolution proceedings, settling the finances is always the most stressful element. Pensions are complex arrangements by their nature, and it is important that you seek advice from one of our experienced family law specialists at the earliest opportunity to guide you in the best direction.
For further information, please contact Connor Williams in the family law team on: 01604 622101 or email connor.williams@bmtclw.co.uk
From forgotten to flourishing: how a churchyard corner got its bloom back
A once-overlooked corner of St Giles churchyard has been transformed into a welcoming spot for rest and reflection, thanks to a true community effort.
Asmall but significant transformation has taken place at St Giles churchyard in Northampton town centre, where a previously neglected area has been given a new lease of life. What was once a gathering place for litter and anti-social behaviour is now a peaceful green space, thoughtfully designed for people to pause, sit and enjoy the surroundings.
The project was spearheaded by St Giles Community Group, with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), bringing together local volunteers, students and organisations with a shared goal: to create something positive.
Benches, a bin, and hanging basket posts—originally from Abington Street and donated by West Northamptonshire Council—have been refurbished by students from Northampton College. These same students also designed and built new planters, which now add a pop of colour to the churchyard and support pollinators with carefully selected herbs and flowers.
Groundworks were completed by Kier, the team responsible for the recent Abington Street works, ensuring the space is now safe and accessible for all. Northampton Town Council contributed through its Northampton in Bloom funding, helping to bring vibrant life to the planting scheme.
“It’s been heartening to see so many hands come together to create something the community can enjoy,” said Kardi Somerfield of St Giles Community Group. “We’ve focused on sustainability and community care—this will be looked after by local volunteers as part of our ongoing efforts.”
The project was completed just in time for National Volunteers Week, a fitting tribute to all those who gave their time and effort.
> For more information, visit www.discovernorthampton.co.uk.
Volunteers hard at work planting pollinator-friendly blooms in St Giles churchyard — part of a community project to bring new life to the historic town centre space
SUMMER
Get set for summer!
It’s time to leave the sofa and get outside this summer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the locality, as our 21-page summer guide proves...
Step up to see The Last Footprint
The Patch MK is renowned for its picture perfect fields of floral fabulousness every summer, with an incredible 500,000 sunflowers and more than 50 million wildflowers set to provide a sunny welcome this year.
But those coming to enjoy the petal power provided by the Gurney family in 2025 will also see the results of a new partnership between The Patch MK and global artistic visionary, sculptor Erik Schmitz.
The Last Footprint is a collection of nine supersized sculptures, each one highlighting a species that is either endangered or vulnerable to extinction.
Featured creatures include the Giant Panda, Sumatran Elephant, Western Lowland Gorilla and Black Rhinoceros. Lesser-known endangered species the Californian Condor, European Eel, Amur Leopard, Hawksbill Turtle and Chinese Pangolin will also be available to view.
These stunning creations have been made using only sustainable and reclaimed materials, including timber from the Gurney farm in Milton Keynes and offcuts donated by Towcester-based Linnell Bros Timber Merchants.
The works will prove as enchanting to adults as they will to children, while shining a light on the fragility of the natural world, and the urgency to take steps to avoid catastrophic species loss.
“This is more than an exhibition, it’s a moment of reflection on how precious our natural world is and all of the resources on earth,” says Erik. “Each sculpture invites you
Pics: katestoddartscott.co.uk
to pause and think about what we stand to lose, and what footprints we want to leave behind.”
The Patch MK works for families wanting to make summer memories together, art lovers looking to take in some awesome craftsmanship, and of course, nature enthusiasts.
Explore the flower fields, have fun in the sensory-rich maize mazes and let this new installation awaken a passion for action.
“We’ve always wanted The Patch to be about more than just a fun day out,” says Rosalyn Gurney. “It’s about creating meaningful memories, and this installation is exactly that. It’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also thought-provoking and deeply moving. We are looking forward to seeing these imposing sculptures against the backdrop of our gorgeous sunflowers as they go through their lifecycle from bud to bloom.”
The Patch MK is open daily throughout the summer holidays. A general admission ticket provides access to all of the aforementioned attractions.
> For a blooming great day out, check in with thepatchmk.co.uk
This Giant Panda forms part of The Last Footprint – a collection of nine super-sized animal sculptures
Parkland Play returns to the new city
The Parks Trust has events across the new city to tempt you, and we’ll start with something you can really sink your teeth into – Flavour Fest. Taking place at Willen Lake, this fun-time for foodies will deliver a range of street food stalls, and a bar will be available at the on-site cafe. Music will soundtrack your visit.
from 11am – 5pm.
Nature challenges are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Howe Park Wood (9.30am-12.30pm) throughout the school holidays, with each week offering a different theme, from winged wildlife to minibeasts and lots more in between.
An Inclusive Stroll at Ashland Lake (July 9) is designed for all ages and abilities with accessible routes and facilities ensuring everyone can discover some of the hidden gems of MKs green spaces, and the Trust’s Parkland Play sessions are back to keep children from being bored!
Each session – running from midday to 3pm – will deliver crafts, face painting, soft play equipment and various activities, including sports, lawn games, and sensory experiences.
The Community Ranger led events will be hosted at Oakgrove (August 6), Caldecotte Lake (August 13), Stanton Low Park (August 20) and Fairfields (August 27).
If you’ve ever wondered, ‘What did the Romans ever do for us?’ find out directly by delving into the new city’s ancient past, with a chance to experience Roman life at Bancroft Roman Villa (August 16, midday-4pm).
Travel back in time with a tour of the villa remains, take part in crafts and activities, join the Roman Army and interact with a Roman soldier.
Fancy building your own fort? Step forward and do just that, before knocking it down with a hand built catapult. Fun for families and children, and free to attend.
> Search more: theparkstrust.com
Meet a Roman Centurion at Bancroft Roman Villa –August 16
Getting hands on at a Parkland Play session
Summer Fun at
the MK Museum
Milton Keynes Museum is open throughout the summer holidays for family fun, and plenty of it!
Set within old farmland just outside Wolverton, this is THE Museum dedicated to the ancient and the modern history of the new city.
It tells the story of MK long before the new town became a sketch in town planner notepads and it explores how things have developed through interactive and hands-on exhibits.
Take a stroll down the street of shops with its original facades of many former stores
from the area, learn about transport through the centuries, visit the Victorian Parlour, play games from the era, and then check out the work involved on wash day before washing machines and tumble-driers!
The Museum’s toy room will enchant all ages, and don’t forget to enjoy the summer sun in the extensive green space the Museum is situated in - bring your own picnic or pop into the Granary Tea Room for sustenance.
While there, you simply must grab a selfie with the original Concrete Cows!
Over in the Ancient Gallery you can get close up with a mountain of bones, check out the newly restored 180 million year old MK resident, Iggy the Ichthyosaur, and explore the rich Roman heritage from the area.
Come and feel the power
Gladiators
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery always has a varied, colourful programme to share with you, and this summer is no exception – with attractions spanning the history of gladiatorial fights through to an immersive murder mystery game!
We’ll start with the current exhibition, Gladiators of Britain, which is showing some of this country’s most important objects which tell the story of these ancient entertainment venues, and it’s a chance to learn more about the people who died to the roar of the crowd.
‘It will reveal the violence of the arena, and the importance of spectacle within Roman culture.’
The Colchester Vase – loaned by Colchester Museums – depicts a battle
between two real gladiators, and the only confirmed piece of gladiatorial armour from Roman Britain, the Hawkedon Helmet, are among the items displayed.
From the ancient to the decidedly current, and Cardboard Clues: Murder in the Museum is an opportunity to try out your detective skills to solve a series of curious and whimsical mysteries.
Making use of a companion app, you will explore the museum, uncovering clues and life-sized cardboard characters – will they be a suspect, witness or victim?
This sharp way to put your problem-solving abilities to the test is ideal for families, friends or anyone with a curious mind. Are you in?
Lasting anywhere between one and two hours, you will have three cases to solvefrom a vandalized moustache to a victim flattened by an ancient sarcophagus!
Each week during the holidays, craft activities will be offered, and at the Museum you pay once and can visit as often as you like for a whole year, for free, which is lucky because there’s so much to see.
On July 19, the Museum will hold its first MKM Culture Fest, a chance to celebrate the many cultures present across the new city, with an all-inclusive event.
Meet local groups, try out activities in the workshops while seeing firsthand the work carried out by some of our many community groups. Tease your tastebuds with new foods, and enjoy lots of entertainment; dancing, singing and storytelling will all feature.
> For more information visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Slots are timed, and only one phone is needed to play Cardboard Clues.
Both the exhibition and the game are running through to September 7.
> For more information visit northamptonmuseums.com
Kids can get hands-on at MK Museum
Gladiators in combat –
The Colchester Vase
on interactive trail
The brilliant IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns this summer for 10 glorious days, from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27. Prepare for a feast of creativity and unforgettable experiences across Milton Keynes!
The Festival is packed with everything from jaw-dropping installations and captivating performances to spectacular outdoor shows, circus thrills, comedy,
mesmerising cabaret, live music and heaps of free fun for the whole family. Over the next few pages, you can discover some of the highlights of this years Festival.
