January
MK's Wise Guys filmmakers have taken a blank canvas and worked their magic for the Arts for Health charity - which uses art to improve the lives of people experiencing mental and physical health challenges in Milton Keynes.
Brian Conley and Gok Wan have wowed in panto in Milton Keynes, and before the curtain falls for the last time, they speak to Total MK's Sammy Jones: “Everyone is really conscious of the show, right up until the last performance – every single member of the cast.
"Every single show is different – the intonation, the comedy, the corpsing," Gok says, "All of that stuff changes every single show because people are constantly wanting to make it better.
"It's a sign of a company that really loves what they are doing."
Oi! Oi! The Blockheads are back in town, with a bustling gig at MK11, and Micky Gallagher takes the opportunity to talk music with us, and when Arcane Roots come to The Craufurd Arms they go On Track with Total MK too...
The spectacularly successful English Civil War re-enactment staged in Newport Pagnell in 2016 will have a lasting legacy for years to come - The Civil War Weekend, organised by local volunteers over the August Bank Holiday, generated a surplus which has been gifted to those who look after the town’s Bury Field Common.
The £2,224 will go towards a scientific survey of the site which played a significant role in the real Civil War.
Music-makers Inlak'esh take their style to The Stables with a tasty hometown show, and MK celebrates its half century plus one with a variety of events, exhibitions, and open days. At MK Theatre, the Jersey Boys are thrilling with the music of The Four Seasons.
Throughout January, MÓTUS and MK Gallery hosted a photographic exhibition exploring dance in Urban Spaces.
The show featured a series of images taken by, and inspired by their long term artistic collaborator and friend Legge, and was an opportunity to pay tribute to him. He sadly passed away in 2017.
“Legge was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He could always see the artistic possibilities that seemingly ordinary spaces offered,” said director Helen Parlor.
"He was a kind, generous and brilliant man and is very, very missed. His legacy will live on through all the lives he touched.’
February
The clever musical combination of Damian Wilson and Adam Wakeman return to The Stables with a tempting new album, The Sun Will Dance in its Twilight Hour, to share with you.
“We started writing this album towards the end of the summer, with the two of us sat around a piano with a couple of guitars lying around,” Adam said.
“We work quite quickly together, which means it's very constructive and when we’re done, it’s down the pub for a chat and a pint, rather than pulling all nighters in the studio!
“Those late night sessions happen very rarely for me these days, unless there’s an absolute deadline which demands it.”
And for Adam, songwriting is an organic thing. You can’t make it happen.
“I always find that it’s either coming or not, and however late you get up, or early you get up, you can’t force it into happening.”
Tread the Boards invite you to go back to the roaring twenties with their latest theatrical offering – and they aim to make a killing!
For the first time they are venturing into the world of dinner theatre and presenting a Murder Mystery Night at Longueville Hall.
Strictly Star Anton Du Beke talks to Total MK's Sammy Jones about turning dreams into reality: For a man who spent much of his 20s and 30s 'penniless with just a lot of dreams,' life today really is a dream come true.
“There is an element of luck and good fortune, but you've got to be ready to take that good fortune with two hands. Often people get opportunities but don't realise it.
“You've got to work hard, and be as brilliant as you can be all the time...”
Hundreds of people will gather together for a gig by a bill of popular MK bands at The Craufurd Arms, and everyone is coming together with just one person in mind.
A Concert for Adam is being held in memory of Adam Davison, who was a force on the Milton Keynes music scene for many years, and left a huge void in the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him.
We check in with MK's flourishing KingUnderground label, which is run by Dan Englander: It began with a Prince’s Trust start-up loan, and since that time back in 2005, KingUnderground has moulded and expanded and is now releasing music from artists all over the world.
The growing roster of artists includes players from Norway, Russia and the US, and some from right here on the doorstep, including Ernest Herb and Simiah.
March
In Stony Stratford, Beer Bear and York House collaborate to bring a true craft beer festival to Milton Keynes. York House Community Centre plays host.
The Milton Keynes Handmade & Vintage Extravaganza returns, much to the delight of shoppers.
This huge indoor pop-up handmade and vintage bazaar at Middleton Hall in centre:mk has a reputation as one of the best markets in the country, inviting the region's most original and affordable designer-makers, artists and specialist vintage and antique dealers to town.
Milton Keynes Theatre announces Shane Richie will star in pantomime this Christmas – in Robin Hood, and tickets go on sale to see alt-newcomers INK. At The Craufurd Arms. The band features McFly's Dougie Poynter in the ranks.
Milton Keynes Brass and Bradwell Silver Band both achieved success at the London and Southern Counties Area Brass Band Championships.
Milton Keynes Brass were awarded third prize in a large field of 18 bands in the second section.
As a result, the band have now been promoted to the first section and will play at the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.
Jonathan Mott, MD of Milton Keynes Brass, said: “The band has worked very hard and maintained consistently good results over the last 12 months resulting in an appearance at the National finals and promotion. 12 months ago we had a plan to achieve this and it's nice to see this coming to fruition. “
Bradwell Silver travelled home with the gold after securing first place in a fourth section of 18 bands and an invite to the National finals. This is a record breaking result for the band as it will be the first time in a 117 year history they have qualified for the National Finals.
The first place also means the band have gained promotion to the third section in 2019.
More to follow next week as our Year in Review continues...
