Dragon boaty-race

Sunday’s Willen Lake spectacular will feature up to 60 companies from across Milton Keynes, all with high hopes of taking the first spot.

But really, it’s the taking part that’s important – the festival charity is Age UK Milton Keynes.

In a statement, organisers said: “This is a critical time for older people in the community and Age UK Milton Keynes needs to be able to offer support to those who are the most isolated and lonely, many of whom are in their eighties and nineties or even older.

“There are ever-increasing pressures on these resources and the demand will continue to grow as we all move towards later life.”

Visitors are most welcome to pop along and engage in the atmosphere on Sunday.

You can cheer on the participants, and enjoy the bankside entertainment, with fairground rides, children’s activities, food stalls and a spectacular flypast from a Battle of Britain Spitfire.

Entry is free, and the boats will be busy on the lake between 10am and 5pm.

> It was a sleeping beauty of a building when, in 2013, a ‘friends’ group was formed to breathe life back into St Lawrence’s Church in the old village of Broughton.

The Churches Conservation Trust looks after the ancient building, and the friends raise funds to keep the church maintained and open – it costs more than £4,000 annually.

It is used for talks, open days, occasional services and concerts, as is the case this Saturday night when the Annual Summer Concert is hosted in the decidedly special surroundings.

The Aylesbury Consort of Voices will be in control, delivering a varied programme of music with something to tempt the vast majority – with Monteverdi, Tavener, Rutter, Elgar, Gershwin and Cole Porter among the featured composers.

A special night in a special venue, and topped off with a glass of wine, maybe?

Sounds idyllic, and not least when aired against a backdrop of medieval paintings.

Tickets are £8 (proceeds to the aforementioned maintenance pot), including refreshments, and showtime is 7.30pm.

Get connected: Call for tickets on 01908 691176 or email [email protected]