Proud Headline
Sponsor of IF: 2018
We are delighted to welcome the Festival back to centre:mk, with Middleton Hall once again transformed, this time to host the Circus Hub. Other Festival installations in centre:mk will also encourage you to pause, reflect and celebrate our award winning shopping, restaurant and café brands.
Welcome to IF: 2018
This year marks the fifth edition of IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, officially recognised by the European Festivals Association as ‘one of Europe’s most remarkable festivals’.
This year, we celebrate #Circus250 – marking 250 years of circus in the UK – with five international circus companies including the UK premiere of Halka by Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger, performing in our dedicated Circus Hub in centre:mk.
There’s also a special focus on artists from The Netherlands and Australia who invite you to immerse yourself in unique and surprising events that could see you riding in a ‘dodgem’ car, appearing in a film, or seeing Milton Keynes Theatre from a completely new perspective.
There are unique late-night experiences too. For The Birds is a night-time walk in the woods exploring sound and light installations in the landscape, and the super-sized Insectes from Catalonia’s Sarruga will take over the Boulevards in a colourful parade on the Festival’s opening night.
The Festival would not be complete without the beautifully exotic and ever-popular Spiegeltent, which returns to Festival Central in Campbell Park to host the best in comedy, cabaret and live music.
Our thanks go to Arts Council England, Milton Keynes Council and our many supporters, including centre:mk for their continuing partnership as the Festival’s Headline Sponsor.
The Festival is brought to you by an extraordinary team of people, including many volunteers, who work tirelessly to make the impossible possible. My personal thanks go to everyone involved. Enjoy!
Monica Ferguson Festival Director & Chief Executive of The Stables
Keep in touch with the Festival on @IFMKfest #IFMKfest
Festival Circus Hub
Friday 20 –
Sunday 29 July
10am – 5pm each day
CIRCUS HUB
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP
A 10-day programme featuring international circus and acrobatic companies to celebrate 250 years of circus in the UK:
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July
Companyìa Vavel Circus: Garbuix
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 July
Sur Mesure: Fillage
Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 July
NoFit State & Motionhouse: Block
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 July
Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger: Halka
Free Curiosities Fair
Intriguing games revealing The Strange Travel of Mr Tonet
Special guest appearances by Betty Brawn – The Strong Lady
See pages 5 – 11 for performance details and times
Headline Sponsor
Companyìa Vavel Circus: Garbuix
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July, 11am and 3pm each day
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP
CIRCUS
HUB
Roll Up! Roll Up!
Super Circus Show Deals for: Garbuix, Fillage, Block, Halka and Driftwood
Buy 2 shows, get 20% off Buy 3 shows, get 30% off Buy 4 shows, get 40% off Buy 5 shows, get 50% off
Discounts apply to Full Price, Under 16s and Family tickets
£8, Under 16s £7, Universal Credit concession £5, Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £28
Unreserved seating
Made up of five women from five different countries, Catalan company Vavel brings a delightful, high energy circus show.
Garbuix is jam-packed with acrobatics, music, game playing, laughter, bicycles, a big white bear, and bags of fun and mayhem.
These highly talented performers come from Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Switzerland bringing endless physical and linguistic tricks in a zany and enthralling comic circus show for all the family.
Sur Mesure: Fillage
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 July, 11am and 3pm each day
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP
CIRCUS HUB
£8, Under 16s £7,
Universal Credit concession £5,
Family (4 people,
max 2 adults) £28
Unreserved seating
Fillage brings together musicians, instrument manufacturers, woodworkers and circus artists to combine spectacular trampolining, acrobatics and juggling with specially composed live music.
The result is a comedic, witty and daring show from this Belgian company, with musicians and acrobatic artists sharing the stage and leaping into the unknown. Great fun!
NoFit State Circus & Motionhouse: Block
Wednesday 25 July, 11am and 3pm
Thursday 26 July, 10am and 1pm
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP
CIRCUS HUB
£8, Under 16s £7,
Universal Credit
concession £5,
Family (4 people,
max 2 adults) £28
Unreserved seating
What happens when dance and circus collide?
Block is a powerful fusion of dance and circus, that pushes the limits of both art forms, using daring physicality, split-second timing and thrilling feats.
Twenty oversized blocks, fashioned to resemble giant concrete Jenga blocks, are deconstructed and reformed into an infinite variety of shapes for the performers to play on, move with and explore.
Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger: Halka
CIRCUS
HUB
This Moroccan collective of extraordinarily skilled acrobats and musicians take audiences on a compelling journey through bustling market places, to the cafés and beaches of Tangier.
Halka is the word used to describe the circle formed by crowds gathered around street performers, storytellers, acrobats and singers.
Inspired by this rich cultural heritage, the company combines traditional and contemporary acrobatics, tumbling and high-flying human pyramids to share stories with humour, and an authentic and magnetic energy.
Friday 27 – Sunday
29 July, 2.30pm each day
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP
Tickets £16, Under 16s £14, Universal Credit concession £10, Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £56
Unreserved Seating
Tombs Creatius Company: The Strange Travel of Mr Tonet
CIRCUS HUB
The Strong Lady
CIRCUS HUB
Friday 20 – Sunday 29 July, 10am – 5pm except when a show is on
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP Free
Discover the extraordinary world of Mr Tonet whose fantastical life and fascinating adventures are revealed by solving the puzzles created by the skilled makers of Catalonia’s Tombs Creatius.
Crafted from discarded objects and recycled old furniture, these ingenious games combine mechanical movement, light and sound.
Each puzzle includes a box, in each box there is a story and in each story there is a fascinating character or creature…
Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July, 10.30am and 12.30pm Sunday 29 July, 12.30pm
Middleton Hall, centre:mk MK9 3EP Free No ticket required Unreserved seating
The Strong Lady performs her classic street theatre show with muscle and grace, brute strength and beauty – and always with elegance.
A genuine strong woman, Australia’s Betty Brawn presents an exhilarating array of stunts. Shattering gender clichés, she tears thick books in half with her bare hands, twists solid metal, snaps steel chains and performs the Human Carousel, carrying the weight of two gigantic men.
The Strong Lady is also at Festival Central in Campbell Park on Friday 27 July at 6.30pm, Saturday 28 July at 3.50pm and Sunday 29 July at 3.20pm and 5.50pm.
