This website uses cookies which are essential for it to function. Please accept or decline any non-essential cookies and see our Cookies Policy for full details and guidance.

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH
ARTS AND CULTURE

View our projects

Welcome to Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture

Constellations of Stars: Echoes Across the Sky – City of Codes and Light Festival 2025

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. 


 What’s on:

1 October – Launch Event

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. Get free tickets for the launch event here
 

4 October

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
 

21–22 October 

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.

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


City of Codes and Light FAQs

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: mkiac@mkcollege.ac.uk

image of City of Codes and Light Festival

Further Information