The reasons why Milton Keynes is a hidden cultural gem
If we hear the accusation that Milton Keynes doesn’t have any culture or that it’s too young to have any history…we may well just scream!
By MK Citizen in association with Destination MK
Published 24th Jun 2021, 11:44 BST
Updated 24th Jun 2021, 15:16 BST
It’s one of the biggest myths around MK and one that we wholeheartedly disagree with. You don’t even have to look very far to find five museums, a state-of-the-art gallery, one of the most popular theatres outside the West End and so much public art you practically bump into a sculpture around every corner.
So, what tickles your fancy in the cultural oasis that is Milton Keynes? The MK Citizen has teamed up with Destination MK to lift the lid on the reasons why MK is a cultural gem.
Live music is an important part of any place’s cultural identity. The Stables is one of the UK’s most popular music venues, founded way back in 1969 by legendary jazz musicians Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine. It rocks out to over 500 concerts and workshops each year and the music is set to play to packed audiences once again. Photo: Alan Dunkley
But there are other live music venues to discover...MK11 is housed in a former barn and offers comedy nights, quizzes and sporting events alongside the live music and guest DJs. One of Milton Keynes local legends, The Craufurd Arms, is a live music venue, theatre and pub located in the heart of Wolverton.
Every two years in July, Milton Keynes becomes a mecca for all things culture as the IF: Milton Keynes International Festival rolls into town and for 2021, it’s longer than ever with a full 21 days of open-air live music, dance and performance, live comedy, free family events, site-specific installations, pop-up performances and much more. www.ifmiltonkeynes.org