Ten of the best things to do in MK over the next week

1 ART AND CULTURE

Milton Keynes International Festival, various sites across the city, July 15 to 24

Milton Keynes boulevards, shopping centres and parks will be transformed by outdoor performances, digital installations, site-specific events, stand-up comedy, live music and free family activities. Expect everything from cabaret, concerts and comedy to family entertainment and mind-bending art.

Details: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org

2 MUSIC

The Dankworth Family Festival

The Old Rectory, Wavendon, July 16 and 17

Dame Cleo Laine plays host to a stellar line-up of artists as she opens to the public her enchanting private gardens. Acts include classical guitarist Criag Ogden, poet and publisher Jeremy Robson, actress Maureen Lipman and a full complement of Dankworths.

Details: www.perdido.co.uk/DFF

3 THEATRE

After Miss Julie,

Milton Keynes Theatre, July 18 to 23

Set in 1945 in an English country house, on the eve of Labour’s landslide victory at the end of the Second World War, After Miss Julie stars Helen George, known to millions of TV viewers as Trixie Franklin in Call The Midwife and for her talented turns in Strictly Come Dancing. Helen plays Miss Julie, a predatory and self-destructive Downton-esque character.

Details: www.atgtickets.com

4 ART

Summer Exhibition, All Saints’ church, Emberton, July 15 to 19

Get a dose of peace, tranquillity and beauty at this summer exhibition of art and craft by local artists and enthusiasts. It opens in style with a champagne preview evening from 7pm on Friday, tickets for which cost £10. Admission costs £2 on all other days.

Details: [email protected]

5 COMEDY

Lee Nelson, Stables Spiegeltent, South Willen Lake Park, July 15

He headlined Glastonbury with Kanye West, attempted to bribe FIFA’s Sepp Blatter with a wodge of cash, just missed being part of the England World Cup Football Squad and almost joined Manchester City FC. Now he brings his adventurous, attention-grabbing brand of comedy to Milton Keynes.

Details: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org

6 FAMILY

Les Enfants Terribles: The Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie, South Willen Lake Park, July 23 and 24,

Dr Longitude and his strange travelling players tell mesmerising stories of wit, virtue and courageous endeavours. The show is packed with vaudeville acts, live musicians and puppeteers.

Details: lesenfantsterribles.co.uk

7 MUSIC

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Spiegeltent, South Willen Lake Park, Saturday July 16

From from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana and David Bowie, hear your favourite music live – on the ukulele.

Details: www.ukuleleorchestra.com

8 CRAFT

Saturday Studio, July 16, MK Gallery

Join artist Alex Evans to explore a range of playful and unique methods of making games and stories, using drawing, paper cutting, puppetry and sculptural techniques.

Details: www.mkgallery.org

9 FAMILY COMEDY

Milkshake by Seska, MK Gallery, July 17

Packed with magic tricks, music, laughter, happiness, sword swallowing, mind reading and lots and lots of cookies. Nominated Best Family Show 2015 Brighton Fringe.

Details: www.mkgallery.org

10 CEILIDH

Blackbeard’s Tea Party Ceilidh, The Stables Spiegeltent, South Willen Lake Park, July 15

Blackbeard’s Tea Party bring their brand of contemporary folk-rock to The Spiegeltent mixing traditional songs, ceilidh and infectious rock-infused folk tunes with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms.

Details: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org