Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture returns with the City of Codes and Light Festival 2025. A free, city-wide celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.
From 1–22 October, venues across Milton Keynes will host Constellations of Stars: Echoes Across the Sky. This year’s festival celebrates 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. A highlight is Twin Cities, an interactive installation linking Milton Keynes with Türkiye, allowing audiences to engage with motion-reactive star maps and send messages across the sky.
Bletchley Park: Special opening event with a panel of speakers including Dr. Alice Dumford, space instrumentalist and physicist, and Ruhee S Kahar, stellar astrophysics PhD student at the University of Dundee.
Mind & Matter Projection: 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 followed by the Lantern Parade.
Lantern Parade: City 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 7:30PM, the parade will weave through the city ending at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes where guests can enjoy more exciting activities, music and food.
In Infinity: Immersive galaxy installation created with Open University students combining a solar system of stars with thermal imaging. Available for guests to see from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes
Live Music and Food Stalls: Community evening of music, refreshments and celebration. Available from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes
STEAM Workshops: Interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities designed to inspire young people.
Talks: Presentations from Ruhee S Kahar and Dr. Alice Dumford exploring astronomy and space science.
Exhibitions: Showcasing interactive installations and artworks, including the Twin Cities installation.
Evening Performance: Step into 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
Dates: Wednesday 1st – Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Venues: Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes City Centre, centre:mk, and various locations across the city
Free entry for all major events
Fully accessible event sites
Join MKIAC and the Milton Keynes community for a powerful and inspiring celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.
For more event information and participation opportunities contact: info@mkiac.org
MKIAC delivers a diverse range of art projects to promote shared learning, community cohesion and cultural understanding.
MKIAC is a not for profit organisation. We'd like to thank our supporters who enable us to produce high quality of arts delivery in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
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Since 2002, MKIAC has been at the forefront of promoting inclusive arts and culture in Milton Keynes which reflects the city’s cultural diversity. Read about our journey here.