You can find details of all events and sign up for updates on the Festival website at ifmiltonkeynes.org To book tickets, call the Festival box office on 01908 280800 or book online at ifmiltonkeynes.org
Zwermers: Pan~//Catwalk
Joli Vyann: Drop Me If You Dare
Klub Girko: Human Time - Tree Time
A Night with La Voix
5 Unmissable Festival Events…
1. Deabru Beltzak: Symfeuny
Date: Friday 18 July, 9.45pm
Location: Procession starts at Xscape, Marlborough Gate, MK9 3XS and ends at Campbell Park Bulbfield, MK9 4AT FREE EVENT
Prepare for an electrifying start to this year’s Festival as innovative rhythms, breathtaking special effects and fiery pyrotechnics converge to generate an irresistible surge of energy.
Renowned Spanish street theatre company Deabru Beltzak will set off from Xscape on a mesmerising pyrotechnic and drumming procession that climaxes with a spectacular stage show finale in Campbell Park.
Michael Pendry’s multimedia artwork Les Colombes (The White Doves) has embarked on an incredible worldwide journey, from San Francisco to New York and Mumbai — and now it arrives in Milton Keynes.
This spectacular installation explores the bonds that tie us together and the delicate balance between individual freedom and collective belonging. Its clear message of peace resonates on a deeply personal level, prompting questions about freedom and the hope for a better future.
Deabru Beltzak: Symfeuny
Les Colombes (The White Doves)
Dates: Friday 18 – Sunday 27 July
Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July
The Open University
Monday 21 – Sunday 27 July
Church of Christ the Cornerstone, 300 Saxon Gate, Milton Keynes Check Festival website for all opening times.
FREE EVENT
Imagine gazing down upon the stark beauty of Mars.
Luke Jerram’s stunningg artwork, Mars, makes this possible. This expansive sevenmetre sphere uses detailed 120dpi NASA photographs to bring the red planet to life. At a scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre
on the internally illuminated surface corresponds to 10 kilometres on Mars.
The artwork offers a unique aerial perspective, allowing you to study the intricate details of Martian valleys, craters, volcanoes and mountains as if you were orbiting above.
Dates: Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 July
Check Festival website for opening times. Location: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes Tickets: £6, under-16s £5, family of four £20
Step into a world of pure colour and light! For more than three decades, Architects of Air’s luminaria have captivated audiences, drawing more than three million people into their monumental, walk-in sculptures.
These immersive experiences owe their vibrant colours to the simple magic of daylight filtering through the fabric.
Terceradix is their brightest and most colourful yet. Its maze-like structure, reminiscent of a futuristic space station, features soaring domes and winding paths, where organic shapes and diverse architectural influences merge in a breathtaking display of design and engineering.
Dates: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July, 9.45pm
Location: Secklow Gate, D3 Car Park (near The Point), Milton Keynes Tickets: £7.50, under-16s £5
Don’t miss this year’s large-scale Festival spectacle!
French theatre company Transe Express deliver a stunning and enchanting
performance that will leave audiences of all ages spellbound.
Gravity-defying climbs, hypnotic aerial artistry and exhilarating circus skills unfold high above you in the night sky. Driven by an electrifying live soundtrack, this incredible demonstration of teamwork is a must-see, promising an unforgettable and dramatic highlight of the Festival’s closing weekend.
To win a family ticket (up to 4 people, one of whom must be a responsible adult), answer the following question. Where is the DNA, Vertical Odyssey event taking place?
Email your answer to: mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Subject: IF:2025 Competition along with your name, address and contact telephone number.
Closing date: Friday 18 July
Luke Jerram: Mars
Architects of Air: Terceradix
Transe Express: DNA, Vertical Odyssey
Festival Fun for all the Family
Both weekends of the Festival are full of fantastic free, pop-up shows and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Highlights include:
NoFit State Circus: BAMBOO
Dates: Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July
Locations: performances at Campbell Park and centre:mk
Check Festival website for times FREE EVENT
BAMBOO is a breathtaking outdoor circus show using only bamboo and human bodies. The whole show becomes an animated circus installation with moments of beauty and poignancy, impressive feats of strength and agility and elements of physical comedy.
Osadía: Whose Hair Dares
Dates: Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 July
Locations: performances at Campbell Park and Midsummer Place
Check Festival website for times FREE EVENT
The sculptural quality of hairdressing becomes theatre in the barber chairs of Osadía. Dare to take a seat and have your own locks styled into an outlandish hair sculpture by Osadía’s performers. Or watch in amazement as your fellow audience members return from the barber chair transformed.
Pagrav Dance: One Sky
Dates: Saturday 19 July, 1.15pm & 6pm
Locations: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes Check Festival website for times FREE EVENT
One Sky brings the spirit of India’s kite festivals to life, filling the sky with colour and joy. Choreographed by Urja Desai Thakore with designer Simon Daw, this large-scale outdoor spectacle celebrates togetherness, happiness and the beauty of shared experience.
Half A String: The Lost Colour and Space Chickens
Date: Saturday 26 July, 11am & 3.20pm
Location: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes FREE EVENT
Award-winning visual theatre company Half A String bring their brand of breathtaking puppetry, beautiful storytelling and original music to the Festival.
11am The Lost Colour… join Malcolm Brushell, professional painter and amateur alchemist, on his quest to find the pinky-est pink paint on the planet! 3.20pm Space Chickens… Earth’s unlikely hero: an adventurous chicken who is blasted into space to solve all our planet’s problems.
NoFit State Circus: BAMBOO
Osadía: Whose Hair Dares
Pagrav Dance: One Sky
Half A String theatre company
The Stables Spiegeltent
Location: Festival Central, Campbell Park, MK9 4AT
Located at the heart of Festival Central, The Spiegeltent offers an exotic and intimate venue for the Festival’s live music, comedy and cabaret programme.
Its stunning construction, featuring intricate wood, vibrant stained glass, plush velvet drapes and dazzling mirrors, creates a captivating atmosphere. Complete with its own bar, it’s a true Festival centrepiece.
Higlights of the programme include:
The Noise Next Door: Freewheeling
Friday 18 July, 6.45pm
No gimmicks, no tricks — just the UK’s quickest, wittiest improvisers putting on a show to make you laugh like nobody’s business (for ages 16+).
Yuck Circus
Friday 18, 8.45pm and Saturday 19 July, 2pm
Forget everything you thought you knew about circus – this is a revolution. Expect jawdropping acrobatics, side-splitting comedy and a whole lot of attitude. (for ages 14+)
The Demon Barbers
Saturday 19 July
With multiple awards under their belts, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Live Act, The Demon Barbers have captivated audiences across the UK and beyond.
Lou Sanders
Sunday 20 July
Much-loved comedian and Taskmaster champion Lou Sanders comes to the Festival with an extended headline set! (for ages 16+).
The Selecter
Wednesday 23 July
Led by the incomparable Pauline Black OBE, legendary 2-Tone pioneers The Selecter bring their infectious energy and iconic hits to The Spiegeltent.
Peat & Diesel
Thursday 24 July
Straight from the heart of the Western Isles, Peat & Diesel bring their infectious ‘Peatlemania’ to Milton Keynes. Prepare for a night of unforgettable tunes, stories that’ll have you laughing and an atmosphere that’s pure, unadulterated craic.
Lucy Spraggan
Friday 25 July
Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan’s unique blend of folk, indie-pop and acoustic sounds paired with powerful and emotive lyrics have captivated audiences worldwide.
Roachford
Saturday 26 July
Ever since Cuddly Toy reached number four in the charts back in 1988, Roachford has become one of the most compelling rock and soul artists the UK has produced.
Family performances
Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall
Sunday 20 July
Join DJ Monski Mouse and her dancers for this award-winning, epic session of bopping, bonkers, beautiful fun. Expect high-energy smiling to retro beats and thumping nursery rhymes (for ages 5 and under).
Scoot Theatre:
Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels
Thursday 24 July
In their lively stage adaptation of Quentin Blake’s classic tale, Scoot Theatre present a 40-minute interactive, energetic show featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy celebrating the joy of getting outdoors and being active.
How to get tickets...
Tickets for all Spiegeltent shows are available from the Festival box office on 01908 280800 or online at ifmiltonkeynes.org
Yuck Circus
The Selecter
The Stables Spiegeltent – Festival Central
Lou Sanders
Summer sessions with Dragons and Monsters
Royal & Derngate have some lovely opportunities with their Holiday Club catering directly for little people aged four to eight years, with Dragon Masters (August 4-8).
Participants will be able to explore and hone their creative skills on this week-long course which makes use of storytelling, theatre and crafts.
Underground is the hosting venue for this dragon-themed camp where youngsters can let their imaginations run wild.
A second Holiday Club session will welcome young adventurers aged between nine and 13.
Myths, Legends and Monsters (August 11-15) is an ‘epic experience exploring Gods, heroes, monsters and mayhem’ and at the end of the week, children will become the hero of their own legendary story.
> Each weekly session runs from 9am to 5pm daily. For more information visit royalandderngate.co.uk
Let them unleash their star quality this holiday
Catchy tunes and music is a given with the arrival of children’s favourite, Tom Gates Live On Stage!