Sarruga: Insectes + Fireworks Finale
As dusk becomes darkness, giant insects move through the streets in a largerthan-life spectacle with music and special effects from Catalan company, Sarruga.
Witness fantastical steam-breathing ants, spiders and praying mantis tower over cars and feast on trees.
Follow the parade as it works its way to Campbell Park for a short firework finale at approximately 10.30pm.
Prepare for the insect invasion…
See the Insectes route on page 75 and on www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
Friday 20 July, 9.45pm Central Milton Keynes. Starts at intu (Saxon Gate side) and finishes in Campbell Park
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama
UK PREMIERE TOUR
Dutch theatre maker and visual artist
Dries Verhoeven invites you on his theatrical ‘ghost train’…
Swept along on a thought-provoking tour of today’s angst-fuelling media landscape – so flawlessly exploited by politicians, terrorists, marketers and fake news – explore our contemporary culture of fear, difference and migration, with its ever-increasing threats and paranoia.
Dries Verhoeven is a world-renowned artist who makes installations and performances highlighting the socio-political reality we live in.
Friday 20 –Monday 23 July and Wednesday 25 –Sunday 29 July
3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm and 10.30pm. No 10.30pm slot on Friday 20 July
Near Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Tickets £15, Universal Credit concession £10
Suitable for ages 16+
IF you don’t believe the hype
Theater Tol: Life of Tree
Belgian company Theater Tol’s Life of Tree is an installation of large-scale illuminated dresses.
UK PREMIERE
Honouring remarkable women who have made a significant contribution to history with pioneering courage, strength and intelligence, Life of Tree is a meeting place, a memorial and a resting place.
Stand under a dress and you will hear music and lyrics – an ode to the inspiring woman the dress represents.
Theater Tol will present a dance performance to accompany the installation on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July.
Installation: Friday 20 –Sunday 29 July
Opening times on page 34
Dance performances: Saturday 28 July, 12.10pm, 1.45pm and 3.20pm Sunday 29 July, 12.10pm, 1.45pm and 4.10pm
Celebrate great women with IF: 2018
For The Birds
Immerse yourself in a night-time adventure where sound and light take flight…
For The Birds is a self-guided journey in an historic landscape transformed by light and sound installations by some of the most dynamic sound artists in the UK, including Mark Anderson, Jony Easterby, Kathy Hinde, Ulf Pedersen and Pippa Taylor.
Marvel at the beauty and poignancy of the installations –performances, projections and kinetic sculptures –that celebrate birds in song, movement and flight.
Please see page 76 and www.ifmiltonkeynes.org for visitor information
Gold Partner
Friday 20 – Monday 23 July and Wednesday 25 –Saturday 28 July 9.15pm, 9.30pm, 9.45pm, 10pm, 10.15pm, 10.30pm, 10.45pm, 11pm
Linford Manor Park, Great Linford, nearest postcode MK14 5AX
Parking off Marsh Drive
Tickets £15, Under 16s £13, Universal Credit concession £10, Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £52
IF you walk on the wild side
Photo: Nicola Easterby
Casus: Driftwood
Driftwood is an exquisitely beautiful and dazzling display of choreography, acrobatics, trapeze and aerial stunts.
This is a circus show that will take you on a journey of explosive encounters, hidden looks and humorous discoveries reminding us that to feel is to be human and in a moment of danger, a grasping hold is survival…
These phenomenal performers make up Australia’s hottest young circus company, taking this art form to a whole new level and testing the very limits of the human body with breathtaking skill, strength and bravery.
The Stage
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July, 7pm Sunday 22 July, 2.30pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £21.50, Under 16s £18.50, Universal Credit £14, Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £74
Performed in the round. Unreserved seating
Ticket Deals
Casus + The Puppini Sisters for £44
Casus + Brother Strut for £37.50
Casus + Mark Watson for £33.50
The HandleBards: Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s epic tale of love, hate, fate and friendship set in Verona amidst a long-running family feud.
Presented in the open air, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of charm and laughter from all-female troupe The HandleBards.
Why not dine in style – bring a picnic, blanket and cushions, and enjoy a drink from the pop-up bar!
Saturday 21 July, 2pm and 6.30pm Gates open an hour before for ticket collection and picnics
Fred Roche Gardens, 406 Silbury Boulevard MK9 2ND Free: Please book a ticket to reserve a place. See website for details IF you like al fresco drama and dining
Bicycle Bell-ero composed by Craig McLeish
Bicycle bells become musical instruments, cyclists become musicians, musicians become cyclists…
Cycling and music come together in this unique collaboration between Milton Keynes composer Craig McLeish and dozens of cyclists who have swapped their regular bell for one crafted from a repurposed instrument. These specially tuned bells will be played as cyclists travel routes and Redways around Campbell Park, culminating in the performance of a brand new short piece of music for massed bicycle bells at the MK Rose.
To find out about taking part and the route, see www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
Schweigman& with Slagwerk Den Haag: For The Time Being
Presented in association with Milton Keynes Theatre
A playful theatre performance without words, made by Utrecht’s Schweigman& with percussion group Slagwerk Den Haag.
The earth is running slower and slower, but our world is running faster and faster. Time is rushed. How can we experience time and space in the middle of this chaotic and charged environment?
Combining movement, design, light, sound and manipulation of space, Schweigman& (under the artistic direction of Boukje Schweigman) creates an experience that is at once playful, spontaneous, empowering and thought-provoking.
This is a promenade performance without seating. Please contact the Box Office in advance on 01908 280800 if you require assistance.
Sunday 22 July, 4pm and 8pm Monday 23 July, 1.30pm, 4pm and 8pm
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate MK9 3NZ
Tickets £15, Under 16s £13, Universal Credit concession £10, Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £52
Suitable for ages 14+ IF only time could stand still…
Back to Back Theatre:
The Democratic Set MK
Australia’s Back to Back Theatre brings new forms of contemporary performance made by disabled artists to audiences and participants worldwide.
Filming: Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 July
Screening: Friday 27 July, 7pm
Filming: Queen’s Court, centre:mk MK9 3ES
Screening: See www.ifmiltonkeynes.org for details
The Democratic Set explores the belief that all people are, in principle, equal and should enjoy social, political and economic rights and opportunities.
