Ten of the best things to do in and around Milton Keynes in the rest of the month

1 THEATRE

The Jungle Book, Stantonbury Theatre, August 28 to September 1

It’s the UK premiere of this new dynamic adaptation, with percussion, puppetry and Kipling’s unforgettable characters. When Mowgli appears in the jungle, and Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Akela the wolf protect him from the tiger Shere Khan, none of them can anticipate the adventures that lie ahead.

Details: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

2 FAMILY

Summer Bytes, The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, Tuesdays to Sundays throughout August

Summer Bytes festivals have become one of the go-to events for youngsters wanting creative fun during the school holidays. From Minecraft to Lego and Raspberry Pis to BBC Micro:bits, there is plenty to unlock imaginations, inspire and entertain.

Details: tnmoc.org

3 MUSIC AND COMEDY

Alistair McGowan: Introductions to Classical Piano, The Stables, Wavendon, August 24

Probably best known for his Bafta-winning comedy show The Big Impression, the master mimic takes to the stage hoping to bring to life his love for classical piano, alongside his hugely popular impressions. Having not played piano since he was a young boy, Alistair reignited his passion for the instrument in his late 40s.

Details: stables.org

4 MUSIC

Van Morrison, Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, August 31

One of music’s undisputed true originals, Van Morrison’s matchless songwriting and vocal talents have seen him produce an incredible body of material, covering everything from the British R&B with which he originally made his name, to jazz, Celtic and soul. Hits include Brown Eyed Girl, Gloria, Here Comes The Night, Jackie Wilson Said, Bright Side Of The Road and Have I Told You Lately. Special guests will be folk-rockers The Waterboys, known for their Celtic-tinged hits such as Fisherman’s Blues and The Whole of The Moon.

Details: ticketline.co.uk/heritage-live-concerts

5 MUSIC

Blake: 10th Anniversary Tour, The Stables, Wavendon, August 28

Brit-Award-winning vocal trio Blake return with songs from their new album including Elgar’s Nimrod, the Beatles’ Here There and Everywhere, Somewhere from West Side Story and the classic Caruso.

Details: stables.org

6 FOOD AND DRINK

The Frosts Food Festival, Frosts Garden Centre, Milton Keynes, August 25 to 27

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with live chef demonst-

rations, fun kids’ cookery activities, a chance to discover some of the region’s best produce and relax to the sound of a live jazz band.

Details: frostsgardencentres.co.uk

7 MUSIC

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, The Stables, Wavendon, August 31

The band has received many accolades over the years, most recently winning Best Led Zeppelin tribute for the third year running at the National Tribute Awards. Expect the best in heavy rock, played with authenticity.

Details: stables.org

8 MUSIC

Shakatak, The Stables, Wavendon, August 25

Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely achieved in contemporary music. The band enjoy both cult status and popular recognition thanks to their many hits, including the singles Easier Said Than Done, Night Birds and Down on the Street.

Details: stables.org

9 MUSIC

Gilbert O’Sullivan, The Stables, Wavendon, August 29

Gilbert will be performing new songs alongside classics such as Alone Again (Naturally), Nothing Rhymed and Clair in an intimate, acoustic setting on one of a handful of UK dates.

Details: stables.org

10 ART

Milton Keynes Society of Artists Summer Exhibition, Ellen Pettit Memorial Hall, August 25 to 27

See a wide range of works in a variety of mediums by some of Milton Keynes’ best artists.

Details: mksa.org.uk