This year's festival is the biggest ever, with more than 300 free events delivered by 84 organisations over 10 days, celebrating everything from ancient history to modern architecture and making it one of the largest Heritage Open Days festivals in England.
What began with just 15 events in 2006 has grown into one of the country's largest Heritage Open Days programmes, proving once again that the old claim that Milton Keynes 'has no history' couldn't be further from the truth.
From September 11-20, 10 days wil be packed with unforgettable free events. There’s something for everyone. S
tep back into the Middle Ages and enroll for sword school at Bradwell Abbey’s Medieval Fayre. Discover the story of hip hop culture in MK with exhibitions and film screenings. Explore our ancient churches, where you’ll find talks, tours and lots of tea and cake.
Take in striking photography that celebrates MK’s modern architecture from Hotel La Tour’s new digital gallery up on the 14th floor.
Families are spoilt for choice this year – get into the party spirit at the Mini Caribbean Carnival that’ll be popping up in Midsummer Place, visit the floating market at Wolverton’s first annual Canal & Rail Festival, get hands-on at Cotswold Archaeology’s open day, celebrate the harvest in a day of family-friendly fun at Bradwell Windmill, have a go at making your own creations inspired by Westbury Arts Centre’s beautiful garden sculpture trail, enrol as codebreakers at Bletchley Park, browse the Street Of Shops and explore toys from another age at MK Museum – the list goes on and on!
Living Archive MK co-ordinates MK Heritage Open Days on behalf of MK City Council. As Milton Keynes bids to become UK City of Culture 2029, MK Heritage Open Days provides the city's biggest annual celebration of the stories, creativity and communities that make Milton Keynes unique.
"MK Heritage Open Days tells the story of a city that's always been bold, creative and shaped by its communities," said Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Jane Carr, "As we bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, this year's festival is a reminder that Milton Keynes has an incredible story to tell and a bright future ahead."
Whether you've lived here for fifty years or arrived last month, there's never been a better time to discover the stories behind Milton Keynes. Pick up a free brochure from Milton Keynes libraries or Get Smart carousel stands in local supermarkets from early August, or browse the full programme online at https://www.livingarchive.org.uk/events/category/events