Creating a short film that captures a cavalcade of live performances and screen-based video portraits, Back to Back will use a custom-made film set and work in collaboration with the people of Milton Keynes.
Karine Polwart & The Royal Lyceum Company: Wind Resistance
Created by Karine Polwart
A compelling fable for our modern world, Wind Resistance is written and performed by multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Karine Polwart.
Every autumn, 2,500 pink-footed geese fly from Iceland and Greenland to winter at Fala Flow, a protected peat-bog south-east of Edinburgh. From this windy plateau, Karine surveys the surrounding landscape through history, birdlore and personal memoir in a spellbinding alchemy of song and story, with potent lighting and electro-acoustic effects.
Nominated for Best New Play, Best Production, Best Director and winner of Best Music & Sound at the Critic’s Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2017. Karine also won Folk Singer Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards 2018 and was shortlisted for Best Actor in the Sunday Herald Culture Awards.
Thursday 26 –Saturday 28 July, 8pm
The Scotsman
Teatro Container: La Cocina Pública
Housed in a shipping container, La Cocina Pública is a mobile kitchen that brings communities together through food and dining.
Travelling from Chile through cities and neighbourhoods in search of local recipes, aromas, practices and customs, Teatro Container will work with West Bletchley residents to share stories and food that will be enjoyed at delicious collective feasting events – with artists, storytellers, singers and musicians providing entertainment.
If you live in West Bletchley and would like to be part of La Cocina Pública, find out more at wwww.ifmiltonkeynes.org
Tuesday 24 –Sunday 29 July
Silver Partner
Festival Central
Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Festival Central is open to everyone –come and soak up the Festival atmosphere!
Campbell Park is the location for The Stables Spiegeltent, Vodafone Gigatent, Vagabond Cinema Dome (27 – 29 July), outdoor performances, free and family events, the Acoustic Stage, food outlets, bars and a box office.
Festival Central Opening Times:
Friday 20 July
3.15pm – 12 midnight
Saturday 21 July 10:45am – 12 midnight
Sunday 22 July 10:45am – 11pm
Monday 23 July 3.15pm – 11pm
Tuesday 24 July 5.30pm – 11pm
Wednesday 25 July 3.15pm – 11pm
Thursday 26 July 3.15pm – 11pm
Friday 27 July 3.15pm – 12:30am
Programme and timings may be subject to change. For updates please check www.ifmiltonkeynes.org and social media @IFMKfest #IFMKfest
Saturday 28 July 10:45am – 12.30am
Sunday 29July 10:45am – 11pm
Friday 20 –Sunday 29 July
Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free IF you want Festival buzz
IF: Family Focus
A feast of family-friendly shows and experiences for children and grown-ups.
Free events:
Cow Go Round
An intriguing carousel operated by grown-ups. See page 38.
Theatre of Widdershins
Storytelling with puppets and props.
See page 39.
The Little Gardener
An outdoor adventure for 2-6 year olds. See page 40.
Bootworks’ Jukeboxes
Retro jukeboxes act out classic pop. See page 41.
Circus Hub in centre:mk:
The Strange Travel of
Mr Tonet
Intriguing wooden games.
20 – 29 July. See page 10.
Also appearing:
The Strong Lady
Exhilarating demonstrations of strength. See page 11.
Ticketed events in The Spiegeltent:
Baby Disco Dance Hall
High energy fun for under 5s.
See page 55.
Comedy Club 4 Kids &
Simple Politics
Fun politics for children. See page 57.
Comedy Club 4 Kids
A real comedy club – without the rude bits. See page 58.
Plus drop-in activities at the Vodafone Gigatent in Festival Central
Friday 20 –Saturday 22 July and Friday 27 –Sunday 29 July
Le Théâtre de la Toupine Cow Go Round & Mooh Organ
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July
11am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm both days
Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free
FAMILY FOCUS
An ingenious carousel of extraordinary cows cleverly crafted from wood, scrap and leather.
Whilst children aged from 2 to 6 years old get to climb onto the carousel, it only goes round if the grown-ups milk the mechanical cow that provides all the power…
The ride is accompanied by cowbell mooh-music from the wonderfully inventive Mooh Organ.
Theatre of Widdershins
Saturday 21 July: Treasure Chest Tales
Sunday 22 July: Furry Tales 11am, 12.50pm and 2.40pm both days
Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free
Incorporating music, puppets and audience interaction, Widdershins skilfully brings a series of magical stories to life.
Enchanting tales from across the world told with gusto to delight and entertain all ages.
Treasure Chest Tales:
Stone Soup, Granny Dumpling and The Princess and the Pea Furry
Tales:
Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and Three Billy Goats Gruff
How It Ended: The Little Gardener
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July
11:50am, 1.40pm, 3.30pm both days
Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free
An interactive adaptation of Emily Hughes’ popular book The Little Gardener.
Performed inside a greenhouse containing a real garden, meet the little gardener and the garden that means everything to him. Help bring his garden to life and get your hands dirty in this spellbinding show that will melt your heart.
Suitable for all, recommended for ages 2 – 6.
Bootworks: The JukeBoxes
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July
At intervals throughout both days
Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free
Watch two beautiful 1950’s Jukeboxes spring to life to re-create classic pop music videos.
In a lip-syncing musical medley, Bootworks’ performers use props, masks and puppets (and a terrible selection of wigs!) to animate favourite pop songs past and present.
No disc is left unturned as Elvis, Miley Cyrus, The Spice Girls and Adele all make cameos…
The Stables Sessions: Acoustic Stage
Sessions that put a spotlight on new sounds, emerging talent and unsigned bands.