Based on the books from the colourful mind of Liz Pichon, this new extensive tour promises to deliver ‘pure fun for the whole family whether you’ve a love of the books, love the TV series (or both!) or you’re new to Tom and his friends!’ Tom Gates Live On Stage! Visits Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday, August 3, with performances at 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to the MK Theatre
Joe McElderry back in the fold, this time starring as The Pharaoh in the awardwinning show.
This was the first major collaboration by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It worked out pretty well, wouldn’t you say?
The theatre presents its alternative to school holiday blues with the return of its Musical Theatre Summer School (August 4-8). Open for ages eight to 14, this is an opportunity to let youngsters sing and dance their way through the day, every day for a whole week.
The course cost includes a ticket to watch a matinee performance of Joseph and the
Participants will also be the star in their own production; creating a ‘Show in a Week’ that they will perform to family on the final afternoon.
Email for further information to mkcreativelearning@ atgentertainment.com
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical visits the theatre (September 3September 7) with an electrifying night out as standard.
Based on the book series which has shifted an incredible 180 million copies worldwide, the musical puts NYC teen Percy in the spotlight, a boy whose life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon. With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.’
A show ready to bring ‘Olympian energy’ to everyone aged eight years and over.
> To book for a performance, visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Pic: Manuel Harlan
Dragon Masters will allow participants to hone their creative skills
Become the hero of your own story at the Myths, Legends and Monsters sessions
The Lightning Thief comes to Milton Keynes Theatre in September
Helping tmorrow’s talents realise star quality today – at the Musical Theatre Summer School
Hunker down for storytelling time
The charming setting of Delapré Abbey is being utilised this summer, with some cool live music events (see Pulse Music), and a number of other opportunities to make the most of the historic site.
Take a trip to explore the house and the chance to get hands-on with many objects, every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, between 11am and 4pm.
Preacher the Storyteller will be delivering interactive storytelling with Time (August 13, midday-3pm) in the Walled Garden.
Pack a picnic, bring everyone together, remember your blankets and chairs and make tracks!
Storytelling aside, there will be live music, a bubble machine and picnic games. Did someone say prize giveaways too?!
> If you want in, visit delapreabbey.org
Preacher the Storyteller will be present in the Walled Garden at Delapré Abbey
Catch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Milton Keynes – August 6-10
Get your fill of funny with a Crate night out
Last year’s mammoth session was a bit of a blinder, and so it’s of no surprise that the fine folks behind the Comedy Crate Weekender have been busy assembling another fantastic line-up to tickle the funny bones and turn frowns upside down for the return of the mammoth session this July 12 and 13.
In all, 25 acts will be taking mics and holding attention across a trio of the town’s most loved venues; The Black Prince, The Charles Bradlaugh and The Lamplighter.
This special weekend, heavy in talent, is a chance for comedy fans to check out Edinburgh Fringe Previews and Work in Progress shows.
Snag a weekend ticket and the price works out at a ridiculously smart £4 per session.
Performances will last for an hour with halfhour intervals (presumably to relax aching facial muscles) and an hour-long break for food. Performers? Big names waiting to stand up for you include Rosie Jones, John Kearns, Darren Harriott, Tom Rosenthal, Chloe Petts, Nick Helm and Mark Simmons, with many more to come.
“We are incredibly excited to bring back the Comedy Crate Weekender in our home town of Northampton,” organisers Mike Chase and Kj Bradshaw said in a statement. “This festival offers a fantastic opportunity for comedy enthusiasts to see top-tier acts in an intimate setting, experiencing the creative process as they develop new material.
“It’s an unmissable event for anyone who loves live comedy, there’s a real community feel to it. So let’s have a laugh whilst supporting local venues and the live arts!”
The Charles Bradlaugh are hosting the event along with The Black Prince and The Lamplighter
Maisie Adam led the way with a new show at last year’s Comedy Crate
Pics: Stuart Hogben Photography
Summer adventures await at Wicksteed Park!
Join us from the 19th of July until the 2nd of September for summer fun the whole family will love.
Dive into days filled with family thrills by taking a spin on our exciting rides, explore our animal attractions or test your golf skills with a game on our newly refurbished crazy golf course, Pig ‘n’ Putt. Our wristbands start from just £22 when booked in advance, giving you unlimited access to over 25 rides and attractions. There are also family wristband bundles available starting from just £56 for a family of three!
Children under 0.9m get to experience the joy of Wicksteed Park this summer for FREE with an accompanying paying adult.
Don’t miss out on a summer full of excitement and unforgettable moments, book your summer adventure online NOW by heading to wicksteedpark.org
If rides and attractions aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy a full day in the park with over 281 acres of land including lush parklands, meadows, lakes, sandpits and free playgrounds to explore.
You can also grab a bite to eat or treat yourself to something sweet from one of the food outlets
on site with options ranging from refreshing ice cream and tray bake treats, to pizza and hotdogs.
Rides and attractions may be closed for maintenance or may not operate during inclement weather. The Garden Wheel may be closed for ongoing maintenance. Please check our website for the latest availability updates.
Wicksteed Park’s regular parking charges apply. Separate charges apply for Wicky’s Play Factory.
Please check Wicksteed Park’s terms and conditions via our website before booking.
Enjoy a summer of fun at Delapré Abbey
This summer, Delapré Abbey is the place to be! With a packed programme of events ranging from music festivals to live theatre, there’s truly something for everyone. We’ve rounded up 5 exciting activities you can enjoy on the stunning grounds of Northamptonshire’s very own Delapré Abbey…
1. Preacher the Storyteller
Bring the whole family for an enchanting afternoon on Wednesday 13th August with Preacher the Storyteller. Enjoy a picnic in
Summertime Live brings four stages of live music and DJs
Delapré Abbey’s beautiful Walled Garden, complete with live music, a bubble machine, and immersive storytelling. Find a cosy spot, settle in, and let the magic of story time transport you.
2. Outdoor Theatre:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Join The Three Inch Fools on Monday 25th August at 6pm as they bring Shakespeare’s most iconic comedy to life in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud performance under the summer sky. On Midsummer’s Eve, deep within an enchanted forest, feuding fairies, runaway lovers, and a band of hilariously hopeless actors collide in a tale of magic and mischief.
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, The Three Inch Fools promise a riotously fun evening filled with music, mayhem, and unforgettable characters – all led by the mischievous Puck.
3. Summertime Live
On 19th July, Delapré Abbey will come alive with four stages of live music and DJs, headlined by Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems. With performances from Sigma, Nathan Dawe,
So Solid Crew, Blazin’ Squad, Switch Disco, and many more, it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sound and summer.
4. Car Boot Sales
Looking to declutter or discover hidden gems? Delapré Abbey will be hosting regular car boot sales throughout the summer – starting at 8am – 12pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy, sell, and browse in a picturesque setting.
5. Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a delightful selection of homemade cakes and savoury bites — including The Orangery’s famously fresh-baked scones. Choose to enjoy your traditional Afternoon Tea in the Abbey’s historic Billiard Room or the peaceful Walled Garden. Best of all, it’s available all summer long.
And so much more – including an outdoor cinema screening of Grease!
> To find out more about your Delapré Abbey summer, visit delapreabbey.org
Splash down on the log flume!
The famous Wicksteed Park Railway
Summer at The Park Luxury with a side of sunshine
WHERE SUMMER LUXURY MEETS COUNTRYSIDE BLISS … ESCAPE TO WHITTLEBURY PARK, YOUR PERFECT SUMMER SANCTUARY.
Whether you're unwinding with a sun-soaked spa day, teeing off under blue skies, celebrating love with a summer wedding, or savouring dining at its finest, every moment is designed for relaxation and indulgence. From refreshing getaways to unforgettable family staycations, make this summer one to remember at Whittlebury Park.
off your total Afternoon Tea bill Visit us for Afternoon Tea from June to September 2025 and receive £10 off your total bill* *Voucher must be brought to the booking in order to be redeemed
Say ‘Hello’ to Lamport Hall
Our summer events always feel special as visitors soak up the atmosphere and tranquillity of our gardens at a variety of outdoor events. There’s nothing quite like a picnic in beautiful surroundings to make it feel like summer!
On Saturday 12th July, Illyria’s production of Jane Austen’s glorious social comedy, Pride and Prejudice, has been brought back to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. In a whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzy Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only sane, thoughtful people - and they hate each other. Enjoy a pleasant evening in the Walled Garden.
The following day, the summer cultural entertainment continues with the Tame Valley Stompers returning for an afternoon of jazz in the gardens. Pack your picnics, gather a group of friends and relax in a quintessential English garden.
Another newcomer to our innovative 2025 events calendar is the Lamport Hall Quilting and Sewing Show on the 18th, 19th and 20th July brought to us by Grosvenor Shows. Featuring quilt displays from acclaimed quilters and textile artists, a variety of exhibitors selling patchwork and quilting supplies for all your needs and demonstrators on hand to show you their
techniques and to give help and advice, it’s sure to be an enjoyable day out for all crafting enthusiasts. Our final opportunity this year to visit the gardens at the weekend is on Saturday 26th July when we open for the National Garden Scheme Open Day 100% of the entry fee on the door will go towards the wonderful charities that the National Garden Scheme supports.
