Plans have been announced for the Milton Keynes City of Codes and Light Festival, which takes place in the city this month.

Organised by the Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture, the festival takes place between October 1 and 22, and features a city-wide celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.

Venues across Milton Keynes will host Constellations of Stars: Echoes Across the Sky during the month, with this year’s festival celebrating the work of Islamic astronomers such as al-Sufi and Ali Qushji and invites visitors to experience the night sky as a shared story connecting cultures and generations.

The festival features interactive installations, immersive projections, live performances, workshops, exhibitions, and community events.

Locations hosting events include Bletchley Park, MK Central Library, the centre:mk and multiple over locations across the city.

The two centre-piece events take place on October 4 and 21/22.

On Saturday (4/10), Mind & Matter Projection will see a large-scale projection by multimedia creative studio Limbic Cinema, illuminating the MK Central Library with the story of astronomy from ancient stargazers to modern discovery. The projection will start at 7:15PM.

This event is then followed by the Lantern Parade, which is a procession led by artist Emma Garofalo, featuring willow lanterns created by local school groups inspired by stars and constellations. Starting from the MK Central City Library at 7:35PM, the parade will weave through the city ending at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes.

In addition, there will also be a display entitled In Infinity, with an immersive galaxy installation created with Open University students combining a solar system of stars with thermal imaging. This show is available for guests to see from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes.

Street food and live music will also be held at the John Lewis Car Park as part of the event.

The 21st and 22nd, meanwhile, features TEAM Workshops, with interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities designed to inspire young people.

Talks will also be held in the form of presentations from Ruhee S Kahar and Dr. Alice Dumford exploring astronomy and space science.

Exhibitions showcasing interactive installations and artworks, while there will also be an evening performance featuring a universe of stars, music, and movement with the Turkish Whirling Sufi Dancers on Tuesday 21st October, 6–7.30pm at Middleton Hall, centre:mk

All the main events are free for spectators to enter. For more event information and participation opportunities contact: [email protected]