Enjoy a drink and great live music in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Friday 20 July
6.15pm Hope in High Water
8.15pm Hannah’s Yard
Saturday 21 July
1.15pm Amit Dattani
2.15pm Elizabeth & Jameson
3.15pm Hannah Scott
4.15pm Pete Hemsley
5.15pm Paolo Morena
6.15pm Sian Magill
8.15pm Roses & Pirates
Sunday 22 July
12.45pm Tracey Browne 1.45pm Michelle Nadia 3.45pm Lowly Hounds 5pm Amy Claire & John Bowman 6pm Sweetcornbread 7pm Ethemia
Monday 23 July 7.15pm Candi’s Dog 8.45pm Inlak’esh
Tuesday 24 July 6pm The Other Band 7pm Rebecca de Winter
Wednesday 25 July 6pm Anna Hester 7pm Fred’s House Thursday 26 July 6pm Jinder 7pm Natasha Seale Duo
Friday 27 July 5.45pm Yvonne Lyon 6.45pm Amelia Lappert 9.15pm April Blue
Saturday 28 July 12.45pm Navaro 1.45pm Katey Brooks 4pm Tinderbox 5pm The Hallows 6pm Dawn Iverson 7pm Harrison Bond 9.15pm Chris Fox
Sunday 29 July 12.45pm Joe Miles 3pm The Blackheart Orchestra 4pm Tom Korni 5pm Manny & The Coloured Sky 6pm James Burrage 7pm Steve Winch & The Inception
Friday 20 –Sunday 29 July
Arabian Bar Tent, Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD Free
The Stables Spiegeltent Festival Central
Campbell Park MK9 4AD
The Spiegeltent is an exotic setting for live music, comedy and late-night cabaret.
Beautifully constructed with wood, stained glass, velvet drapes and mirrors, and complete with its own bar, this is the venue for live music, comedy and late-night cabaret.
The Spiegeltent is the beating heart of the Festival, and the ideal meeting place for audiences and performers.
The Spiegeltent programme is listed on pages 46 to 59.
“The domain of night owls and party chasers”
The Puppini Sisters
Friday 20 July, 9pm The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £27.50
Unreserved seating, cabaret style
With impeccable retro style, The Puppini Sisters brilliantly rework modern pop as vintage swing and add zest to timeless classics.
Famed for their gorgeous and immaculate Andrews Sisters-style close harmonies, the Sisters have a legion of fans worldwide, have collaborated with Michael Bublé and have five albums under their waist-clinching belts.
Ticket Deal Buy The Puppini Sisters + Casus
Brother Strut
Saturday 21 July, 9pm
Driven
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £21
All standing/dancing with limited unreserved seating
by a love of funk, blues and 1960’s/70’s soul, Brother Strut deliver unparalleled live shows.
Exciting and electric, the band is made up of some of the finest musicians around – between them they’ve notched up half a billion sales working with iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse.
“Kitschy and catchy –
glamour!”
Ticket Deal
Buy Brother Strut + Casus (page 20) for £37.50
Call 01908 280800
“Fresh, funky and fabulous”
Mark Watson: This Is Half Way To Being A Show
Sunday 22 July, 8pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £17
Unreserved seating, cabaret style
After fending off death on Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Island TV show, Mark Watson returns to what he’s best at – being indoors.
This multi-award-winning writer and TV comedy star offers witty food for thought, audience interactions and all sorts of other fun in this work-in-progress show.
Ticket Deal
Buy Mark Watson + Casus (page 20) for £33.50
Call 01908 280800
Addictive TV: Orchestra of Samples
Special Guests Evelyn Glennie & Alejandro de Valera Support: Jally Kebba Susso
Monday 23 July, 8pm
“Belly laugh brilliant…the audience was weeping with laughter” Time out
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £22.50
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
Pioneering audio-video remixers and electronic duo Addictive TV have spent six years collaborating with musicians around the world.
The Orchestra of Samples features international artists from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Senegal, Colombia, Bhutan and across Europe ingeniously sampled and spliced together to create a digital supergroup who have never met, but play together on-screen.
This one-off musical journey without borders will feature world-famous percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and guitar virtuoso Alejandro de Valera.
CC Smugglers
Support: Emma McGrath
Tuesday 24 July, 7.45pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £16.50
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
With a host of headline stealing gigs across Europe, this 6-piece outfit plays great, original music with showmanship, swagger and suave.
With echoes of American folk, swing, jazz, country, ragtime and bluegrass, as well as contemporary touchstones such as hip hop, metal, dubstep, house and dancehall, nothing is off limits!
“Great live. Just brilliant.”
Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“The best live band on the scene at the moment.”
Cerys Matthews, BBC 6 Music
Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band
Support: The Black Feathers
Wednesday 25 July, 7.45pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £25
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
Eliza first assembled the exceptional 12-piece Wayward Band in 2013 to promote her ‘best of’ compilation Wayward Daughter.
Still together, they continue to champion the vibrancy of today’s traditional music, ‘the last truly underground music scene’, with a big band and big sound.
“Brass, fiddles, the works — a bravura romp through songs old and new.”
The Guardian
Newton Faulkner + Support
Thursday 26 July, 7.45pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £37.50
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
It’s just over a decade since Newton Faulkner released his debut album and became something of a household name.
Since then, he has recharged his batteries, reinvented his sound and released an astonishing genre-hopping sixth album Hit The Ground Running (2017) that is by far the best and boldest of his career.
The ultra-long dreadlocks have gone, the guitar is even better and the voice is bigger than ever. Book early!
Tom Allen: Absolutely
Friday 27 July, 7.30pm
“His finest work since his debut”
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £14
Unreserved seating, cabaret style
For ages 14+
This sharply dressed, well-spoken, disparagingly camp son of working class Bromley embarks on his debut solo tour.
A comedian, writer and actor, Tom Allen has honed his unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and riotous storytelling since starting as a stand up at 22, then winning both So You Think You’re Funny in Edinburgh and the BBC New Comedy Awards.
The Gilded Lili Revue
Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July, 10pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £16
Unreserved seating, cabaret style
For ages 16+
Ms Lili La Scala – decadent diva of vintage glamour and divine Mistress of Ceremonies – is back!
With her beloved cabaret reprobates to entertain you in these rollicking late-night shows, Lili presents her dazzling cabaret spectacular with a veritable variety smorgasbord of international comedy, burlesque, music and more. With Havana Hurricane, Elliot Mason, Pi the Mime, Scarlett Daggers – and, of course, Lili herself.
As Lili says: “Leave your inhibitions at the door and allow yourself to be transported to another world by my phenomenal acts.”
