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. 

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.

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Join Sarah Hunt’s Midsummer Mischief- transforming one of MK’s iconic Porte Cochere’s into playful dressing up box of folklore inspired costumes for audiences to try on. 

Join us for some free creative making throughout the day: 

10.00 – 12.30  Flower-Crown making workshop with Branch-out

13.00 – 15.30  Weaving the Woods Wand Making Workshop

16.00 – 17.30  Mandala Making Workshop with the South Asian Artists Collective 

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. 

Midsummer Dreaming 

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.   

Noon-1pm family-friendly 

5pm-6pm over 18s only (you may be required to show ID) 

Bernadette asks ‘You are welcome to bring a small gift for the Fae. They 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.  

You are welcome to dress up fancy, whatever that means for you, because the Fae love a bit of glamour. But you are also welcome with empty hands and a full heart, in whatever you are wearing!"

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.

Performance times: 

10.30am – 11.15am – Book Free Tickets 

2pm – 2.45pm – Book Free Tickets 

3.30pm – 4.15pm – Book Free Tickets 

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

Book a Tarot reading here.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

DJ Sets take us to the end of the Festival.