There will be 10 acres of formal gardens, including our beautiful walled garden and our woodland walk to explore. We will also have our Stables Cafe open offering homemade cakes, artisan coffee and light lunches, our gift shop open, and plants and cut flowers for sale.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking outdoor exhibition to attend, we are honoured to be hosting the Royal Geographical Society ‘Earth Photo’ competition. The exhibition will be open every Wednesday-Friday from the 23rd of July to the 28th of August and will feature photos that tell a story about the environment and geography with accompanying interpretation.
After a very successful return of outdoor cinema to Lamport last summer, we are delighted to be offering a screening of Wicked on the 2nd of August. Enjoy one of the films of 2024 with a glass of wine and a box of gourmet popcorn in front of the magnificent backdrop of Lamport Hall’s main façade. The gardens will also be open for you to peruse before the screening starts, giving a rare chance to see them in ‘golden hour’.
Put on your headset and don your best pair of dancing shoes for the first ever Silent Disco at Lamport Hall on the 9th of August! Come along for a family-friendly disco between 2pm and 5pm with two channels and then an 18+ event from 7pm with three channels. Immerse yourself in music for a magical summer’s evening you won’t want to miss. Our wireless headphones provide the freedom to dance while preserving the tranquillity and serenity of the gardens. With three simultaneous channels, revel in eclectic music choices including chart hits, retro classics and an entire channel dedicated to Taylor Swift from the brilliant Swiftogeddon!
Finally, we also have an interesting indoor exhibition throughout August open on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy a display of historically accurate replicas of gowns worn by each Tudor Queen in their portraits, included in a house entry ticket.
The Hall and gardens continue to be open every Wednesday and Thursday for the Hall and gardens and on Fridays for the gardens only. Our gift shop is also open on Wednesdays and Thursday selling a variety of gifts, souvenirs and toys. Our café is open every Wednesday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
> Visit www.lamporthall.co.uk
Stuck in ice by Romain Loubeyre –part of the ‘Earth Photo’ exhibition
Marvel at the beauty and decoration of the Tudor Queen’s gowns on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August
The Tame Valley Stompers will get your feet tapping on July 13
No need to shout about it! The Silent Disco will rock your world on August 9
From snow slopes to skydives: MK’s coolest icon turns 25
Milton Keynes isn’t exactly famous for its mountains. Or its thrill-seeking culture. Or, let’s be honest, anything involving snow that’s not a gritted pavement. But that all changed in 2000, when an enormous spaceship-like building landed on the skyline and quietly whispered (or rather, bellowed): “Fancy a ski?”
And just like that, Xscape Milton Keynes was born.
Fast-forward 25 years – yes, a whole quartercentury – and what was once a futuristic playground for the brave and the bored has become one of the most loved destinations in the city. Actually, scratch that: in the region. Possibly the planet. (Okay, maybe not the planet, but we’re feeling nostalgic.)
From Bonkers Vision to Brilliant Reality
It’s wild to think now, but back in the late ’90s, when Friends ruled the TV and dial-up internet was the height of tech, someone had the vision to put a real-snow ski slope and a skydiving tunnel under one giant, steel-curved roof in the middle of Buckinghamshire.
And people thought roundabouts were the weirdest thing about MK.
As the centre’s archival construction images show (cue the satisfying steel skeleton shots), this wasn’t just a building – it was an engineering marvel. The roof alone required over 5,000 tonnes of steel, bent and bolted with all the precision of a Swiss watch. And that dramatic front facade? Nope, not giant vents or elevators – they’re stairs. Honestly, it’s full of surprises.
Happy 25th birthday Xscape Milton Keynes!
Today, the centre stands 44 metres tall – second only to Hotel La Tour – and stretches across 60,000 square metres of retail, food, fitness, and full-throttle fun.
A Birthday Bash Worth Bragging About
To mark its silver milestone, Xscape did what it does best: put on a show.
During May half-term, the place transformed into a birthday wonderland, offering 25% discounts, prizes, and a chance to size yourself up against celebs and characters on the ever-popular “Wall of Tall.” (Spoiler: You’re not taller than Chewbacca. But it’s OK.)
And while the balloons have been popped and the bunting’s packed away, the legacy of that celebration – captured in family selfies, Insta reels, and maybe a few souvenir bruises from enthusiastic sledgers – lives on.
Still Cool, Still Changing
You might think a place like Xscape would rest on its snowy laurels. But not this lot. The centre is constantly evolving, hosting everything from adaptive sessions for SEN guests to community art installations like
25
things you might not know about
Opened in 2000 – celebrating 25 years in 2025!
The building stands 44 metres tall (that’s four double-decker buses high).
It’s the second tallest building in Milton Keynes.
The site spans 60,000 sqm – equal to 5.5 football pitches.
iFLY is the UK’s first purpose-built indoor sky diving tunnel.
iFLY generates wind speeds of up to 165mph.
The ski slope? 170m long, 60m wide, and filled with 1,500 tonnes of snow.
Cineworld was the first UK cinema with 4DX and Superscreen experiences.
Xscape sits in a city with over 130 roundabouts.
the heartwarming Tree of Pride. The cinema was the first in the UK to feature 4DX and Superscreen tech, and you can now get your brows done, post a parcel, and smash an escape room all in one trip. Because why not?
Dan Murphy, Centre Director and fulltime hype man, puts it best: “Xscape has become a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and generations have come together.”
We couldn’t agree more.
So, What’s Next?
If the last 25 years have taught us anything, it’s this: Xscape doesn’t sit still. There’s already talk of new attractions, bold ideas, and yes, probably more adrenaline. And with that famous swooping roof still shining proudly over Central MK, one thing’s for sure:
This isn’t just a building. It’s a beating heart of fun, frozen flakes, and flipping good memories.
So if you haven’t been in a while, now’s your moment. Dust off the ski boots. Embrace the nostalgia. And go remind yourself why Xscape Milton Keynes is still the coolest thing this city’s ever seen.
Xscape Milton Keynes
Escape Hunt’s fastest time? 23 minutes and 4 seconds.
Features adaptive and SEN sessions across several activities.
The big front funnels? They’re stairs, not cooling ducts.
Xscape’s sibling lives up north – hello, Xscape Yorkshire.
More than 40 shops, eateries, and activity centres live inside.
Includes services like Amazon Hub Locker, bike repairs, and brow bars.
Each iFLY flight lasts about 55 seconds – longer than a tandem sky dive.
The building was designed by FaulknerBrowns.
It’s home to the MK Festival of Running starting line.
The “Wall of Tall” lets you compare heights with celebs and creatures.
Hosts the Tree of Pride community art installation.
The Wetherspoon pub is named after George Orwell’s ideal: The Moon Under Water.
Less than an hour from London Euston by train.
Just 5 minutes off the M1.
Built with more than 5,000 tonnes of steel.
The Xscape Milton Keynes during its mammoth construction
A statement of a city’s growing confidence as much as a building
Make the detour:
A visit to The Oakley Arms
Our resident MK Pulse foodie recently took herself off the beaten track to uncover the exceptional culinary delights at The Oakley Arms in Harrold.
Tucked away in the charming Bedfordshire village of Harrold, The Oakley Arms is one of those rare gems that makes a countryside detour feel like a true discovery. With its thatched roof, warm welcome and Michelin-grade food, it’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity – and keeps you coming back.
From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with genuine warmth. The space is clean, fresh and inviting, yet still feels like home. Soft music hums in the background and there’s a sense of calm refinement – stylish but never stuffy.
Inside the menu, a thoughtful note from chef-owners Andy and Lizzie Slater speaks of their commitment to local sourcing. Ingredients come from within a 20-mile
radius, and there’s even a lovely illustrated map showing where key produce is from – a real celebration of local suppliers and food heritage.
To drink, I took the server’s recommendation – a crisp, zesty white wine that paired beautifully with my starter. My husband had the house red, smooth and well-balanced, ideal with his dish.
A complimentary herbed focaccia arrived, served warm with chive butter – light, fragrant, and utterly moreish.
For starters, I had the barbecued tiger prawn and crab flatbread with heritage tomatoes – fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced with smoky richness. My husband went for the Buckinghamshire lamb sweetbreads with French beans, watercress and smoked bacon, all brought together by a rich, flavourful sauce that I definitely dipped my fork into.
For our main, we shared the salt-aged côte de boeuf – indulgent, yes, but worth every bite. Cooked to a perfect medium, with a deep, savoury crust, the beef melted in the mouth. The peppercorn sauce was exceptional – rich, bold, and addictive. We swapped fries for chunky chips
(highly recommend), which had a golden crunch and fluffy centre. A side of charred sprouting broccoli with Parmesan rounded everything off with texture and flavour. Despite being full, dessert was impossible to resist. I chose the white chocolate, pistachio and raspberry gâteau – delicate yet indulgent, with the sharpness of raspberry cutting through the creaminess. My husband ordered the Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée with rhubarb compote and a madeleine on the side. The custard was light and silky, the sugar topping perfectly crisp –it was the kind of dessert you don’t forget. What Andy and Lizzie have created at The Oakley Arms is truly special. It’s a place where exceptional food meets warm hospitality, and where you feel part of something the moment you walk in. If you’re in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes and fancy a change of scene – this is it. A real food lover’s destination, and well worth the drive.
www.theoakleyharrold.co.uk
01234 720166
The Oakley Arms, 98-104 High Street, Harrold, MK43 7BH
Kiss from a rose!