Ticket Deal
Gilded Lili + Tom Allen for £28
Gilded Lili + Los Pacaminos for £35 Call 01908 280800
Monski Mouse: Baby Disco Dance Hall
Saturday 28 July, 2.30pm
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £8, Universal Credit concession £5,
Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £28
Free for babies under 6 months
Australian DJ Monski Mouse spins the discs, bringing high energy fun and smiles to under 5s and their families.
Striking a balance between anthems for the grown-ups and tracks for the children, the musical selection is a combination of fun retro dance tracks and funky nursery rhymes.
Part of the dance floor is set up with a soft furnished ‘baby area’ where non-walkers can roll around to the music too. Ms Mouse and her experienced early childhood performers lead the crowd in a warm-up and facilitate the fun.
Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young
Saturday 28 July, 7.45pm
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £21 All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
This cactus sharp, stetson wearing, magnificent 6 create the perfect cantina setting for a tequilafuelled rocking party night.
Fronted by Paul Young, Los Pacaminos play the very best in Tex Mex Border music with an incendiary mix of classics and original material, from The Texas Tornadoes and Ry Cooder to Los Lobos and even Roy Orbsion. Book early!
Ticket Deal Buy Los Pacaminos + Gilded Lili for £35 Call 01908 280800
Comedy Club 4 Kids & Simple Politics: How Does This Politics Thing Work Then?
Sunday 29 July, 11.30am
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £6, Universal Credit £5
Unreserved seating
Suitable for ages 7+
Politics is boring. Politics is complicated. Politics is for adults. RUBBISH!
Politics is actually super important. Luckily Tatton Spiller (Simple Politics) and Tiernan Douieb (Comedy Club 4 Kids, CBBC’s The Slammer) know exactly how to make sense of it so that it’s great fun.
You might not be able to vote yet but you have opinions and you know the world you want to see…
Comedy Club 4 Kids also do a comedy show at 2pm (see page 58).
Ticket Deal
Buy How Does Politics Work +
Comedy 4 Kids for £15, Under 16s £14, Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £56
Call 01908 280800
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Sunday 29 July, 2pm
Ceilidh Liberation Front
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £10, Under 16s £9, Universal
Credit £6, Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £36
Unreserved seating
Suitable for ages 6+
The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit do their thing for an audience of children and their families.
It’s just like a normal comedy club, but is on in the daytime, the children are welcome, it’s without the rude bits and there’s no patronising idiocy!
Comedy Club 4 Kids also do an earlier show with Simple Politics at 11.30am (see page 57)
Ticket Deal Buy Comedy 4 Kids + How Does Politics Work for £15 / Under 16s £14 / Family (4 people, max 2 adults) £56
Call 01908 280800
Sunday 29 July, 7.45pm
“All the fun and rowdy feel of a real comedy club” The Guardian
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Tickets £14
All standing/ dancing with limited unreserved seating
With a small army of virtuoso musicians the Ceilidh Liberation Front combines music, dance and a generous sprinkling of theatricals.
Subverting and converting the world with their energetic new ceilidh regime, this band breathes vigour and vitality into the traditional ceilidh, whilst honouring its roots and traditions with charismatic callers, uplifting tunes and cracking dances…
Bring your dancing shoes for a final fling on the last night of the Festival!
Talking Shop
Arabian Tent, Festival Central, Campbell Park MK9 4AD
Free
Talks and discussions exploring different aspects of the Festival programme
For The Birds Sunday 22 July, 11.30am – 12.15pm
For The Birds artists discuss working in Milton Keynes to create a unique night-time experience. With Mark Anderson, Jony Easterby, Kathy Hinde and The Parks Trust.
Brexitarama
Monday 23 July, 5.45pm – 6.45pm
A discussion about international culture in a post-Brexit landscape. The panel will include Dries Verhoeven, creator of Phobiarama and Alison Woods of NoFit State Circus.
Calendar of Events
A guide to each day of the Festival
Should bad weather affect the staging of outdoor events, the Festival will make every effort to reschedule or relocate the programme.
Please follow the Festival on social media @IFMKfest for updates.
All end times are approximate.
Friday 20 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
11am – 12 noon Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3pm – 4pm Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 12 midnight Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6.15pm – 7pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park Hope In High Water
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7pm – 8pm Casus: Driftwood Spiegeltent Campbell Park
8.15pm – 9pm Acoustic Stage: Hannah’s Yard Festival Central, Campbell Park
Open Forum
Thursday 26 July, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
An open discussion about what ‘home’ means in relation to the making of The Democratic Set in Milton Keynes. With Back to Back Theatre, Dr Agnes Czajka (Department of Politics & International Studies, Open University) and Richard DeDomenici (artist and film-maker, IF: 2016).
In Conversation:
Jenny Sealey MBE Sunday 29 July, 11.30am – 12.15pm
Festival Director Monica Ferguson talks with Jenny Sealey, CEO/Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre Company which places D/deaf and disabled actors centre stage, and challenges preconceptions.
