Milton Keynes Midsummer Festival Returns on 22 June 2025

Although it has been a number of years since it last took place, Milton Keynes is ready to shine again with the return of the Midsummer Festival – a spectacular, free, family-friendly celebration of community, creativity and culture.

The festival will take place on Sunday 22 June 2022, from 10:00am – 10:30pm, and Midsummer Boulevard East will be transformed into a magical open-air arena of art, folklore and summer solstice energy.

Based on the success of last year’s first edition of the festival, the Milton Keynes Midsummer Festival offers an immersive and interactive live experience that will include an expanded programme of live performances, installations, workshops and street theatre. The whole event is free to attend, making it one of the most accessible and inclusive events in Milton Keynes cultural calendar.

✨ Festival Highlights

Leap then Look’s 100 Miles of String is a changing public artwork that will transform the festival site visually while also inviting participants to weave a glowing sun web through the boulevard. Hearthfolk’s giant puppets, and The Midsummer Machine will be roaming the streets. Chi-no-wa-Kuguri, an impressive traditional Japanese shrine made of grass, will welcome people to walk through to promote renewal and positive energies.

We will also have interactive installations such as The Wandering Oracles, Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun, and Birch Tree Family which will bring myth, nature and storytelling to the heart of the city. As the sun goes down, Inside the Circle of the Sun will offer a reflective space, with ritual and sound, that connects people with the lore of the solstice.

Finally, Families will also be able to join in with Midsummer Mischief, a dressing up installation with a range of folklore inspired costumes created by families with the help of MK Gallery’s Inclusive Practice in the Arts programme.

🎪 Creative Zones & Free Workshops

The Solstice Workshop Tent has free drop-in programming throughout the day, such as:

• Flower Crown Making (10 am–12:30 pm)
• Weaving the Woods (1 pm–3:30 pm)
• Mandala Design Workshop (4 pm–5:30 pm)
• Inside the new Performance Yurt enjoy free, ticketed programming:
• Midsummer Dreaming (12–1 pm family friendly and 5–6 pm 18+)
• Journey of a Barn Owl (10:30 am, 2 pm, 3:30 pm)
• Mini Tarot Readings from Arizona Smith (5–9 pm, 18+)

🎵 Midsummer Music Tent Line-up

The music stage will present a variety of material selected by local artists:

• DryWood’s Midsummer Folk (11am–12pm & 2:30–4pm)
• Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remix (1–2pm)
• SLQY’s Midsummer Mellow (5–7pm)
• The Orbitza (7–8:30pm)
• Various Artists (8:45–10pm)

🌿 Access & Amenities

The venue is fully accessible, featuring flat ground, ramps, and Changing Place facilities (open 10am-5pm) at MK Gallery. A quiet Sensory Breakout Space will be available on site. There are thousands of parking spaces located nearby.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome with us and water bowls will be available.

Embrace midsummer through imagination, community and creativity. Whether you’re crafting art, dancing to live music, or sharing stories in the sun, the Midsummer Festival 2025 can’t be missed.