Enjoy a bouquet of beauty this month. The sun is shining, and we’ve found some perfect products to help you bloom...
Is your beauty box crammed with countless products? Do you even remember what they all do? If you fancy slimming your number of bottles, without compromising your skin, Gentlecare has a tidy little bundle to give you all the support it needs. offers a face wash, toner and daily moisturiser. Chamomile & Rose Waters, Aloe Vera, Poppy Seed Oil and Calendula Extract are used across this selection which is suitable for all skin types.
Rosebuds and folklore make a connection in Lush’s Tisty Tosty bath tub love spell, with rose and geranium leading the floral charge for this soaking sensation which will heart you for a long time. Lemon adds a little zing to this very loving little thing! Treat another, or treat yourself.
Get it: Lush stores in centre:mk in Milton Keynes and the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton, or head online to lush.com/uk
RRP: £5
Lush’s Fresh and Flowers subscription box is a beautiful way to celebrate the power of the petal, with a monthly delivery that brings together cosmetics packed full of flower, fruit and vegetable goodness to feed your skin, and a posy of flowers inspired by our seasons, and more often than not, sourced from Cornwall’s flower fields. Lush is good for the animals and good for the environment too, and so all items will be vegetarian (sometimes vegan) and your package – fully recyclable and recycled - is designed to fit through your letterbox.
Get it: Head online to lush.com/uk
RRP: £35 per month
‘No more 10 step routines. Only the right one,’ promises Gentlecare. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Get it: uk.gentle-care.com
RRP: £70
Sisley Floral Toner also calls upon nature’s finest, the rose, together with cornflower and witch hazel, harnessing their hydrolats, which are all known for their soothing and softening properties. Use it to remove make-up traces and cleanse the skin, which will thank you for making it soft and more comfortable. An aid that will help skin to breathe better – it’s alcohol free and ideal for sensitive and dry types.
Get it: H:Beauty in Centre MK or online at sisley-paris.com
RRP: £92
All is not well when the sun shines. Dry skin won’t thank you for the added pressure, and you can end up feeling trapped by your epidermis!
Something soothing and restorative is needed, and Sisley’s Sleeping Mask with Saffron Flowers is wonderful. Use once or twice weekly and, while you are deep in slumber, the mask will do all the hard work assisting with nocturnal repair.
Alternatively, use it as an ‘SOS mask,’ because Sisley’s Sleeping Mask can relieve tight, irritated skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Get it: H:Beauty in Centre MK or online at sisley-paris.com
RRP: £115
Chicken, tarragon & raspberry salad
METHOD
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
20g walnuts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 corn-fed skin-on chicken breasts
200g green beans, trimmed
2 cloves garlic, skin left on and bashed
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup
1 echalion shallot, thinly sliced
1 head Cos lettuce, leaves roughly chopped
100g cucumber, sliced
60g Waitrose & Partners British Raspberries, roughly crushed
1 tbsp chopped tarragon leaves
Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Roast the walnuts for 5 minutes then tip onto a board, roughly chop and set aside. Heat the oil in an ovenproof frying pan over a mediumhigh heat. Season the chicken and fry, skin-side down, for 5 minutes until golden. Fry for 2 minutes on the flesh side, then remove from the pan. Next, fry the beans and garlic for 1 minute, then return the chicken, skin-side up; put in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, the juices run clear and no pink meat remains.
2. Meanwhile, mix the vinegar and maple syrup in a bowl; add the shallot and a pinch of salt. Set aside until ready to serve.
3. Arrange the lettuce and cucumber on plates. Lift the chicken and beans out of the pan and add to the plates. Crush the roasted garlic cloves into the pan juices (discard the skins), then tip the shallot and vinegar mixture, the raspberries and tarragon into the pan, season and stir together to make a dressing. Spoon over the salads and scatter with the walnuts.
COOK’S TIP
To make the salad more substantial, add some crumbled goat’s cheese or feta. Sliced avocado will add a lovely creaminess, too.
DIGGING DEEP
Watering advice to drink in!
With temperatures rising, annual warnings about the importance of not wasting the precious commodity of water appear ever more frequently.
Gardeners dread the words ‘hosepipe ban’, and keeping our plants adequately watered is of the utmost importance, of course.
With spring having been particularly dry this year, you really do need to be on your game to avoid garden disasters.
“Careful watering of your plants is an essential task,” says Ralph Westmoreland, “In the greenhouse, where pot plants and tomatoes are growing in peat free compost, great care is needed.
“Modern composts do not take up, nor hold, water as readily as peat-based ones used in the past, so each pot, or plant in a growing bag, must be individually watered.
“It helps too, to have the pots standing in a saucer or a tray.”
Making your water go further can be easier than you might think; catch water used for washing salad, fruits and vegetables in a bowl and use in the garden. Washing up water too, will do the job.
And it is always a good idea to consider water butts, perfect for collecting rainwater when the heavens open, for use on the garden during more parched times.
Speaking of veggies, home-grown vegetables are always a taste sensation when compared to those grabbed on the supermarket run, and Ralph’s plate is always filled with goodness from the garden.
“We endeavour to ‘Feed on Fridays’ the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and melons,
using a high potash feed, watering onto stilldamp compost in the growing bag or soil in the raised beds.”
Ralph shares his knowledge with children at a local primary school, who learn gardening skills for life from Digging Deep’s expert. But that doesn’t mean they are thrilled by every task...
“Last year we planted potatoes in very large pots,” Ralph said, “It was interesting and relatively successful, with the children tipping them out onto a paved area, picking out tubers and then tidying up. They didn’t find this as enjoyable as digging around in the bed - at least, not the tidying up part - but it meant that we found every tuber!
“This year we are successfully growing six rows of early potatoes on one of the raised beds. They, too, need watering and then earthing-up, to conserve water.
“Early in the month we are going to sow short lengths of salad leaf mixes, rocket, mustard, pak choi and mizumu. We make shallow seed drills by pressing down a broom handle, cut to the width of the raised bed, into the weed-free soil. We then gently pour water along its length before sowing the seeds, then gently raking the soil to cover them and tamping it down.
“Later, before school closes for the summer holiday, we will sow a row each of spring onions, carrots, beetroot and radishes across the now-emptying beds; with luck and good weather, they should be ready for harvesting and tasting at the start of the new school year in September.”
We’re taking great pride caring for a pot of sweet pea seedlings we were given a while ago. These cheeriest of pretty little blooms are favourites of ours, and yet we’ve not grown them since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, or thereabouts. When ours begin delivering petal power, how can we keep them blooming for as long as possible?
“Sweet peas will continue to flower if those flowers are picked every other day,” Ralph advises, “If not picked regularly, they easily go to seed, which seems unstoppable once the process has started.” And a final word about watering for this issue...
“Pot plants and wall and hanging baskets will need regular watering and feeding, albeit less frequently in the shade than in the sun, when it can be necessary to water several times a day.
“Remember, ‘Feed on Friday’ too, but always on moist soil, never dry.”
Ralph Westmoreland
Ralph is a member of Denton & District Gardening Club a small, friendly club which meets on a Monday evening every month. New members and visitors are always welcome.
For more information please contact Margaret Pateman at m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or 01604 890875
Early days for the sweet peas in Sammy Jones’ garden
Oh-oh-la-la, Oh-oh-la-la
You bring the blankets and your dancing feet, and Ocean Colour Scene will bring the songs, making for quite the night ahead at Delapré Abbey on Saturday, July 12.
When it came to the Britpop party, these guys were pack leaders, while somehow managing to be masters of their own path, too.
During that feelgood era, OCS chalked up a trio of taut albums (Moseley Shoals, Marchin’ Already and One From the Modern) which all made it inside the Top 5 on the elpee charts.
And singles? Come on, they were among the upper echelons who soundtracked the late 90s, with the chart-topping Riverboat Song, and huge radio anthem Day We Caught the Train leading the way.
Nearly three decades on (what the actual....?!) and OCS have still got it bad when it comes to delivering their music, and Delapré Abbey will make for a picture perfect setting.
Roadmender issues 'Danger!
Electric Six will travel from Detroit to ’da ’fampton this month (July 4) when the band, famous for genremessing material ‘celebrating hedonism in multiple forms,’ hit up the Roadmender as part of their latest tour.
Gay Bar and Danger! High Voltage were huge successes, of course, but there is much more to these fellas than a couple of novelty numbers, as Pulse Music discovered when we caught them on their last jaunt of this fair isle.
A knockout, fun time with a full-bodied set of character and quirk awaits.
PiL are in the latter stages of a UK tour, and will make their return visit to The Roadmender on July 31.
We don’t want to rub it in, but if you aren’t already in receipt of a ticket to see the John Lydon fronted aces, you won’t be going – this show, one of 28 that the iconoclastic band is playing, has been sold out for months.
Soon after the bands’ 2023 road trek wound up, John’s lifelong friend and manager, John Rambo Stevens passed away. It was another devastating blow for Lydon who was already grieving the passing of his wife, Nora, earlier that year.
Ellie Sax will be at Summertime Live
Electric Six
Pic: Mark Wright
Support is coming from The Enemy and The Twang, and you’ll be able to keep energy levels loaded, with onsite bars and street food.