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9pm – 10.30pm The Puppini Sisters Spiegeltent Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 10.45pm Sarruga: Insectes City Centre – Campbell Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Roll Up! Roll Up! Up to 50% off with great money saving discounts on circus shows. See page 4
Saturday 21 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.45am – 12 midnight Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
11am – 11.40am Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central
11am – 12 noon Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
11am – 1pm Cow Go Round & Mooh Organ Festival Central, Campbell Park
11:50am – 12:40pm The Little Gardener Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.15pm – 2pm
Acoustic Stage: Amit Dattani Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.50pm – 1.30pm Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.40pm – 2.30pm The Little Gardener Festival Central, Campbell Park
2pm – 3.30pm HandleBards: Romeo & Juliet Fred Roche Gardens
2pm – 5pm Cow Go Round & Mooh Organ Festival Central, Campbell Park
2.15pm – 3pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park Elizabeth & Jameson
2.40pm – 3.20pm Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central, Campbell Park
3pm – 4pm Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 4pm Acoustic Stage: Hannah Scott Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.20pm The Little Gardener Festival Central, Campbell Park
4.15pm – 5pm Acoustic Stage: Pete Hemsley Festival Central, Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.15pm – 6pm Acoustic Stage: Paolo Morena Festival Central, Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6.15pm – 7pm
Acoustic Stage: Sian Magill Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6.30pm – 8pm HandleBards: Romeo & Juliet Fred Roche Gardens
7pm – 8pm Casus: Driftwood Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8.15pm – 9pm Acoustic Stage: Roses & Pirates Festival Central, Campbell Park
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9pm – 10.30pm Brother Strut Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park 11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Sunday 22 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.45am – 11pm Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park 11am – 11.40am Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central, Campbell Park
11am – 12noon Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
11am – 1pm Cow Go Round & Mooh Organ Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.30am – 12.15pm Talk: For the Birds Festival Central, Campbell Park
11:50am – 12:40pm The Little Gardener Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.45pm – 1.30pm Acoustic Stage: Tracey Browne Festival Central, Campbell Park 12.50pm – 1.30pm Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.40pm – 2.30pm The Little Gardener Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.45pm – 2.30pm
Acoustic Stage: Michelle Nadia Festival Central, Campbell Park
2pm – 3.30pm Bicycle Bell-ero City Centre – MK Rose
2pm – 5pm Cow Go Round & Mooh Organ Festival Central, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 3.30pm Casus: Driftwood Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
2.40pm – 3.20pm Theatre of Widdershins Festival Central
3pm – 4pm Companyìa Vavel: Garbuix Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.20pm The Little Gardener Festival Central
3.45pm – 4.30pm Acoustic Stage: Lowly Hounds Festival Central, Campbell Park 4pm – 5.15pm Schweigman&: Milton Keynes Theatre For The Time Being
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5pm – 5.45pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park Amy Claire & John Bowman
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm Acoustic Stage: Sweetcornbread Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm Acoustic Stage: Ethemia Festival Central, Campbell Park
8pm – 10pm Mark Watson Spiegeltent, Campbell Park 8pm – 9.15pm Schweigman&: Milton Keynes Theatre For The Time Being
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Monday 23 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk 11am – 11.35am Sur Mesure: Fillage Middleton Hall, centre:mk
1.30pm – 2.45pm Schweigman&: Milton Keynes Theatre
For The Time Being
3pm – 3.35pm Sur Mesure: Fillage Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 11pm Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
4pm – 5.15pm Schweigman&: Milton Keynes Theatre
For The Time Being
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.45pm – 6.45pm Talk: Brexitarama Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7.15pm – 8pm Acoustic Stage: Candi’s Dog Festival Central, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.15pm Schweigman&: Milton Keynes Theatre
For The Time Being 8pm – Jally Kebba Susso (support)
10.30pm Addictive TV + Evelyn Glennie Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
8.45pm – 9.30pm Acoustic Stage: Inlak’esh Festival Central, Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm –11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park 11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Tuesday 24 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk 11am – 11.35am Sur Mesure: Fillage Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3pm – 3.35pm Sur Mesure: Fillage Middleton Hall, centre:mk
5.30pm – 11pm Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm Acoustic Stage: The Other Band Festival Central, Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm Acoustic: Rebecca de Winter Festival Central, Campbell Park
7.45pm – Emma McGrath (support)
10.15pm CC Smugglers Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Wednesday 25 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk 11am – 11.40am
NoFit State/Motionhouse: Block Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3pm – 3.40pm NoFit State/Motionhouse: Block Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 11pm Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm Acoustic Stage: Anna Hester Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm
Acoustic Stage: Fred’s House Festival Central, Campbell Park
7.45pm – The Black Feathers (support)
10.15pm Eliza Carthy & Wayward Band Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8.30pm – 9.10pm
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Thursday 26 July
10am – 10.40am
NoFit State/Motionhouse: Block Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
1pm – 1.40pm NoFit State/Motionhouse: Block Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 11pm
Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
3.30pm – 5.30pm Talk: Open Forum Festival Central, Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm Acoustic Stage: Jinder Festival Central, Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm
Acoustic: Natasha Seale Duo Festival Central, Campbell Park
7.45pm – 10.15pm Newton Faulkner + Support Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.50pm
8.30pm – 9.10pm
Karine Polwart: Wind Resistance The Stables
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Thursday 26 July
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park 11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Friday 27 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.30am – 11am The Strong Lady Middleton Hall, centre:mk
12.30pm – 1pm The Strong Lady Middleton Hall, centre:mk
2.30pm – 3.30pm Groupe Acrobatique: Halka Middleton Hall, centre:mk
3.15pm – 12.30am Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.45pm – 6.30pm Acoustic Stage: Yvonne Lyon Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7pm The Strong Lady Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.45pm – 7.30pm Acoustic Stage: Amelia Lappert Festival Central, Campbell Park
7pm – 8pm Back to Back: Democratic Set MK Venue TBC, see website
7.30pm – 9.15pm Tom Allen: Absolutely Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.50pm Karine Polwart: Wind Resistance The Stables
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10pm Acoustic Stage: April Blue Festival Central, Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park 10pm – 11.30pm The Gilded Lili Revue Spiegeltent, Campbell Park 10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park 11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Saturday 28 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.30am – 11am The Strong Lady Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.45am – 12.30am Theater Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park 11am – 11.10am Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.15am – 11.25am Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.30am – 11.40am Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.45am – 11:55pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
12:10pm – 12.30pm Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.30pm – 1pm The Strong Lady Middleton Hall, centre:mk
