A Knights' trail- Discover the sculptures of Northampton

If you're looking to get out of the Milton Keynes area during the Easter holidays, then why not pay a visit to Northampton?

Since the 23rd March until the end of August, 'A Knight's Trail' features six large-scale Medieval knight sculptures, which are currently dotted around the town, to create the knight's trail, with each of the knights depicting the historical details of the English knights from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. These periods have been chosen as they relate to significant events in Medieval England and Northampton, such as: The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, the Second Barons' War in 1264, the start of the Hundred Years' War in 1337, the last Parliament held at Northampton Castle in 1281 and the Battle of Northampton in 1460.

All the sculptures of the knights have been carved from huge trunks by a group of three chainsaw artists, Daniel Cordell, Simon O'Rourke and Hue Thomas, who have exhibited around the world and won a number of prestigious commissions, including ones at Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and more.

A great idea for a day out with the family, you could do it as a race or just enjoy a walk through the town, taking photos of the knights as you go. Follow the map below to discover where the various sculptures of the knights will be, as well as a sculpture of the Borough crest. Maps can be picked up from various points around the town, at the Tourist Information Centre, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

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!

What's on Saturday 17th May in Milton Keynes

It's the weekend!!... So what's on out and around the Milton Keynes area for you to get involved in? (lots, is the answer!)...

• Friends of St. Lawrence in Broughton are holding a talk on 'Medieval villages of Milton Keynes'. An interesting talk from Helen Jones for all those of you interested in history and maybe wondering what Milton Keynes was like back in the day before it was a city. Followed by tea and cake, tickets are just £8. The event will be held at St. Lawrence church in Broughton, starting at 3pm.
• Over at Yardley Hastings Memorial Hall from 7.30pm (starting at 8pm), there's a cheese and wine evening, including music and dancing to the Gary Wood Swing Band. Tickets are £15 which includes a bottle of wine and a cheese board. Other than that please bring your own drinks and glasses. All proceeds to the Poppy Appeal.
• Olney's community choir are singing at Cowper memorial United Reformed Church, High Street, Olney. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets cost £5 with all proceeds going to Advantage Africa. 
• Age UK are holding a family fun day at Age UK Milton Keynes, The Peartree Centre. 11am-5pm. The event will including stilt walking, Samba band, crafts, pizza cook-off, face painting, raffles, refreshments and a plant sale. All proceeds to Age UK Milton Keynes and Festive Road.
• The Cowper and Newton Museum at night: Come and see the museum at night! From 6.30pm-8.30pm, entry is £6, which includes wine and entertainment. Visit the museum and lamp-lit garden to raise money for the summer house. Follow a lantern-lit pathway through the gardens, via a gate to William Cowper's Summer House 'secured for the nation.' Inside the museum with a glass of wine, listen to music and learn more about the summer house's history from a talk by Lisa Gee. 
• MK Cat's protection annual spring fayre is on from 11am-2pm and is being held at the United Reformed Church, High Street, Newport Pagnell.

There's much more on other than this, and if the weather's nice a walk around one of Milton Keynes' many parks, lakes or woodland areas is an easy and enjoyable option for a sunny Saturday afternoon! Enjoy yourself this weekend!