Willen Dragon Boat Races

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is an annual summer charity and team-building event featuring 200-meter races, up to 48 competing crews, and free spectator entry. The 23rd event took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Willen Lake.

Event Highlights

The Races: Up to 48 teams race in authentic 30-foot dragon boats over a 200-metre course. Each boat holds 10 paddlers and a drummer, with all safety gear and training provided on-site.
Charity Focus: Crews raise money for charities of their own choice, supported by organizer packages and local fundraising awards.
Family Entertainment: Spectators enjoy food stalls, children's inflatables, charity booths, and traditional Chinese dragon and lion dance performances.

https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/milton-keynes-dragon-boat-festival/

Alex Fox

Summer Craft Fair

Camphill Milton Keynes hosts their annual summer event, the Midsummer Fair, every June at their Willen Park campus (Japonica Lane, MK15 9JY). The free, family-friendly country-style festival features over 30 craft stalls, artisan baked goods, and live entertainment.

The fair typically includes a fantastic range of activities and local offerings:

Workshops & Stalls: Local crafters alongside Camphill’s own weavery and pottery workshops showcasing unique, handmade goods.
Food & Drink: The Camphill Café serves cream teas, accompanied by wood-fired pizzas, bespoke burgers, and locally made ice cream.
Activities: Fun events like Teddy Bear Parachutes, Tombola, and Garden team plant and produce sales.

Alex Fox

46th Anniversary of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda

NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO

On Sunday 21st June, there was the 46th anniversary of the building of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda.

Below is an extract from a Dharma talk by founder and teacher The Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii of the Nipponzan Myohoji Order, these words could not be more relevant now than at any time as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza claim the lives of thousands.

"Peace will come to the world when we no longer kill or take from others, and instead make offerings to sustain the lives of others.

We are now at a time when we need to look with fresh eyes at these simple teachings. There is no other way. No matter what is said by Presidents or speeches given by Prime Ministers, they are nothing more than proposals for pillage and murder.

Humanity will perish unless these simple teachings of Lord Buddha for world peace are believed in. It is now time to believe."

NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mkbuddhism/

Alex Fox

Center Parcs Elveden Forest

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is a 400-acre woodland holiday village in Suffolk set within Thetford Forest. It features a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a large lake for watersports, and a variety of lodges. It is notable for having the longest zip-wire of any UK Center Parcs and the exclusive "Nest" sauna experience.

Key Features & Activities

Subtropical Swimming Paradise: Free unlimited entry to the water park, which includes a wave pool, the Tropical Cyclone ride, rapid rivers, and dedicated children's splash areas.

Aerial Adventures: Home to a 270-meter dual zip-wire—the longest across all UK sites—along with tree-trekking and high ropes courses.

Aqua Sana Spa: A forest-inspired spa featuring multiple steam rooms, saunas (including "The Nest"), and relaxation areas.

Sports & Nature: Extensive cycling trails (bike rentals are available on-site), a lake for kayaking and paddleboarding, and frequent wildlife sightings, including Muntjac deer.

Dining & Shopping: Multiple restaurants like Las Iguanas and The Pancake House, alongside a Starbucks, shops, and an on-site grocery market.

https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/

Alex Fox

The Grand Union Canal

The Grand Union Canal gently skirts the eastern edge of Willen and Willen Lake, linking Milton Keynes' bustling urban landscape with lush, green parkland.

Alex Fox