12:40pm – 12.50pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.45pm – 1.30pm Acoustic Stage: Navaro Festival Central, Campbell Park
12:55pm – 1.05pm
1.10pm – 1.20pm
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.25pm – 1.35pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.45pm – 2.05pm
1.45pm – 2.30pm
2.15pm – 2.25pm
2.30pm – 2.40pm
2.30pm – 3.20pm
Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
Acoustic Stage: Katey Brooks Festival Central, Campbell Park
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
Monski Mouse: Baby Disco Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 3.30pm Groupe Acrobatique: Halka Middleton Hall, centre:mk
2.45pm – 2.55pm
3pm – 3.10pm
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.20pm – 3.40pm Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
3.50pm – 4.20pm The Strong Lady Festival Central, Campbell Park
4pm – 4.45pm
4.30pm – 5.10pm
5pm – 5.45pm
Acoustic Stage: Tinderbox Festival Central, Campbell Park
Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
Acoustic Stage: The Hallows Festival Central, Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm
Acoustic Stage: Dawn Iverson Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm
Acoustic Stage: Harrison Bond Festival Central, Campbell Park
7.45pm – 9.15pm Los Pacaminos feat. Paul Young Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.50pm Karine Polwart: Wind Resistance The Stables
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10pm
Acoustic Stage: Chris Fox Festival Central, Campbell Park
9.15pm – 10.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
9.45pm – 11.05pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.20pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10pm – 11.30pm The Gilded Lili Revue Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
10.15pm – 11.35pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.50pm For The Birds Linford Manor Park
10.45pm – 12.05am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
11pm – 12.20am For The Birds Linford Manor Park
Sunday 29 July
10am – 5pm Tombs Creatius Co: Mr Tonet Middleton Hall, centre:mk
10.45am – 11pm Theatre Tol: Life of Tree Festival Central, Campbell Park
11am – 11.10am Bootworks; Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.15am – 11.25am Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.30am – 11.40am Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
11.30am – 12.15pm Talk: Jenny Sealey Festival Central, Campbell Park
11:30am – 12:30pm Simple Politics 4 Kids Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
11.45am – 12:00pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
12:10pm – 12.30pm Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.30pm – 1pm The Strong Lady Middleton Hall, centre:mk
12:40pm – 12.50pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
12.45pm – 1.30pm Acoustic Stage: Joe Miles Festival Central, Campbell Park
12:55pm – 1.05pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.10pm – 1.20pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.25pm – 1.35pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
1.45pm – 2.05pm Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
2pm – 3pm Comedy Club 4 Kids Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
2.15pm – 2.25pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 2.40pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 3.30pm Groupe Acrobatique: Halka Middleton Hall, centre:mk
2.45pm – 2.55pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
3pm – 3.10pm Bootworks: Jukeboxes Festival Central, Campbell Park
3pm – 3.45pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park
The Blackheart Orchestra
3.20pm – 3.50pm The Strong Lady Festival Central, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
4pm – 4.45pm Acoustic Stage: Tom Korni Festival Central, Campbell Park
4.10pm – 4.30pm Life of Tree Dance Performance Festival Central, Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5pm – 5.45pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park
Manny & The Coloured Sky
5.30pm – 6.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
5.50pm – 6.20pm The Strong Lady Festival Central, Campbell Park
6pm – 6.45pm Acoustic Stage: James Burrage Festival Central, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
7pm – 7.45pm Acoustic Stage: Festival Central, Campbell Park
Steve Winch & The Inception
7.45pm – 9.45pm Ceilidh Liberation Front Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
8.30pm – 9.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
9.30pm – 10.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
10.30pm – 11.10pm Dries Verhoeven: Phobiarama Campbell Park
World Picnic 2018
Presented by The Parks Trust
Sunday 29 July, 1pm – 6pm
Campbell Park Free
Revel in this glorious community celebration of multicultural music and dance.
Set in the lush green surroundings of the meadow area in the heart of Campbell Park, World Picnic includes a wealth of entertainment.
Bring a picnic or sample food from one of the many stalls, and dine al fresco with friends and family.
Watch out for the quirky Chez Jopie mobile jazz bar by Delinus from the Netherlands, presented by the Festival to complement the afternoon’s activities.
ASSOCIATED EVENT
THE STABLES BOX OFFICE: OPENING HOURS
Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm (until 8pm on show nights)
Sunday 5pm – 8pm (Stables show nights only)
In person: The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU
Telephone: 01908 280800
Textphone users: 18001 01908 280800
BOX OFFICES AT FESTIVAL SITES
From Friday 20 to Sunday 29 July
FESTIVAL CENTRAL AT CAMPBELL PARK, MK9 4AD:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays: From 3.15pm
Tuesday 24 July: From 5.30pm
Saturday and Sundays: From 10.45am
The Box Office closes approximately 15 minutes after the last show of the day starts.
MIDDLETON HALL, CENTRE:MK:
9.30am – 5pm each day
POP-UP EVENT BOX OFFICES:
Open for the following events to serve walk-up customers:
For The Birds in Linford Manor Park, Great Linford, MK14 5AX at 8.45pm each day
HandleBards in Fred Roche Gardens, 406 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes
MK9 2ND: 60 minutes prior to each performance
For The Time Being at Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate MK9 3NZ: 30 minutes prior to each performance
Booking Tickets
CONCESSIONS AND DISCOUNTS:
All discounts and concessions are offered subject to availability on a limited allocation basis and vary according to individual events
Discounts cannot be combined with other offers, or applied retrospectively, and can be withdrawn at any time
Concessions are available where stated on individual events for people in receipt of Universal Credit and those aged 16 and under If you have special assistance requirements or, need to bring an accompanying carer or assistant, please contact the Box Office on 01908 280800
BOOKING AND HANDLING CHARGES:
Bookings are subject to a handling charge of £3
There is an additional booking fee of £1.80 per ticket for online bookings
Certain shows are exempt from the additional online booking fee of £1.80 per ticket. Applies to: Circus Hub events in Middleton Hall (Garbuix, Fillage, Block and Halka), Phobiarama in Campbell Park, For The Birds at Linford Manor Park, and Monski Mouse, Simple Politics and Comedy 4 Kids in The Spiegeltent. If any other event is booked at the same time, then the booking fee of £1.80 applies for those events.
LATECOMERS:
Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break in the performance for most events, however this is at the discretion of the Festival. No latecomers can be admitted for Phobiarama and For The Time Being.
TICKET SALES:
IF: Milton Keynes International Festival Box Offices are managed and operated by The Stables Theatre Limited. All tickets are sold subject to Terms and Conditions, available at www.thestables.org
1. Fred Roche Gardens: 406 Silbury Boulevard MK9 2ND 2. intu Milton Keynes (shopping centre): Saxon Gate East MK9 3DXInsectes parade starts here
3. Queen’s Court, centre:mk: Enter via Door 5 North on Silbury Arcade or Door 6 South on Midsummer Arcade (both Borough Walk), MK9 3ES
4. Middleton Hall, centre:mk: (shopping centre): Enter via Doors 11 or 13 North on Silbury Arcade and 12 or 14 South on Midsummer Arcade, MK9 3EP 5. Box Office & Information: Middleton Hall, centre:mk
Milton Keynes Theatre: 500 Marlborough Gate MK9 3NZ 7. Campbell Park: MK9 4AD (for Sat Nav and parking use MK9 3NZ) Venues outside the City Centre: The Stables: Stockwell Lane, Wavendon MK17 8LU Linford Manor Park: Great Linford, nearest postcode MK14 5AX
8. Milton Keynes Rose MK9 4AJ 9. Phobiarama by Dries Verhoeven
Box Office & Information
Arabian Bar Tent and Acoustic Stage 12. The Stables Spiegeltent 13. Vodafone Gigatent 14. Vagabond Cinema Dome
Key: Toilets
Blue Badge Entrance and Drop-off Point
Event and Site Information
FESTIVAL CENTRAL: CAMPBELL PARK MK9 4AD
CAR PARKING: Available in City Centre car parks. Limited Blue Badge parking available at Festival Central, off Avebury Boulevard (opposite Columbia Place), with the nearest drop-off point also here.
