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

1 FAMILY

Woburn Safari Park

Fancy something different for the holidays? Youngsters have the chance to help out the animal keepers at the park for a week. The park’s Working With Animals Week’ course for teenagers (14 to 17 years) allows them to follow a keeper for a week and take part in many of their daily tasks and activities. Woburn is also running a summer workshop called Week On The Wild Side, allowing children aged eight to 12 the rare chance to help care for the animal residents.

Details: www.woburnsafari.co.uk

2 MUSIC

Mad Mods & Englishmen, Bedford Esquires, August 13

The MK act are billed as ‘no traditional covers band’ – and here’s your chance to find out why. Their energetic performances have built them a large following and they have a reputation of packing every venue they play. Their repertoire includes hits from The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Yardbirds, The Jam and many more.

Details: www.thepadpresents.com

3 FAMILY

Bletchley Park, until September 4

Visit the heritage attraction on your doorstep – at a discounted rate. Residents of postcodes MK1-MK19, MK77, LU5-LU7 and HP19-HP23 can take advantage of a two-for-one ticket offer. The exhibitions and displays at Bletchley Park have been greatly developed in recent years. The major restoration project completed in 2014 saw the opening of a new visitor centre with a stunning introductory exhibition and the restoration of original wartime huts. Film lovers can see the exhibition about Oscar winning biopic about Codebreaker Alan Turing, The Imitation Game, in the Mansion, before stepping over to Hut 8 to see his real office.

Detals: www.bletchleypark.org.uk

4 MUSIC

Tom Grennan, Craufurd Arms, August 13

He’s supported The Libertines and is guest vocalist on a new track

with Chase & Status, so catch him in an intimate venue while you still can.

Details: www.thecraufurdarms.co.uk

5 FAMILY

Model Railway Exhibition, August 13

With 23 model railway layouts

and 14 traders as well as an outdoor train provided by the Milton Keynes Model

Engineering Society, there’s plenty for trainheads big and small to enjoy.

Details: www.silverfoxdcc.club

6 FAMILY

Georgian tea party, Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney, August 13

With 18th century dancing, traditional games and Georgian dress aplenty, get ready to be transported back through the centuries.

cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

7 MUSIC

Saturday Live Music, MK Gallery, August 13

It’s certainly not The X Factor. Sophie Cooper is influenced by psychedelic pop, weird noise and drone. Delphine Dora improvises with piano and voice. Together, they headline an evening of musical adventure, also featuring sound artist Jonny Hill, the mesmerising Glockenspiel and “celestial poets” Lust Rollers. Stay away, Mr Cowell.

Details: www.mkgallery.org

8 FAMILY

Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, August 14

Stunt riders, display teams, the wall of death, off-roaders and more – prepare for noisy thrills in the town centre.

Details: brackleyfestivalofmotorcycling.co.uk

9 FAMILY

Saturday Studio, MK Gallery, August 13

Create your own flip book animation and bring it to life by creating a soundtrack through a fun sound studio. It’s part of a series of events about the art and craft of film-making.

Details: www.mkgallery.org

10 MUSIC

Our Man In The Bronze Age, Craufurd Arms, August 13

Dark stage theatrics and everything from vocals and piano to a three-way guitar assault are in store for those looking for musical thrills with a difference.

Details: www.thecraufurdarms.co.uk