The following Friday (July 18) and the venue will be the focus of Soultasia, a celebration of the best in disco and soul with some of the genres’ greatest voices belting out the big tunes.
Kenny Thomas, Jocelyn Brown, Gwen Dickey (from Rose Royce), Odyssey, Loose Ends and Phil Fearon & Galaxy will be joined by event DJ Darren Bull and host Ian Reading
There’s no time to catch a breath, with Summertime Live bringing Ibiza Anthems to Delapré Abbey a day later.
Kenny's classics ready to air at Delapré Abbey
Kenny Thomas was quite the chartbotherer in the 90s, and his fan base remains as fervent as ever.
He’ll shortly be satisfying their craving for fresh material, with a new album, Unstoppable, ready for release in August. His first album in 15 years will be followed by a tour in the spring of 2026. The Unstoppable Tour: The Very Best Of Kenny Thomas, will coincide with the 35th anniversary of the release of his debut album, Voices
Talking about the upcoming road trek and release, Kenny said: “What a journey it’s been so far! I’m extremely excited about the upcoming release of my new album... honestly, I think it’s some of my best work to date. I’m sure my fans will connect with it and enjoy listening to it.
“I love performing and we can’t wait to take these songs on the road as well as the hits that my fans expect.”
Kenny’s ‘fampton fans won’t have to
wait until next year to enjoy him in the live though, with his bill topping appearance at Soultasia. He gave Pulse a little insight into what will be on the setlist...
Thinking About Your Love
One of the songs which has always been attached to my career is Thinking About Your Love - It launched my career into a completely different space, both sonically and commercially and even after singing this song for 35+ years, I will never tire of it.
Outstanding
Another song synonymous with my discography is my cover of The Gap Band’s Outstanding which we took in a really fun direction and became more popular than their hit in the UK - I have always been a huge fan of them and it’s been a pleasure to add this song to my set list over the years.
Four stages of music and DJs, live entertainment, a fun fair and amusements are being laid on, and musically that will see artists including Ellie Sax, Nathan Dawe Switch Disco and Karen Harding leading the main stage, while over in the tent, Sigma will cut loose a DJ set, and So Solid Crew and Blazin’ Squad also feature.
> There is plenty more for the taking. For more info and to get mitts on tickets visit summertimelive.co.uk
so expect to hear this one towards the end of
High Voltage' warning
Lydon thought that might be the end of his touring days, but he was overwhelmed by the love and support of fans when he undertook a spoken word tour of the UK in spring this year.
“I thought that might be it,” Lydon said, “After losing Nora, and Rambo, I couldn’t see a way through. I’d already committed to the spoken word tour and I always stick to my word, so I had to do those dates.”
It was fans he encountered on that tour that persuaded him to take to the road again.
“The thing is, people were so overwhelmingly positive, and they asked me to tour PiL again. With so many people asking and with the band meaning so much to them, I couldn’t just stay on my sofa and not tour – tempting though that obviously is.”
Ticketless fans can take some comfort from that current tour name, This Is Not The Last Tour, and hope that the band comes this way again.
Levellers will play the venue on July 10, with support from Bar Stool Preachers > Visit theroadmender.com for more
I Found Lovin’ This song always tends to lift the roof off wherever I am playing,
the set.
Sigma – live DJ set at Summertime Live
Outstanding – Kenny Thomas Pic: Will Hutch
PiL's John Lydon
Meanwhile, over at The Black Prince...
With Starsailor, James Walsh supported artists including The Rolling Stones, The Police, The Killers and U2.
Starsailor’s current elpee is 2024s Where The Wild Things Grow, but when not working with the band, frontman James Walsh has cultivated a nice career as a solo singer-songwriter and written with artists including the superb Suzanne Vega, Professor Green, Eliza Doolittle and Melanie C.
Not content to leave it there, this powerhouse of creativity has turned his hand to movie soundtracks, and his most recent solo long-player, Coming Good, was released in 2023.
A couple of years back the band marked the 20th anniversary of their second, lauded Gold-certified album, Silence is Easy, which spawned singles including the title track and Four To The Floor
Want a pop fact, pop-pickers? Silence is Easy was also the last album produced by Phil Spector. Well, he worked on a couple of numbers, at least.
James will kickstart July’s SBD Promotions dates at The Black Prince this month – catch him on July 4, with support coming from ’fampton fella Chris Watson, guitarist with The Moons
Hull quartet BDRMM will help Picky New Promotions celebrate their second anniversary at The Black Prince, by playing on July 11.
The band issued the album Microtonic a couple of months ago, and frontman Ryan Smith had this to say about the disc, their third, which is a definite departure from previous offerings: “I felt very constrained
writing a certain type of music to fit the genre (we were known for) but something lifted and I felt more free to create what I want,” says Ryan. “And what I seem to be doing at the moment is a lot of electronic music – taking influence from different spans of electronica, from dance music to ambient and more experimental sources.
“I think we’ve gone from people saying that we sound like other bands to hopefully people saying: this is what bdrmm sounds like. It’s a true expression of who we are.”
Northampton’s shoegaze/ grunge givers Thistle will no doubt offer a thorny set in support, and London shoegazers The Youth Play will open the event.
The Varukers (July 18) will punk it up plenty, and if any mob knows how to, it’s these Brit stalwarts who have been bringing the noise for more than four decades, with only the slightest of splits at the late ’80s.
Part of the whole UK82 trend, they sat alongside fellow genre leaders including The Exploited and Discharge, and their no-holds-barred bruising material will continue for as long as you want it to: ‘... as long as wild, spirited people out there want to throw themselves into the pit, play it loud and continue to support the band,’ is their promise.
Up in support, Northampton/MK straddlers Crash Induction, and YT-1300, who will bring Star Wars Geek Punk to the party.
If you’d rather a spot of Dickensian Gothic Metal, and we all do at some time or another (eh?!), then Tellers Scribe will bring it (July 26) when they top a four-band line-up at the venue.
‘Hear our tales via the medium of Dickensian and Victoriana metal, with elements of rock and doom, we are theatrical to the core,’ they tease.
Also playing, groove metallers Lowdown will please fans of Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Firefall bring melodic metal from Bedfordshire, and the cheerfully monikered Buried on Sunday will make you shake your heads.
Moving on to the Twinfest Alldayer which sees our town joining musos from the twinned towns of Marburg in German and Poitiers in France for a four-day multi-venue festival, which includes The Black Prince on July 27.
Scenesters, UDC, La Riviere Nochalante, Supercobra, Fleisch, Freya Rose, Sleepwalk, and Fall will all take turns on the stage.
> For more information tap to sbdpromotions.com and FB: twinfest.northampton
Tellers Scribe – Dickensian Gothic Metal
Hull and back – BDRMM
James Walsh
Varukers – UK punk stalwarts
Pic: Bash photography
Bringing a Giraffatitan to the stage?
It’s a tall order for the Derngate!
Dance your way into July, before letting the laughs loose and stepping into an extinct world with the dino giants. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has the details...
Two Strictly stars who have led their celebs to victory have paired up to bring you Red Hot and Ready (July 2, Derngate) and dream team Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola have an added ace in their pack for this show - it has been created by world-renowned choreographer Jason Gilkison
Dianne and Vito will be joined by a cast of Burn the Floor dancers from around the world and collectively, that’s exactly what they will be doing in the ‘fampton.
Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of The 60s Live sessions might not be new, but they are hugely popular – hence this return (July 9, Derngate) which will fill your ears from the decade that flower power discovered. Tony’s Radio 2 show attracts more than a million people a week, all keen to share in his stories about the stars from the seminal decade for music.
Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined (July 10) promises to deliver West End showstoppers and awe-inspiring circus acts, making for ‘a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement.’
We adore Matthew Bourne’s work, and his groundbreaking Swan Lake is a calendar treat for so many of us (we’re not long back from another theatre trip to soak in its magnificence), but his rich body of ballet brilliance includes so much more (Edward Scissorhands and Play Without Words being personal faves), and it’s super exciting to see The Midnight Bell coming to town for the first time (July 15-19, Derngate).
Inspired by the work of English novelist Patrick Hamilton, this time around Bourne will take you back to London in the 1930s, where ordinary people emerge from cheap boarding houses nightly to pour out their passions, hopes and dreams in the pubs and fog-bound streets of Soho and Fitzrovia.
The Midnight Bell had its World Premiere back in 2021, picking up four nominations at the following years’ National Dance Awards. Take a seat for a show which challenges and reveals ‘the darker reaches of the human heart.’
In Bourne’s delivery you most certainly can trust.
The Strictly tours feed many a theatre throughout summertime, and there’s another for you (July 21, Derngate) with Anton & Giovanni: Together Again
You goin’? You askin’? Expect a lot of laughs, song and dance and you’ll emerge satisfied after the curtain falls.
Dinosaur World Live (July 22-24, Derngate) will capture young minds with Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus among those coming to roar for you - and flesh-eating fave, Tyrannosaurus Rex too, of course.
Post show, you can take your little explorers to meet and greet the stars. It’s not every day you get the offer of befriending a dinosaur, is it?
Laughter is the best medicine, and The Old Savoy has the best line-up ready to put it before you on July 11.
