WW1 remembered

The campaign: 'lights out', featured in this month's Phonebox Magazine, took place this Monday. The idea was that people across the country would turn out their lights and leave one light or candle on, in order to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of WW1. A National Grid estimate reckons that over 3 million households turned their lights out on Monday, between 10pm and 11pm, and over 143,000 tweets with the hashtag '#lightsout' were tweeted over the course of the day.

With the aim of the hour to be to create a shared moment of reflection, it seems this was achieved, with not only households but also famous landmarks taking part. Watch the video below to see the significant lights being turnout out across the country to remember this day.

Did you get involved and turn out your lights and light a candle? We'd love to hear from you and see your pictures!

 

What's on this bank holiday weekend?

Welcome to yet another bank holiday weekend! May seems to have flown by, and maybe it's because of all these bank holidays giving us time off-we're not complaining! So what is there going on around Milton Keynes to get involved with this weekend? We've collected a few different ideas for you incase you're stuck...

'Look at life': Milton Keynes museum is having a look at nature this weekend, as well as a 'microscope safari' workshop which the kids (and adults!) are sure to love! They're open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm. Find out more here. The fun continues into half term at Milton Keynes museum, with a week filled with children's fun activities!

Castle Ashby craft and design show at Castle Ashby Gardens: From Friday- Monday. The weekend kicks off on the Friday night with a concert of swing jazz, undercover in the walled garden with some of the UK's leading jazz musicians. A hot supper is included in the ticket price of £17 and there is a fully licensed bar. On Sunday and Monday the craft and design show will be open to the public, over 70 designer-makers of contemporary and traditional work will be found in the walled gardens. Many artists will be demonstrating their crafts, and there will be puppet shows to entertain the children, as well as falconry displays and live music. Why not have a game of croquet, or just enjoy strolling through the gardens? Don't forget to visit the meerkats at the small animal farm! Find out more here.

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!