MK Digest – Comedy festival announced, Record Store Day crowds & what’s on this May

Your weekly update on what’s happening across Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes Comedy Festival is set to return this summer, bringing a packed programme of stand-up, improv and live shows to venues across the city from 9th to 12th July.

This year’s line-up features a mix of household names and rising stars, including Ed Byrne, Joe Pasquale, Sara Pascoe, Simon Brodkin and Nina Benjamin, alongside a wide range of acts spanning sketch, improv and family-friendly performances.

Across four days, audiences can expect more than 20 shows taking place at locations across central Milton Keynes, with organisers aiming to build on the success of previous years and establish the festival as a key date in the city’s cultural calendar.

In addition to headline stand-up acts, the programme also includes interactive experiences such as improv shows, themed comedy nights, and family events – including Comedy Club 4 Kids and Story Time with Mama G – making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Demand is already proving strong, with at least one show – scheduled for 9th May as part of the festival build-up – now marked as sold out, highlighting early interest in this year’s programme.

Tickets are on sale now, with early demand already strong – full details and booking below.

More information →

Dog lovers, mark your calendars – the much-loved Big Doggie Do returns to Willen Lake this May for a full weekend of tail-wagging fun.

Taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, the free event brings together dogs and their humans for a packed programme of shows, activities, stalls and family entertainment.

Visitors can expect everything from flyball displays to dock diving (where dogs leap into the water), alongside talks, stalls, food and drink. There’s also a popular dog show, sponsored by MK Vet Group, with entries open on the day for just £1.

It’s not just for four-legged visitors either – families can enjoy children’s activities including arts and crafts, colouring sessions and even a dog-themed quiz with prizes up for grabs.

Organised by The Parks Trust, the event celebrates one of Milton Keynes’ biggest park-loving communities: dog owners. As Sandra Adjei from The Parks Trust puts it, it’s a “joyful, educational, and tail-wagging weekend” for all involved.

The event runs:

No tickets are needed – just turn up and enjoy.

Find out more →

Music fans turned out in force over the weekend as Off the Record in Midsummer Place hosted its biggest-ever Record Store Day.

The independent record shop, run by Willen Hospice, offered more than 800 limited-edition vinyl releases, with queues forming early as collectors lined up for exclusive titles.

Record Store Day is a global celebration of independent record shops, bringing together music lovers through special releases and a shared passion for vinyl.

Alongside the exclusive records, visitors were also able to browse a wide selection of new and pre-loved music, with proceeds helping to support Willen Hospice’s specialist care across Milton Keynes.

More information →

A Milton Keynes charity has taken its message to Westminster this week, highlighting how sustainable shopping is helping fund vital local care.

Willen Hospice was invited to UK Parliament by local MP Emily Darlington, where the team set up a pop-up shop for MPs and staff in the Jubilee Room.

The event gave visitors the chance to browse a curated selection of high-quality, pre-loved items – with every purchase supporting the Hospice’s care for people affected by life-limiting illness across the Milton Keynes area.

With 15 shops locally, including its independent music store Off the Record in Midsummer Place, the Hospice generates more than a quarter of its income through retail – making community support a vital part of its funding.

The Westminster showcase also aimed to highlight the wider role of charity shops in promoting more sustainable shopping habits. By giving items a second life, supporters help reduce waste while contributing directly to local healthcare services.

Emily Darlington MP said the Hospice is a “cornerstone of palliative care” in Milton Keynes, adding that the initiative helps raise awareness of both sustainable fashion and the importance of supporting local charities.

The visit comes as hospices across the UK face growing financial pressure, with many warning of potential cuts to frontline services – underlining the importance of innovative fundraising approaches like retail.

More information →

If things feel a bit quieter in Milton Keynes right now, there’s a reason.

Ahead of local elections, councils follow strict rules on what they can and can’t communicate publicly, to avoid influencing the outcome.

In practice, this means:

Normal communications are expected to resume from mid-May.

More information →

Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:

Ibiza Revival - Lakehurst Park (Sat 25 Apr) – From £6.13
Outdoor DJs, drinks and festival vibes to kick off the season.
More information →

Salsa & Bachata Classes on Mondays (from 20 Apr) – £10 / night
Dance classes followed by a free social session at Midsummer Tap.
More information →

Flamenco from Spain (Sun 26 Apr) – £22.99
Live performance at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone.
More information →

Friday Art Club (weekly) – £6 Adults
Relaxed creative sessions for all abilities.
More information →

Women's cycling sessions (ongoing) – Free
Supportive sessions for all abilities across Milton Keynes.
More information →

Nature: The Eternal Thread – exhibition (until July) – Free
A solo exhibition by MK artist Robin Souter at The Stables Gallery.
More information →

Explore more local events on Eventbrite and Destination Milton Keynes.

What kinds of local events would you like to see more (or less) of in MK Digest?

Just hit reply – I read every message.

See you next issue.

Toby
MK Digest
[email protected]