IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, the city’s biennial arts festival, will be extending its dates and taking place over 21 days this year.
It has been extended due to the fact that last year's festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Running from 10th to 30th July, and with a focus on work by UK-based artists, the Festival returns to the city centre’s parks and green spaces, public squares and retail spaces, as well as online, with a programme of new commissions, outdoor, free and family events, site-specific performances and installations, pop-ups and digital work including a series of ‘virtually live’ concerts.
Monica Ferguson, Festival Director, said: “After the disappointment of cancelling the 2020 Festival, we are grateful for the support from Arts Council England, Milton Keynes Council, and the Department for Culture Media & Sport which has enabled us to plan a special edition of the Festival this year.
"We are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on exceptional British artists, and to highlight the unique Milton Keynes urban landscape, architecture and parklands. The extension of the Festival over 21 days for 2021 will give everyone more time and space to explore the programme, reflect on an extraordinary year and look forward with hope.
"None of this would have been possible without all the many businesses, trusts, foundations and individuals who have helped along the way including centre:mk, My Milton Keynes, The Parks Trust, MK Community Foundation and The Open University.”
Established in 2010, the Festival is usually a 10-day event taking place every two years. Produced by The Stables, the Festival is developed with the support of Arts Council England, and Milton Keynes Council and presented in association with centre:mk.
