Big event ready to inspire and engage the city, say organisers.
The first raft of events and the Speigeltent programme has been announced by organisers of this year’s Milton Keynes International Festival (IF).
The festival, famous for its programme of large-scale outdoor events, theatrical performances, circus shows, comedy, cabaret, live music and free family activities, will transform the city over 10 amazing days, say organisers. It runs from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th July.
Now the festival has announced its first events and the Spiegeltent programme in Campbell Park. Other events will take place in the city centre including Middleton Hall in Centre:MK.
“2025 sees the festival embracing a spirit of energy, freedom, and possibility – inspiring its audiences to dream big and imagine a brighter, shared future,” said an event spokesperson.
“The festival’s opening weekend features two headline acts – large-scale works from Catalonia’s Deabru Beltzak and Germany’s Michael Pendry, both spectacular and moving in different ways.”
Deabru Beltzak’s pyrotechnic and drumming promenade performance Symfeuny makes its way through the city where it culminates in a spectacular on-stage finale (Friday 18th July).
Michael Pendry’s moving art-for-peace multi-media installation Les Colombes features 3,000 white paper doves in Middleton Hall, the festival’s headline sponsor. People will be invited both to make doves to contribute to the installation and to hang doves in the windows of shops, offices, community centres and homes to create a second, city-wide, installation (Friday 18th to Sunday 27th July).
The much-loved Spiegeltent programme of comedy, cabaret and music includes:
The Demon Barbers 25th Anniversary Celebration (Saturday 19th July) – an electrifying fusion of traditional British folk music and high-energy dance from the award-winning band.
Lou Sanders (Sunday 20th July) – the much-loved comedian and Taskmaster champion Lou Sanders brings an extended headline set to the festival. She will be joined by two other guest comedians with names to be announced soon.
A Night with La Voix (Monday 21st July) – festival favourite La Voix returns for an intimate, awe-inspiring evening where powerhouse vocals are combined with side-splitting comedy, both delivered with charisma and charm.
Le Vent du Nord (Tuesday 22nd July) – the multi-award-winning band is a leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone folk movement. The group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions and their hard-driving soulful music has a broad range of global influences.
The Selecter (Wednesday 23rd July) – iconic frontwoman Pauline Black OBE, one of few women in the 2-Tone scene and often referred to as the Queen of Ska, leads the band in delivering much-loved hits and new music.
Peat and Diesel (Thursday 24th July) – the Stornoway legends take the audience on a thrilling journey to the heart of the Western Isles, where #peatlemania was born. The songs might not always make sense but the craic is real and the dancing non-stop.
Lucy Spraggan (Friday 25th July) – a unique blend of folk, indie-pop and acoustic sounds paired with powerful and emotive lyrics which have captivated audiences worldwide. This evening promises a mix of old and new from the X-Factor star’s catalogue.
Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Rubbish Romeo & Juliet (Saturday 26th July) – described as ‘like Horrible Histories but funnier’ by the Primary Times, the beloved thespians return with a riotous family-friendly treat.
Roachford (Saturday 26th July) – an evening of music from one of the most compelling and consistent rock and soul artists the UK has ever produced. When the Princess Royal asked him what he did, Roachford replied: ‘I try to evoke emotions from people through music’.
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids (Sunday 27th July) – world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic. Expect funny sound, brilliant noises and cool music. The sonic superhero has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.
Celidh Liberation Front (Sunday 27th July) – the nightclub-influenced band push the boundaries of contemporary folk in all the right directions. They will be unleashing their infectious blend of folk and drum & bass to provide the soundtrack for a Festival Wrap Party.
