MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD

From 10am–6pm

100 Miles of String
Leap then Look’s interactive sun sculpture is formed from 100 miles of string for to the public to weave, wind and criss-cross around the Festival site. Throughout the day the space will be completely transformed as the web becomes ever more complex, echoing sun beams and light shafts. This is an event for people of all ages to play, explore and work together to create a temporary landmark for MK.

Hearthfolk and The Midsummer Machine
‍Inspired by folk traditions from around the world, Hearthfolk by Harry Pizzey are giant dancing bonfire puppets who will be roaming throughout the Festival, playing games, giving blessings and generally causing mischief. Harry will also present his Midsummer Machine – a giant wooden automata operated by audiences, celebrating the sun, moon, stars and the natural world.

Chi-no-wa-Kuguri
‍Seiko Kinoshita brings Chi-no-wa-kuguri – an ancient Shinto custom where we are invited to pass through a beautiful circular shrine made from grass to ward off evil spirits and renew positive energy. Join Seiko in making summer solstice sun wheel to bring you good health, woven from brightly coloured yarn to take home and keep.

The Wandering Oracles
‍The Wandering Oracles by Holly Phelps and Aisling Kiely is an immersive and interactive experience. Four human-operated mystical fortune-telling machines will roam throughout the Festival site drawing audiences into a world of riddles, folklore, mysticism and play.

Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun
‍The Midsummer Festival site is not complete without Wild Rumpus’ Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun which this year hosts Ceremony of the Seed – exploring our connection to nature, where audiences are invited to swap a memory for a seed by a troupe of characterful plant-loving performers.

Birch Tree Family
‍Olana Light’s Birch Tree Family is inspired by birch trees in folklore. This unique performance and installation explores renewal, resilience and transformation. Throughout the day, the birch trees will come to life as they mimic the natural movements of the trees, inviting audiences to interact and play with them as they move.

Inside the Circle of the Sun
‍A reflective and contemplative moment inspired by solar lore from West Africa, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe is offered by Lesley Asare and Katie Fields’ Inside the Circle of the Sun, an installation charting the movement of the sun throughout the day, activated with a special twilight ritual using sound and movement.

Midsummer Mischief
Join Sarah Hunt in collaboration with artists Matt Shaw, Carlos Cortes and Lisa Tilley for Midsummer Mischief – transforming one of MK’s iconic Porte Cochere’s into a playful dressing up box of folklore inspired costumes for audiences to try on. Working alongside families from the Inclusive Practice in the Arts programme at MK Gallery.

SOLSTICE WORKSHOP TENT

Join us for some free drop in creative making throughout the day.

PERFORMANCE YURT

A new addition to the Festival, the Performance Yurt hosts two very special new commissions and Tarot readings. All performances are free, but due to capacity you will need to book a ticket.

Book now

12–1pm (Family friendly) | 5–6pm (18+)

Midsummer Dreaming

Join author, storyteller and kindness campaigner Bernadette Russell for stories, songs and poems about England's faerie legends, including those right here in MK!. At these magical storytelling performances, she welcomes you to the Faerie Ball, along. Put on your glad rags, gather round and venture into the Otherworld, joining the fae, sprites, changlings, brownies, devas and elves who live around us, in the green glades, wild waters, and hollow hills of our sacred lands. Featuring beautiful music from violinist Deb Chalmers!

Bernadette asks: ‘You are welcome to bring a small gift for the Fae, for a special magical shrine beautifully created by artist Emma Waterford. The fae are happy with natural things, so a flower, a leaf, a piece of fruit or a nut will be best of all. But anything that means something to you will also make them happy – a plastic doll, an old toy, a friendship bracelet.’

12–1pm

5–6pm

10.30–11.15am | 2–2.45pm | 3.30–4.15pm

Journey of a Barn Owl

Journey of a Barn Owl by puppet maker Jimmy Grimes tells the story of a fledgling owl and his midsummer journey, as he ventures from the nest into the wide world anew.

10.30–11.15am

2–2.45pm

3.30–4.15pm

5–9pm (18+)

Mini Tarot Reading with Arizona Smith

Join artist and healer Arizona Smith who specialises in working ceremonially with tarot, talismanic artworks and energetic healing. Tarot readings last 15 mins and are suitable for over 18s only. ID may be required on entry.

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MIDSUMMER MUSIC TENT

11am–12pm

Midsummer Folk curated by DryWood

Join us to celebrate the best of local folk music curated by local folk duo DryWood and enjoy some traditional Step Clog Dances by the Stony Steppers.

1–2pm

Folk Dance Remix – Ceilidh Jam!

The hip hop, folk dance mavericks Folk Dance Remixed return with a new performance. This year they invite you to dance with them in the fast-paced Ceilidh Jam! Using traditional callers to teach us their moves, we can expect to learn folk formations, street dance and freestyle grooves.

2.30–4pm

Midsummer Folk curated by DryWood

Celebrate the best of local folk music curated by local folk duo DryWood and enjoy some traditional Step Clog Dances by the Stony Steppers.

5–7pm

SLQY curates Midsummer Mellow

Local creative collective SLQY who have programmed a mellow mix of Neo Soul, Jazz, High Life, Hip Hop and R&B to enjoy as the sun sets. Hosted by DJ Cribbs, join us for performances by:

TOCHI
A rising star in the music industry, bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to the scene with her unique blend of influences and soulful sound. Her musical journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of Neo Soul, Jazz, Gospel, and High Life, each strand contributing to the rich fabric of what she calls the 'Tochi Verse'.

Emile Kartel
‍A rising rapper and vocalist known for his smooth fusion of rap and R&B, Emile Kartel has roots in both Milton Keynes and Birmingham, his music reflects a blend of storytelling and soulful introspection. Emile’s style is marked by melodic flows, introspective lyrics, and a sound that bridges raw narratives with rich melody.

Josh Kye
Josh Kye is a London R&B artist, songwriter, and producer blending soulful melodies with heartfelt storytelling. His music captures love and vulnerability with a timeless, modern edge.

CLAVIS 7EVEN
CLAVIS 7EVEN blends sharp lyricism with melodic depth. Born in Congo and raised in Wolverhampton, his sound reflects his journey and resilience. His mixtape 7’s Deadly Sins and hit single LOSIN U earned him national recognition. A rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist, CLAVIS is redefining UK rap with authenticity and innovation.

7–8.30pm

The Orbitza

The Orbitza – a mesmerising new performance by Rost Productions, has at its heart a kinetic, interactive labyrinth, representing a wheel of the year. Experienced as the sun begins to set, two giant totem puppets will combine to offer a place of sanctuary. On entering this magical, otherworldly space, audiences will encounter performers, sensory interventions and moments for reflection, action and play.

8.45–10pm

Various artists

DJ sets to be announced

FAQs

Any questions?

MIDSUMMER

FESTIVAL

What’s on

MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD

SOLSTICE WORKSHOP TENT

PERFORMANCE YURT

MIDSUMMER MUSIC TENT

FAQs