CYCLE PARKING: Available in the City and at Festival Central, as well as at other Festival sites, including Fred Roche Gardens and Linford Manor Park.
BY BUS: Please visit the Arriva bus website www.arrivabus.co.uk/MK
ON FOOT: Campbell Park lies at the far east end of centre:mk, linked to the shopping centre and theatre district by footbridges and via the underpass near Milton Keynes Theatre and MK Gallery.
ACCESS: There is a good network of all-weather paths in the Park with additional temporary trackways in and around Festival Central. Every effort will be made to create level access on-site. Accessible toilets are located in Festival Central.
THE SPIEGELTENT: Accessible to wheelchair users with ramped access into the venue and onto the dance floor. Where events are billed as ‘all standing/dancing with limited unreserved seating’ please seek advice from the Box Office on 01908 280800 at time of booking if you have specific mobility requirements. The Spiegeltent has an infra-red induction loop system.
ACOUSTIC STAGE: Has an infra-red induction loop system.
PHOBIARAMA: CAMPBELL PARK MK9 4AD
This event takes place in a non-theatrical venue and is not fully accessible to those with access requirements. For guidance, please contact the Box Office on 01908 280800.
FRED ROCHE GARDENS
Every effort will be made to create level access on-site with additional temporary trackways Accessible toilets will be available
CAMPBELL PARK & FRED ROCHE GARDENS
No pets please, only registered assistance dogs are permitted Camping and BBQs are not permitted No glass bottles or alcohol purchased off-site are permitted on-site. Alcohol purchased at Festival Central is not permitted into the wider Campbell Park area Festival Stewards, First Aiders and other services are on site to help you – please approach them if you have any questions. Stay safe, be sensible – enjoy your visit!
The Festival aims to be as accessible as possible and welcomes disabled people. Unfortunately, it is not possible to meet every requirement in all circumstances due to the nature of events and locations. Please contact the Box Office for further information on 01908 280800 or textphone 18001 01908 280800.
By entering Festival sites, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. Information in this brochure is correct at time of going to print. The Festival reserves the right to make alterations if necessary.
Insectes by Sarruga: Parade Route
Sarruga’s
giant Insectes parade culminates in a firework finale in Campbell Park. See page 12.
START: The parade will start at 9.45pm from the Saxon Gate East side of intu Milton Keynes MK9 3DX.
ROUTE: The parade will move along Saxon Gate then up Avebury Boulevard to enter Festival Central in Campbell Park via the entrance opposite Columbia Place.
FIREWORK FINALE: A short firework finale will commence at approximately 10.30pm in Campbell Park.
VIEWING: Position yourself at any point along the route. You are encouraged to follow the parade to its finale in Campbell Park.
ROAD CLOSURES: The following roads will be closed from 9.15pm to 11pm:
Saxon Gate between Midsummer Boulevard and Childs Way
Secklow Gate between Midsummer Boulevard and Childs Way
Marlborough Gate between Midsummer and Avebury Boulevard Avebury Boulevard between Saxon Gate and Enmore Gate
Please note that the route may be subject to change.
Check www.ifmiltonkeynes.org and @IFMKfest #IFMKfest on social media.
SAXON GATE
AVEBURY BLVD
MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD
MILTON KEYNES PointThe centre:mk
CAMPBELL PARK FINISH
For The Birds:
GREAT LINFORD, MILTON KEYNES MK14 5AX
To make your experience as safe and enjoyable as possible,
This is a self-guided outdoor promenade through the woods at night
Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, flat shoes suitable for walking
There will be uneven terrain, sloping ground and narrow gaps along the route.
Please note that it may be muddy and slippery when wet
The route is not suitable for buggies, bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs
Dogs are not permitted, with the exception of access dogs
The event will go ahead in bad weather. Watch the Festival’s Facebook page and
Accessible tours are being planned. To find out more or to ask any questions about It will take about 80 minutes to complete the experience walking at an average
Please minimise use of mobile phones as they are bright and can be distracting. Photography is permitted, however flashes and tripods are not Some installations may contain flashing lights, strobe and smoke Your eyes will quickly adjust to the lighting levels, please try not to use torches.
If it is necessary for you to use a torch, please shine it at the ground, and not at the installations or at other visitors
Please keep conversations at a low level so as not to disturb others’ enjoyment.
If bringing children, please be responsible for them and ensure they abide by safety instructions
There will be portable toilets including accessible toilets at the event site
A selection of hot and cold drinks will be available to purchase
For The Birds is a family-friendly installation and the Festival reserves the right of admission
People who are inebriated, causing nuisance or unreasonable disturbance may be refused entry or removed from the site
For The Birds: Linford
Manor Park
GREAT LINFORD, MILTON KEYNES MK14 5AX
ARRIVAL: Please arrive and be ready to start your experience no more than 15 minutes before the start of your time slot.
PARKING: Available at Marsh Drive Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5AX. From here there is a 10 minute walk along a level walkway to the main site.
BLUE BADGE PARKING: Limited Blue Badge parking is available at Parklands, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5DZ. From here it is a few minutes down a gentle slope to the main site entrance.
Key:
Marsh Drive Parking
Blue Badge Parking at Parklands
Box Office
Toilets, including Accessible Toilets
Vagabond Film Festival
IF: 2018 Partners
Explorers: Hazel Coomber, Pam Gosal, Peter Hall & Mary Hartley, Bob & Marion Hill, Colin & Jacky Scott, Lord & Lady Scott, John & Francesca Skelton, Milly Soames DL