This session of the Anglia Comedy Allstars will see Tom Davis, Tom Rosenthal, Lloyd Griffith and Ria Lina charged with cheering moods.
You’ll know Tom (Davis) from shows including King Gary and Live at the Apollo, or maybe for his work with Romesh Ranganathan, while Lloyd has been a part of the Ted Lasso success, Not Going Out and It’s A Sin (and that’s just a taster from his cluttered CV). Ria, meanwhile, has stepped up with quick wit on TV staples including Live at The Apollo and Have I Got News For You Mr Rosenthal played his part in Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner, but we love him most for his portrayal of Marcus in Plebs, the sitcom set in ancient Rome.
It’s a go-to whenever a pick-me-up is needed in these parts.
Shakespeare’s The Tempest (July 16) also gets an airing at the venue this month, with The Nene Valley Partnership and Silhouette Youth Theatre in charge of the Bard’s work.
Tip-toe into the 1930s with The Midnight Bell (top left) Monstrous fun with Dinosaur World Live (top right)
Pic: Johan Persson
Pic: Pamela Raith Photography
Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola
Tom, Tom, Lloyd and Ria –ready to raise the laughs Pic: Anglia Comedy All Stars
#WhatsOnPulse
Plant Life: A Personal Journey into Botanical Art
Until Sunday, July 13
Sophie Smith uses coloured pencil and graphite to showcase the fascinating and beautiful world of plants in botanical illustrations, single studies, and collections of seasonal finds.
Plant power: northamptonmuseums.com
Gladiators of Britain
Until Sunday, September 7
A touring exhibition telling the story of Britain’s entertainment venues and those people who died in the amphitheatres. Prize pieces being displayed include the Hawkedon Helmet – the only piece of gladiatorial armour from Roman Britain. Brutal fascination: northamptonmuseums.com
Dad’s Army Radio Show
Wednesday, July 2, 8pm
Three episodes of the classic sitcom are brought to life with two actors, two microphones and plenty more sound effects. Don’t tell him, Pike!: stables.org
Peter Pan
Thursday, July 3 – Saturday, July 5
RARE productions return with their adaptation of J.M.Barrie’s much-loved story about the boy who never grew up.
A show that will leave you hooked: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Actors Company: Jekyll and Hyde
Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5
Unravel the world of 19th century Victorian England through the eyes of Mrs Jekyll and watch how the lines between the past and present collide in a thrilling and provoking play. Powerful adaptation: royalandderngate.co.uk
One of Sophie Smith’s beautiful illustrations – Amyrilis – in Plant Life
Soultasia brings the easy vibes to Delapré Abbey on July 18
Moulton Fun Dog Show
Saturday, July 5, midday
A show for pooch, and for you, too! Will Rover take the rosette for Cutest Pup, Handsomest Boy, Waggiest Tail or Best Rescue? And there are many more categories to enter. Walkies: animals-in-need.org
Haema & Bright Black
Saturday, July 5, 7pm
Haema visits The Black Prince fresh from the release of their self-titled debut album. Voidwalker also features on the bill. Up with the volume: theblackprincenn.com
Summer Fete and Dog Show
Saturday, July 5, 11am
Rides, ice cream, bar, tombola, and more attractions, Holne Chase Primary School, dog show categories include Prettiest Pooch. Go walkies: MK3 5HP
Car Boot Sale
Sunday, July 6, 8am-midday
Perhaps you want to clear the clutter? Maybe you’ve an eye for hidden treasure, either way you’ll want to make tracks to the car boot at Delapré Abbey, No pre-booking necessary. Make me an offer: delapreabbey.org
Singing for the Brain
Monday, July 7
Using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, at Heron’s Lodge Centre, Loughton Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
For info or to book a space: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk
Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine
Monday, July 7
Join acclaimed, award-winning English singersongwriter Boo, and Yvonne, one of the UK’s brightest and best songwriters, as they unite to deliver songs taken from their current album, Things Found in Books, which was issued back in March.
Salvador Dali and Me: stables.org
The Last Laugh Tuesday, July 8 – Saturday, July 12
A new play reimagining the lives of a trio of our most-loved comedy greats –Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse.
Just like that: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Sounds of the 60s Live Wednesday, July 9
Tony Blackburn OBE hosts the live version of his hugely popular radio show, celebrating music from the much-loved decade. The All-Star Band and Singers will perform hits from some of the decades’ biggest artists and there will be lots of stories shared.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine: royalandderngate.co.uk
Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined Thursday, July 10, 7pm
Cirque’s new show is promising to be ‘bolder, braver and more breathtaking than ever before.’
Jaw-dropping: royalandderngate.co.uk
Max Fulham: Full of Ham Friday, July 11
He sizzled in panto at MK Theatre over Christmas, and he’s back in town with his petite pals for more ventriloquism, comedy and all-round brilliance.
You ‘avin a laugh: stables.org
Robin Souter: A Retrospective Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 11am
An exhibition that will trace the journey of the artist – from childhood daydreams to working in a studio at the historic 17th century wing of Westbury Arts Centre, which is hosting the display.
Brush strokes: westburyartscentre.org.uk
Electra Unbound
Friday, July 11 – Tuesday, 15
Carabosse Theatre Company proudly announces Electra Unbound — a bold, immersive reimagining of the classic Greek tragedy. A daring production breathing new life into an ancient tale, creating a powerful and emotionally charged theatrical journey. Vengeance and grief will collide: ticketsource.com (search Carabosse)
Comedy Crate Weekender
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13
25 acts play across three venues in two days in Northampton, with performers including Tom Rosenthal, Sophie Ducker, Hal Cruttenden and Rosie Jones.
Finding the funnies: thecomedycrate.com
Sound of the 60s – Tony Blackburn – July 9 at The Derngate
Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine – Stables bound on July 7
SENDS 4 Dad
Saturday, July 12, 1pm-3pm
Support for dads and male carers who have a child or adult with special educational needs or a disability. Free drop in – no need to prebook. Reach out: delapreabbey.org
Dancing Schools UK
Saturday, July 12
The 12th annual Ballroom and Latin dance event reaches its Grand Final, with schools from across Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire competing for the title and that all-important glitter ball trophy. Quickstep for tickets: royalandderngate.co.uk
Emberton Country Park60th Birthday event
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13
Celebrations with wildlife activities for children and adults, 1960s themed live music, a falconry display, walk and talks, local history, crafts and more.
Happy birthday: milton-keynes.gov.uk
Around the World in Her Way
Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, July 13
A feast for the senses, and one which blends classic musical theatre, electrifying choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. See through the ‘Fogg’: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
A Country Night in Nashville
Sunday, July 13
A musical journey through the history of the Country genre, with sounds from Cash to Parton and lots more in between.
Crazy: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Milton Keynes Music Centre
End of Year Concert
Thursday, July 17
The MK Music Centre senior groups (the Youth Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and String Orchestra) come together to deliver works by Bizet, Dvorak and Massenet, and pieces from Chorus Line.
Tuned up: stables.org
Tragedy – All Metal tribute to The Bee Gees and Beyond
Thursday, July 17
Tragedy is what happens when you take disco, soft-rock and pop classics and reimagine them as red-hot heavy metal moments.
Staying Alive: thecraufurdarms.com
Health & Wellbeing Walk –
Living with motor neurone
Thursday, July 17, 1.15pm
A Duston Parish Council event.
Details: duston-pc.gov.uk
Soultasia Northampton
Friday, July 18
With artists including Kenny Thomas, Jocelyn Brown, Gwen Dickey, Odyssey and more, in the pretty setting of Delapré Abbey.
Good times: eventbrite.co.uk
Young Company: Boudica Friday, July 18 – Saturday, July 19
The Royal & Derngate Young Company explore urgent and provocative questions about occupation and oppression, the legacy of colonial violence and how people try to hold on to their humanity during the brutality of war.
‘I’d rather walk in blood than walk a slave’: royalandderngate.co.uk
Pic: Mark Senior
Whip-crack-away – Calamity Jane rides into MK Theatre on July 29 until August 2
Boudica July 18-19
Desperados
Friday, July 18
Take it Easy with the UK’s tribute to stateside giants The Eagles. Tequila Sunrise: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Lancaster Flyover
Friday, July 18
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster will be flying over Willen’s St Mary Magdalene Church on the birthday of its architect, Robert Hooke.
Eyes to the sky: Time TBC – visit Willen Village Heritage Association on FB
Vegan Summer BBQ
Saturday, July 19, 7pm
Enjoy super tasty plant based tasty goodness – fill your bellies at Animals in Need, Pine Tree Farm, Little Irchester. Brown sauce or ketchup?: animals-in-need.org
Culture Fest
Saturday, July 19
Celebrating the joint identity and cultures across the new city with food, entertainment, workshops and activities at Milton Keynes Museum. Come together: miltonkeynesmuseum.org
Bernie Keith presents Handbag Heaven Saturday, July 19, 7pm Memories, camp fun and iconic tunes hosted by Radio Northampton’s Bernie Keith. Four hours of tunes are ready to roll. Old Skool cool: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Milton Keynes Record Fair
Sunday, July 20
Looking for that long out of print elpee, that CD to complete the collection, or maybe you fancy a piece of rock n roll memorabilia? You never know what you’ll find... Put the needle on it: thecraufurdarms.com
Guenther Steiner Unfiltered: Live Sunday, July 20
Join the former Haas F1 team principal for an all-access conversation. Like Formula 1? You need to be in the house when this goes live. Buckle up: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Singing for the Brain
Monday, July 21
Using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, at Heron’s Lodge Centre, Loughton Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
For info or to book a space: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk
Walk & Talk: Weed or Wildflower
Tuesday, July 22, 5.30pm
An introduction to plant ID at Bancroft, suitable for adults and children over 12 years old.
