Page 44 - Phonebox Magazine July 2014

Creating a sense of wonder
We want to create a sense of wonder, excitement and awe,” explains Monica Ferguson, the
artistic director and chief executive behind the Milton Keynes International Festival that returns to the city from July 18-27. Previously described by The Times as a feast of cutting edge culture, the festival is packed with unique showcases, world-premiere productions and musical performances. Speaking about the unique event, Monica adds: “We try to make it so there is something for everyone, something they can all be surprised by or interested in. Maybe they will see something amazing in an unexpected place.”
Monica (pictured bottom left) first came up with the idea of a Milton Keynes festival in 2009, thinking there wasn’t enough cultural outlets available. “Milton Keynes is the fastest growing city in the UK, but it doesn’t have a lot of investment in culture. I thought it was about time it did, so we started speaking to venues and applied for funding.”
Five years on and there are dozens of performances, ranging from The Bad Shepherds, featuring comedian Ade Edmondson, to Ilopie: Fous de Bassin, an outdoor production on Willen Lake. Mercury- nominated folk singer Seth Lakeman will be appearing at The Stables as part of the festival, and the Architects of Air will bring their sculpture Pentalum to Middleton Hall in thecentre:mk (pictured bottom right).
As the schools break up in the middle of the
festival, there’s an emphasis on family events too. Monica says: “We’ve got some great original commissions, and there’s a fantastic event at the Cathedral of Trees. It’s a really special and unique place, but not many people visit it.”
Created from trees, shrubs and plants, the venue will host award-winning choreographer Rosemary Lee’s Under The Vaulted Sky, a display inspired by the trees (pictured above).
For Monica, the festival’s success is due to teamwork between organisers, business partners, venues and artists.
She adds: “There’s a great mix of events, which showcases things that have never been seen in Milton Keynes before. And it’s fantastic that so many venues allow us to creatively use their space. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Go to ifmiltonkeynes.org.
What else is going on?
Films on the Waterfront – July 11-12
This free festival at Becket’s Park screens films for lazy summer viewing, and there are rides and activities for children too. Go to northampton.gov.uk/waterfront.
Milton Keynes Sausage and Cider Festival – July 19-20
This annual event features more than 30 real ciders and 20 types of gourmet sausages. Go to facebook.com/MiltonKeynesSausageAndCiderFestival.
Bedford River Festival – July 19-20
An award-winning festival with crowd of 320,000 in the past, there’s a parade, raft races, dragon boats, stalls, fireworks and a fair. Go to bedforcornexchange.co.uk/outdoorevents.
Milton Keynes Loveliness Festival – July 26
A community arts and music festival, it features creative activities, performances, live music, dance and workshops. Go to interactionmk.org.uk.
Cowpers Oak Beer Festival, Weston Underwood – July 26-27
As the name suggests, this pub’s event is a traditional beer festival with children’s entertainment and live music. Go to cowpersoak.co.uk.
44 Phonebox Magazine