Exploding cannon, clashing swords and a romp through Milton Keynes history led by re-enactors and compelling story-tellers!
This is your chance to travel back in time to experience local life from the 1st to the 21st centuries. Campbell Park will play host to the Festival of History, a celebration of Milton Keynes’ past that showcases the work of key local heritage groups.
The event is free, and will appeal to everyone of all ages.
Organised, supported and funded by Heritage MK, Milton Keynes Council, the Parks Trust, MK Community Foundation and the Milton Keynes Heritage Association.
Heritage MK is funded and supported by Milton Keynes Council.
The Festival of History takes place every two years. In 2017, it marked the city's 50th anniversary celebrations, and received more than 5,000 visitors each day.
The organisers are keen to build upon this success, and 2019 promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever.
This year’s Festival of History will take place on the weekend of 15 – 16 June. Set across an arena, open-air stage and the park itself, the festival offers a fantastic combination of live events, re-enactments and demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills from leatherwork and carpentry, spinning, dying and weaving to butter and breadmaking.
There are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at a wide range of activities.
Noël James, Director MKCDC and a Director of MK Heritage said: “We are extremely excited about this year’s Festival of History and all the planned events which will be a true representation of our city and region’s history. The re-enactments, the objects on display, films that will be shown, food, music, arts and crafts are just some of the examples of what we have planned that present a clear vision of our rich heritage. It is an exciting opportunity for MK Heritage to showcase a reimagining of life through the ages making this a truly spectacular day out for all.
“Our close and invaluable collaboration with the museums, heritage groups and the council allow us to transform Campbell Park with all the right provisions for our visitors for a weekend of unforgettable historical experiences. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our favourite festival and share our unique heritage with every generation.”
The festival offers everyone the opportunity to chat with local heritage groups and learn from history advocates that work tirelessly to protect and promote aspects of our region’s past. Meet the groups that, together, celebrate our heritage and work towards ensuring it remains part of Milton Keynes’ future.
The event has something for everyone. Visit the Festival of History to:
Shout for the victor during a 1st century Roman invasion
Learn what weaponry the Vikings used and take part in training and combat exercises
Have a go at medieval archery and take aim with a crossbow
See knights show off their skills in a 14th century tournament
Live through the Wars of the Roses during a display of longbow, crossbow, handgonnes and hand to hand combat
Hear from a Stony Stratford innkeeper how the rightful King Edward V – one of the unfortunate Princes in the Tower – was captured in his inn!
Learn how to dance at the court of the first Queen Elizabeth to the sweet accompaniment of Tudor drum and bagpipe
Experience the sights and sounds of an exciting skirmish during the English Civil War which set neighbour against neighbour
Join the scarlet-coated Queen’s Regiment from the early 1700s for drills and a bayonet charge
Meet Queen Victoria as she reviews the troops and meets her public
No registrations or tickets are required. Simply turn up to Campbell Park and step back in time. Click here for more information.
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