The seventh annual Art in the Park Festival will be unwrapped in Campbell Park this weekend, promising live music, performances, visual arts, storytelling, debate and food.
Among the music makers, enjoy tradition with the blaze of colour that is the Rajastahani Heritage Band, or be thrilled in the company of Jaljala and their 'exquisite Egyptian and traiditional Arab' deliveries. Or will 47 Soul get your vote when they play their mix of Arabic Dabke, Rap and Hip Hop?
Traditional spoken word and storytelling will be plentiful. Housed in a Mongolian Yurt, it's the place to head to for panel discussions and story-telling for little folks and Alia Alzougbi will tell traditional and contemporary stories for the whole family.
If you are looking for more topical, serious discussion, award-winning journo Bidisha will chair the 'Migration – Crisis?' debate, and Syrian storyteller Nadine Kadaan will tell new tales.
In turn, they will become the inspiration for creating postcards that will be sent on to Syrian families.
Nottingham-based Nadim Chaudry is responsible for visual art on show, and you'll have no problem finding it – it's one of his biggest installations to date. Drop-in participation workshops will also figure across the weekend.
A great parade of colour will move through the street of Milton Keynes, snaking its way to Campbell Park at around 2pm on Saturday afternoon, and there will be no need to dash off for food with lots of flavoursome belly fillers on site...including (we hope) some great veggie options.
Speaking of food, Art in the Park will also host its own Bake Off on Saturday, with home-made cakes decorated live in front of audiences.
The event is organised by the MK Islamic Arts Heritage and Culture group, and MKIAC: “Through this journey of arts and culture we are able to share our experiences and stories within a contemporary society helping bring our diverse community together,” said Anouar Kassim, MKIAC director.
Pop along on Saturday (July 9) between 1 and 7pm, or Sunday (July 10) between 1pm and 6pm.