The Bard’s most famous tragedy is delivered by three idiots (their words) and a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress and a burst airbed. Part of IF: Milton Keynes International Festival.
What’s in a name?: stables.org
Bee Fest
Saturday, July 26 – Sunday, July 27, 11am
Join the Westbury Bee Group who will give bee talks, deliver workshops and activities, wax candle making and you can view an observation hive live. Seed bomb and wax wrap workshops will feature, and honey and bee gifts will be for sale.
Bee-utiful: westburyartscentre.org.uk
Tai Chi
Sunday, July 27, 11am-midday
A fortnightly beginners class, hosted in the beautiful Walled Garden of Delapré Abbey. Booking essential: delapreabbey.org
A Celebration of Drums
Sunday, July 27, 2pm-7.30pm
An afternoon with DC student performances, a drum clinic with Joel Andrew Blunden, Highfade sticksman Calvin Davidson and headliner, Beanie Bhebhe (Rudimental). Paradiddles: MK11, Kiln Farm
Calamity Jane
Tuesday, July 29 – Saturday, August 2
West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher stars in the title role as this new production brings Deadwood to the new city. Whip-Crack-Away: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Robin Souter – A Retrospective at The Barn at Westbury, Milton Keynes – July 11 - 13
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View from the Far Kerb Hard Going
Late last year, there was a wedding in my family. Well, I say ‘my family,’ but it was the daughter born to an uncle after he divorced my mum or dad’s sister (I don’t recall which). Needless to say, he is a distant uncle in terms of my memory and interaction with him.
Given that the daughter is approaching her thirties and the divorce happened well before she came along, one might think all is good and no one has an issue. However, as the time neared, it became very apparent to me that some members of my family have longer memories than is healthy, in my opinion. Comments abounded. Snarkiness was elevated to levels previously thought impossible. Factions within the family sought to opine on the rights and wrongs of whatever they saw as right or wrong.
The aunt, the sister of either my mother or father (I can’t be bothered to check which, such is my continued disinterest in ancient history), died around 2000 – about twenty-five years ago. Consequently, she seems to be the only person not to have made any comment over any perceived immorality, or otherwise, surrounding events.
The daughter, is someone I have met. Oddly enough, she lives a couple of doors down from me and had done so for a couple of years before it became known to either of us that we were almost family. We both smiled as we recounted the entertaining friction that warmed things up over the years as she interacted with her half-siblings; coming into contact with the rest of my extended family in the process.
SUDOKU PUZZLE
Anyway, back to the present. I received an invite to her upcoming wedding. It was because I was a friendly nearneighbour. Others went to his and her family and friends. That meant some went to her half-siblings, and that was what sparked the manic rage known by many as familial politics Her circumstances didn’t bother me. Why should it?
Unfortunately, when it became known that I had received an invitation, the questions started. It wasn’t the whole family but a select few who incessantly asked and probed. They prodded with barbed and poison-tipped tongues and I found it all rather wearisome.
The Big Day neared and I began to dread it. Everything had become a trial. I found myself having to justify why I was attending.
Do you really need to go?
Think how it looks.
You are denigrating her memory!
Suddenly, certain family members asked me to perform favours that coincided with the wedding day. They wanted to tie me up with commitments elsewhere. Having not managed to make any sense to me with their form of logic, they looked to forcing me to choose between her and my family.
Despite the obvious illfeeling from a minority of my relatives, I pushed on, and although I found it hard going to the reception, I attended. My wife and I greatly enjoyed the evening even though it had been very hard going throughout.
Phil O’Hara
QUICK CROSSWORD
Your stars
Flavour of the Times - July opens with gentle Cancerian energy as the Sun and Jupiter invite us to nurture what truly matters. Mars in Virgo adds purpose, grounding us in action and helping us get things done without the drama. Venus entering Gemini brings light-hearted romance and playful connections, while Mercury in Leo—retrograde from the 18th—adds sparkle to our words, though not always clarity. Conversations may be lively but require care. As the Sun shifts into Leo on the 22nd, creativity and confidence rise, but Pluto in Aquarius reminds us that light and shadow always dance together. It’s a warm, friendly month—ideal for joy, reflection, and approaching life with heart and wisdom.
CANCER
June 22 – July 23
July begins with a bright mood—you’re more visible, more upbeat, and ready to grow. Your mind is alive with ways to improve your situation, especially around work or finances. From mid-month, emotions run deeper, and you may retreat a little. Time with those who matter will soothe you. As the month ends, it’s money and security that take centre stage.
LEO
July 24 – August 23
Old faces or memories may reappear early this month, stirring quiet reflection. You could feel more private than usual, needing time to process things. Try not to control what’s uncertain—let it unfold. Near the end of July, your energy returns, along with confidence and clarity. You’ll be more visible, more vocal, and ready to take your next step forward.
VIRGO
August 24 – September 23
July opens with a sense of momentum—you’re focused, practical, and making things happen. There’s a strong pull towards friends or shared goals, and you’ll likely enjoy some social wins. But as the month continues, your energy shifts inward. You may want solitude or time to reflect. Behind the scenes, something important is changing—gently but surely.
LIBRA
September 24 – October 23
This month draws your focus to close ties— you won’t be able to make moves without considering others. Conversations ask for honesty and care. You may feel the urge to help or support someone, which brings out a quiet strength. A longing for emotional depth grows. By month’s end, friendships and future plans come back into view, offering new inspiration.
Your Own astrological Forecast
You are bound to be affected personally by some if not all of the massive changes that are taking place this year. Not everyone will be equally affected on a personal level but the Pluto energy will be growing stronger for Aquarians, challenging for Leos and even more so for Scorpions and Taureans.
SCORPIO
October 24 – November 22
July fills you with restlessness and a longing to stretch beyond your usual world. You’re motivated, active, and eager to help those close to you. Your routine may feel a bit heavy, but keeping a positive outlook helps more than you expect. Late in the month, work or responsibility demands your focus. Love, however, might surprise you with its intensity.
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 – December 22
This month invites you to go deeper—emotionally, personally, even spiritually. You’re taking things more seriously, but with clarity and purpose. At work, your focus is sharp and efficient. Relationships feel more stable, even unexpectedly so. You’re seeing the value of lasting bonds. By the end of the month, conversations become more open and rewarding.
CAPRICORN
December 23 – January 20
You’re more attuned to the people around you this month, especially in one-to-one relationships. Emotionally, things deepen. You may be planning, reflecting, or preparing for something new. It’s a good time for study, travel, or meaningful change. Late July brings physical and emotional stirrings—let them guide you, but take time to understand what they mean.
AQUARIUS
January 21 – February 19
You’re determined this month, quietly working away on your goals with fresh focus. Routine becomes your ally—there’s satisfaction in ticking things off your list. By the end of July, others play a bigger role in your journey. Partnerships grow more important, and love could arrive in a surprising form. Your outlook brightens as you lean into what truly inspires.
An astrological reading of your birth chart can help you understand how these changes might affect you personally. To fully grasp their meaning for you, I recommend booking a comprehensive personal consultation with me. This reading is tailored specifically to you and your life, illuminating insights you may not have considered. It will help you take advantage of positive energies
PISCES
February 20 – March 20
There’s warmth and joy at the start of July, especially in creative or family matters. You’re at ease with yourself and more open with others. Mid-month brings more responsibility, and you may need to work harder to stay centred. Listen before reacting. Family surprises might arise— pleasant but unexpected. Let your heart lead, but keep one foot on the ground.
ARIES
March 21 – April 20
Home life takes priority this month, with familiar routines or long-standing issues needing your focus. Communication flows well at first, but be mindful later on—not all words land gently. At work, your determination sharpens. You’re building something new. By late July, love or creativity calls for attention, but friendships may feel intense or unclear!
TAURUS
April 21 – May 21
You’re in the mood to connect—chats, visits, new faces and places all bring joy. But family life may feel tricky, especially mid-month when crossed wires could arise. You find fun in flirtation, yet also want emotional depth. You’re driven to pursue what inspires you. By month’s end, home becomes your focus again—keep things simple and steer clear of overthinking.
GEMINI
May 22 – June 21
This month draws your attention to money and what you value. A surprise boost could lift your spirits early on. You’re in good form socially, though words may come less easily later. Home life might feel tense—try not to take the bait. Your plans are evolving, and friends offer genuine support. By the end of the month, your natural sparkle returns in full.
and avoid negative ones throughout the year. I charge £1 a minute on Zoom or Skype, and consultations usually last about an hour. You can find more information or book a session at: www.astroguidance.co.uk. Alternatively, feel free to text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743, or email me at howpark@aol.com for further details.
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