Ten of the best things to do in and around Milton Keynes in the next few days

1 MUSICMK Proms, Milton Keynes Theatre, September 9Crowd-pleasing and anthemic music will resound this weekend thanks to Milton Keynes City Orchestra and soprano Ellie Laugharne. The first half features Fanfare for the Common Man, the Champagne Galop, Ride of the Valkyries and the Triumphal March from Aida, before Rule, Britannia! Jerusalem, Pomp and Circumstance, The Dam Busters March, Fantasia on British Sea songs and many more fill the second half. Ellie Laugharne will also perform the likes of Summertime and Somewhere over the Rainbow. Flag-waving and singing is a must.Details: mkco.org

2 SHOPPINGMK Handmade & Vintage Autumn Weekend Extravaganza, in front of John Lewis, The Centre:MK, September 8 and 9Visitors are promised a huge indoor treasure trove of more than 130 exhibitors on market stalls, offering a paradise for lovers of the unique and unusual, crammed with an eclectic mix of thousands of high quality authentic vintage, retro, antique and handcrafted bargains, every item a one-off. Details: mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk

3 MUSICThe Billy Joel Songbook performed by Elio Pace and his band, The Stables, Wavendon, September 7Following on from his highly-acclaimed reunion concerts in the USA with Billy Joel’s original touring band and now in its fifth, hugely successful year, Elio Pace presents this critically acclaimed show celebrating the music of Billy Joel.Details: stables.org

4 MUSIC10 Years, Craufurd Arms, Wolverton, September 9They’ve been described as “built for stadiums” by Rock Sound and hailed by Classic Rock for their “big, industrial-sounding crunch of guitars” and by Metal Hammer for their “sheer infectious bombast”. Here’s a chance find out what the fuss is about.Details: thecraufurdarms.com

5 MUSICAndy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders, The Stables, Wavendon, September 9Andy first came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner. The 1960s saw the band clock up hits such as Bend Me Shape Me, Hello Suzy and (If Paradise is) Half As Nice. This weekend’s show features The Hi Riders Soul Revue comprising an extended brass section and Hammond organ.Details: stables.org

6 THEATRETen Little Thespians, Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willlen Park, September 13 to 15It’s the world premiere of this ‘why-dunnit’, presented by the Third Age Players. The Little Thespians Drama Group is left with a challenge when it comes to staging its next production, not least because of a rapidly diminishing cast. What is going on? Details: ticketsource.co.uk/TAP

7 MUSICLeveret, The Stables, Wavendon, September 12Leveret is a collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina) are regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Details: stables.org

8 MUSICChicago Blues Brothers, Milton Keynes Theatre, September 12It’s a two-hour, high energy, all-singing, all-dancing songfest featuring over 40 smash hits performed live in concert. Details: atgtickets.com

9 THEATRERain Man, Milton Keynes Theatre, until September 8The classic film takes to the stage, following the powerful story of two brothers, one of whom is an autistic savant, who has a remarkable memory and a genius for numbers. Details: atgtickets.com

10 MUSICMaya Youssef Trio, The Stables, Wavendon, September 13Maya Youssef is a virtuoso on the qanun, the 78-string plucked zither at the heart of Arabic music, and is known for her warmth and humour.Details: stables.org