Five of the best things to do in Milton Keynes in the coming week

From the sounds of the funfair to a powerful modern theatrical classic, there's much to enjoy...
Milton Keynes Museum hosts an organ festival this weekendMilton Keynes Museum hosts an organ festival this weekend
Milton Keynes Museum hosts an organ festival this weekend

1 FAMILY

Organ festival, Milton Keynes Museum, October 6 and 7

Milton Keynes Museum is preparing to transport visitors to the days of fairground fun once again with the return of its popular Organ Festival. Organs were the soundtrack of the fairground in days gone by, and the music makers are still a thrill for those who remember the charming machines from their youth. Visitors will be able to hear the historic organs playing just as they used to. The fair is also an opportunity to show the younger generations the magic of the mechanical players. Exhibitors are rightly proud of their music-making machines, and travel from far and wide to partake in the event. One of the star attractions won’t have far to travel at all though – Emmett’s marvellous fairground organ is a splendid example that ‘lives’ locally. The Emmett family have been supporting Milton Keynes for many decades.

From petite music boxes to fairground centre-of-attractions, the museum will be dancing to a decidedly different tune, and you can too if the mood takes you.

Details: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

2 THEATRE

War Horse, Milton Keynes Theatre, until October 6

One of the most acclaimed theatre shows of the century so far has galloped in to Milton Keynes Theatre. War Horse has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide and completed its record-breaking eight- year London run in March 2016. It has won 25 awards, including the Tony for Best Play on Broadway. Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse, Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War, is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history.

Details: atgtickets.com

3 COMEDY

An Evening with Andy Hamilton, October 10

He’s the man behind some of Britain’s favourite comedy shows – and he promises a funny and revealing night out next week. Andy will look back at his very extensive professional career in comedy which began in 1976 as a contributor to Radio 4’s Weekending and has seen him pick up a raft of awards for co-writing and co-directing such household TV classics as Drop The Dead Donkey and Outnumbered. Andy’s TV and radio credits are numerous and include Have I Got News For You, Q.I., The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. There will be a chance to ask questions of Andy on any topic – during both halves of the show.

Details: stables.org

4 FAMILY

Black History Month celebration, Open Market square, Milton Keynes, October 6

The MK Melting Pot is organising a range of activities, including screening of African movies, African drumming, African-Caribbean music, arts, crafts for children, games and food displays and sales.

Details: facebook.com/mkmeltingpot

5 MUSIC

Sons of Pitches: 100 Number One Hits, The Stables, Wavendon, October 7

Expect fast-paced medleys and mind-bending mashups as The Sons of Pitches attempt to hit their target of 100 legendary tracks in just one evening. From Michael Jackson to The Beatles, ABBA to Eminem, the show caters to audiences of all ages.

Details: stables.org