Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.
Drivers can charge FREE at Xscape’s new 32-bay EV hub
A new 32-bay electric vehicle charging hub has opened at Xscape Milton Keynes, with free charging available from Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 August.
The RAW Charging hub has 16 destination chargers rated at 22kW, eight 50kW rapid chargers and eight 150kW ultra-rapid chargers, giving drivers options for longer visits or faster stops.
To use the offer, drivers must join RAW Rewards and start the session through the ChargePoint app. Xscape’s normal parking charges and restrictions still apply.
The published offer does not state a maximum free charging allowance or session length, so drivers should check the live instructions before travelling.
Credit: RAW Charging
MKUH takes major step towards new hospital building
Milton Keynes University Hospital has signed a partnership agreement with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver a new building for maternity and children’s services, alongside additional surgical capacity.
The agreement is part of the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, which links NHS trusts with construction partners through the national New Hospital Programme.
MKUH says the development will help meet the needs of Milton Keynes’ fast-growing population. Its programme page currently gives an expected construction window of 2027 to 2030.
Detailed design and delivery work will continue. The announcement does not give a final cost, confirmed opening date or precise capacity figures.
Illustrative image. Photo by Gabriel Tovar on Unsplash
New free website helps older residents reduce their risk of falls
A new free website has launched to help Milton Keynes residents understand their risk of falling and take practical steps to stay active, safe and independent.
Steady On Your Feet includes a short self-assessment. Users then receive a personalised action plan that they can view, print or share with relatives and health professionals.
Milton Keynes City Council says around 900 residents aged 65 and over are admitted to hospital each year following a fall. The website also offers advice on strength and balance, staying active, making the home safer and other common risks.
The resource was developed by local council and NHS partners. Its information does not replace advice from a GP or other healthcare professional.
Credit: Milton Keynes City Council
Unity Place offers free photography workshops and family film
Unity Place is offering free photography workshops for children and teenagers on Tuesday 11 August, alongside a free family screening of Hoppers.
Pixel Affiliate will run one-hour beginner sessions for ages 8–12 from 11am to midday and ages 13–17 from 1pm to 2pm. Each workshop is limited to 10 places and must be booked in advance.
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, but this is not essential because everyone will have an opportunity to handle one, adjust settings and take photographs.
Hoppers will be shown in the Urban Food Market at 11am, free of charge and without booking. It clashes with the younger workshop, so families will need to choose between them.
Unity Place says parents may remain in the workshop room or use facilities elsewhere inside the building while the session takes place.
Illustrative image. Credit: Designed by Freepik - Magnific.com
MK Weekender brings three days of music to Campbell Park
Campbell Park will host three days of live music and family entertainment from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August.
Friday focuses on house music and Ibiza classics, with Symphonic Ibiza, Seb Fontaine and Tall Paul among the billed performers. Gates open at 4pm, with the advertised programme listed from 5pm to 11pm.
Saturday features live acts, singalong anthems and DJ sets led by Scouting For Girls, Martin Kemp and Charlie Hedges. Gates open at 1pm, with the advertised programme listed from 3pm to 11pm.
Friday and Saturday are separately ticketed, with a two-day option available. The organiser lists the event as 14+, with attendees aged 14–17 accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Sunday is a separately ticketed Raver Tots family festival. Skiddle lists doors from 12.30pm, while The Parks Trust lists the main programme from 1pm to 5pm. All ages are welcome, but adults cannot attend without a child and everyone needs an advance ticket, including babies.
There is no public event parking at Campbell Park. Drivers are directed to centre:mk’s multi-storey car parks and asked not to park on nearby residential streets.
Credit: MK Weekender
What’s on in Milton Keynes
Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:
At the Libraries ::
🕒 Mon 10 Aug:
Musical storytelling at three libraries
Toscana Strings and ballerina Laura Power perform Peter and the Wolf at Newport Pagnell Library from 10am–11am, Wind in the Willows at Kingston Library from 12pm–1pm, and Sleeping Beauty at Bletchley Library from 2pm–3pm. The libraries are otherwise closed that Monday and are opening only for the performances.
📍 Newport Pagnell, Kingston and Bletchley Libraries
🎟 £3 per person; advance booking required; ages 3+; children remain with an adult
View the library performances →
Walks, Rides & Outdoors ::
🕒 Tue 11 Aug, 11am–1pm:
Free summer cycling at Browns Wood
British Cycling coaches will help children who are new to cycling or want to build confidence, with skills activities and obstacle courses. Bikes and helmets are available to use free of charge. The organiser has not published an age range or wet-weather arrangements.
📍 Browns Wood Sports Ground, Kensington Drive, MK7 8DX
🎟 Free drop-in; bikes and helmets supplied
See the cycling-session details →
Family-friendly & Creative ::
🕒 Tue 11 and Thu 13 Aug, 11am–3pm; 🕒 Wed 12 Aug, 11am–4pm:
FREE circus skills and garden crafts
Children can try hula hooping, plate spinning, juggling and ribbon dancing in Queen’s Court on Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday’s garden-themed craft workshop is near Door 1 by Oliver Bonas. In poor weather, the circus workshops may move beside John Lewis & Partners.
📍 centre:mk
🎟 Free; children under six must attend with an adult; booking arrangements are not stated
View the summer workshop programme →
🕒 Fri 14 Aug, 10am–12pm:
Art Explorers at Arts Central
Art for Wellbeing MK is running a relaxed creative session for children aged 8+, with several art-and-craft stations and different materials to try. Adult supervision is required, and tea and coffee are included for adults.
📍 Studio 1, Arts Central, 20 Burners Lane, Kiln Farm, MK11 3HB
🎟 £10 per child; £5 per accompanying adult; advance booking required
View the Art Explorers listing →
Community & Weekend ::
🕒 Sat 15 Aug, 11.30am–6pm; 🕒 Sun 16 Aug, 12pm–5pm:
🐶 ChihuahuaTown and Merlin’s Haven charity weekend
Saturday is aimed at Chihuahuas, Chihuahua crosses and similarly tiny dogs, with a fun show, pageant, races, shopping, food and children’s activities. Sunday welcomes all breeds for a charity fun dog show supporting Merlin’s Haven.
📍 Lakehurst Park, Buckingham Road, Milton Keynes MK19 6JY
🎟 Sat: £10 adult / £5 child in advance, or £12 / £10 on the gate; babies under one free. Sun: £2 per person
View ChihuahuaTown details →
Arts & Culture ::
🕒 Sat 15–Sun 16 Aug, 11am–4pm:
Round The World – and Back Again
Westbury Fabric & Fibre’s annual textile exhibition is open to everyone and free to attend. Tea and cake, a haberdashery sale and a book sale are also listed. The official page does not publish accessibility arrangements.
📍 Westbury Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road, Shenley Wood, MK5 6AA
🎟 Free entry
View the textile exhibition →
Explore more local events on Eventbrite and Destination Milton Keynes.
Quick question for you
What kinds of local events would you like to see more of in MK Digest?
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See you next issue.
Toby
MK Digest