Milton Keynes will be colourful, noisy, and creative once more, as Art in the Park returns to Campbell Park on Saturday 21st June 2025 from 1 PM to 9 PM. Art in the Park is free for families across the UK and is a spectacular celebration of diversity, culture, and the importance of artistic expression, attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK.

The event is organised by Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC), and is aligned with International Refugee Week with the important and relevant theme of “Belonging.”

A Festival Rooted in Cultural Unity and Inclusion

Art in the Park, while a festival, is much more and is a community movement. In 2025, our festival will be focusing on the resilience of refugees and their artistry, taking their stories, traditions and contributions to center stage. With music, dance, visual arts and food, visitors will be examining a sense of belonging in a vibrant multicultural Britain.

🎨 Theme: “Belonging”
🗓 Date: Saturday 21 June 2025
🕐 Time: 1 PM – 9 PM
📍 Location: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes
💷 Admission: Free

Parade of Colours: The Festival’s Iconic Centrepiece

The Parade of Colours is expected to be one of the highlights of the day – a vibrant, multi-sensory procession through Milton Keynes. Led by Tamzyn from Kinetika Bloco, and featuring banners by artist Emma Garofalo, the Parade of Colours will be a vibrant demonstration of unity and visual storytelling.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Live street music and percussion.
• Handmade banners and costumes.
• Artists and community groups that are refugees.
• Local schools and residents participating alongside everyone else

Anyone can join, as both a performer, participant, volunteer, or audience member. The Parade of Colours is an opportunity to take part in a message of happiness and unity.

Live Performances: A Celebration of Global Talent

Get ready to be entertained by an amazing line-up of local and international acts, all with their own vibrant cultural flavour!
Sefo Kanuteh – Kora & Balafon Player – Our headliner – Sefo Kanuteh from The Gambia is a Kora and Balafon Player and an award-winning artist whose emotive music draws on traditional influences yet feels fresh and contemporary. Sefo will take audiences on a sonic journey and introduce Mande musical heritage to a contemporary audience through his lively music and charming personality!

Other featured acts:

• London Syrian Ensemble -a culturally bridging performance of Syrian classical music and youth refugee engagement

• Satyam Dance – a stunning dance performance that creatively combines classical Indian dance practice with contemporary dance
• Greek performers – sharing the richness of traditional Hellenic dance and song
• Afgan performers – showcasing the rich folk traditions from Afghanistan
• Yemeni Cultural Music Group. – A soulful rhythms performance celebrating Yemeni heritage.

Art Marquee: Hands-On Creativity for All Ages

Join the Art Marquee and get involved with the creative workshops that promote self-exploration and sharing of skills.

🎨 Activities Include:

• Create your own Tote Bags with Henna: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to create vibrant artwork with Henna on their own tote bags that they can then take home with them.
• Calligraphy workshop: Join esteemed calligrapher Abu Yahya – born in Pakistan, now based in London – for a hands-on workshop exploring the beauty of Islamic calligraphy. Learn to create your own piece under his expert guidance.
• Turkish Marbling Workshop (Ebru): Discover the traditional art of Ebru, where vibrant patterns are created by floating pigments on thickened water and then gently transferring the design onto paper. This mesmerising technique allows you to produce unique, marbled artworks using delicate brushwork and careful paper placement.

Food Village: A Culinary Tour of the World

Get ready to explore global flavours at the Food Village with local and international vendors serving up a diverse range of dishes. From Middle Eastern mezze and Indian curries to Greek gyros and African stews, there is something for everyone.

🧆 We are looking for more food vendors – especially those are diverse and affordable! If you are interested in serving food, please get in touch with the MKIAC!

Art in the Park is proudly supported by:

• MK College

• Milton Keynes City Council

• Arts Council England

• Community Action MK (TBC)

• Music Hub

• Local schools and volunteers