The Weekend in and around MK

It's the weekend again, and we're back with a list of events and activities to enjoy in and around the Milton Keynes area. There's a great selection of events on, and the Christmas themed activities are starting to appear already (and it's not even December yet!)

Friday 21st:

Newport Pagnell Farmers Market @ Market Place, Newport Pagnell High Street. 8.30am-1.30pm

Don't miss out on some great local produce this Friday morning, found on the third Friday of each month.

Harrold Twinning Association Wine Tasting @ Harrold Cricket Club, 7.30pm

An informal evening of wine tasting, hosted by Margaret Morley of Choice Wines, Little Addington. Tickets cost £8, email: mail@kit4kidz.com for more information.

The ride for Willen, Big Party Clothes Swap @ Olney RFC, East Street, Olney, 7pm

Grab a bargain and a gorgeous new outfit for the Christmas party season, as well as making some money from selling your old party clothes. Donate a percentage of the sale price to Ride for Willen. It's set to be a great night with your friends, trying on new clothes and having a few drinks while helping raise money for a great cause. Bring your old party clothes- party outfits, prom dresses, wedding outfits, dinner party, kids party clothes, designer or high street, all styles and sizes at a range of prices. Invite your friends and encourage them to bring clothes to swap too. Email vickibeynon@yahoo.co.uk for more info.

Saturday 22nd:

St Mary's church, Christmas Bazaar @ Carlton Village Hall, 10am-1pm

Come and get festive with the Christmas bazaar this Saturday. The grand draw will be at 12.30pm. Entry is £1 for adults, children go free.

Autumn Fair @ St. Margaret's Church, Denton, 11am-3pm

A great variety of items on offer, including books, cakes, cards, gifts, pot plants, raffle, tombola and more. Refreshments, tea and coffee and homemade soup with fresh bread will be served.

Sunday 23rd:

The Pad Presents @ Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL, 7pm 

Animals + Friends ft. special guest 'Stax legend' Steve Cropper + Cherry Lee Mewis. Animals + Friends were one of the most improtant British bands of the 1960s, with American and British chart topper 'House of the Rising Sun' among others. Guitarist Steve Cropper was voted among the top 100 guitar players of all-time by Rolling Stone Magazine readers in 2003, and so the combination of the two sets the scene for a great night.

Row row row your boat- What's on this Weekend?

As well as the events on through part of the MK Heritage Open days today, there are also a number of other events on this weekend...

Saturday

The Olney model railway club exhibition will be held at the Carlton house Club in Olney from 10.30am-4.30pm. Come along to see layouts, trade support, society stands and refreshments. Adults cost £2.50 and a family of four is £6.  Visit the website for more information.

The Milton Keynes Regatta also takes place today, consisting of two lane racing over a 500 meter course, with a variety of events in all categories including rowing, sculling, junior, senior and masters events. Racing will begin at 8.30am until 5pm, so do come along and cheer the rowers on at the rowing club on Caldecotte lake.

In the evening, come along to St Laud's Church in Sherington at 7.30pm to hear 'Ed and friends' play a light and varied programme of instrumental and vocal music. Tickets are £8 and are available on the door or from John and Pam Fielding. The concert is being held in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and St Laud's Church.

Sunday

HULA have another of their popular fete and dog show's today, including a variety of activities such as dog classes for all, doggie games and a fun photo competition (bring your pet photos). There will be assorted stalls, fun and games for children, bazaar and book stall and delicious refreshments, and the opportunity to come and meet the resident farm animals. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children, with all proceeds going to the care and welfare of HULA's animals. visit the website for more information.

Part of the Milton Keynes Heritage Weekend includes the medieval family fun day at Milton Keynes discovery centre, Bradwell Abbey, from 11am-4pm. The day will include a variety of hands-on activities, such as archery, birds of prey, medieval re-enactors and encampment, face painting, arts and crafts and more. There will be a great selection of refreshments, including hog roast, tea/coffee and cakes.

Visit the Cowpers Oak Country Pub and dining room from 4pm to enjoy 'last of the summer tapas'- enjoy some tapas and sangria as we say goodbye to summer!

Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre

This weekend is the Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre, an annual event which has a great turnout each year. Running from Friday 23rd through to Monday 25th, there's a great variety of events and activities to get involved in.

There will be:

• Galloping acrobatics in the main ring
• The annual vintage auction on Sunday
• Vintage vehicles and threshing display
• Birds of Prey
• Ferret racing
• Northants archive cinema
• Viking village
• Punch and Judy
• Sheridan the Sheep Dog
• Over 100 craft and trade stalls
• Refreshments and real ale tent
• Fairground
• Entertainment, including music from the Wellingborough band on Monday... and more!

It's a very varied event, and there's definitely something for all the family to get involved with and enjoy. 

The fayre will be open 9am-5pm each day, and tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children, or £20 for a family of four, don't miss out!

What to do this bank holiday Monday in Milton Keynes...

Bank holiday weekends always tend to fill themselves up with family and friends visiting, jobs to be done and of course a bit of an extra long snooze, but if you're still looking for something to do with your bank holiday Monday, we've got a few ideas for you...

Hollington Wood are holding their annual Bluebell day, where the woods are open for free for visitors to explore as they wish, as well as see the pigs and piglets, enjoy a guided tour of the woods and, as the name suggests, see the carpet of bluebells on display. The woods are open from 10am-6pm, and  refreshments will be available, including their very own sausages cooked on fire bowls. A great day out and lots to see, make the most of this open day to enjoy these local woods which aren't usually open to the public.

Woolaston Courtyard is holding a wedding fayre and fashion show for all prospective brides, grooms and their families. 11am-4pm, as well as clothing will be photography, locations, entertainment services and more. Head that way if you've got a wedding to plan!

The MK marathon and half marathon are taking place across the city on Monday as well. While you'll be too late to sign up, if you're not already running, you might want to watch from a point, or otherwise avoid the areas where it will be taking place as the roads will be closed for the duration.

Then of course you've got all the usual events in Milton Keynes to keep you busy, there's the regular charity quiz night at the slug and lettuce in the theatre district, and the comedy open mic night at Robinsons wine bar in Newport Pagnell.

Whatever you do this bank holiday weekend, we hope you have a great time!