Get Ready to Light Up Your Minds: City of Codes & Light Festival 2023 Unveils Spectacular "Learning" Theme

Milton Keynes – September 2023 – The City of Codes & Light Festival is back, and it's bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever! Organised by Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC), prepare for a four-day festival of innovation, art, science, and technology bringing together creative and inspirational workshops, educational symposiums and unforgettable performances. 

Running from the 4th to the 7th of October, the festival will host an array of workshops, academic seminars, thought talks, and artist-commissioned installations including STEM activities by award-winning organisation 1001 Inventions.  

Centred around Milton Keynes Central Library, SCIoT and Bletchley Park, we will delve into the theme of "Learning” by exploring history, art, science, maths, technology and sustainability. We will focus on the contributions of culturally diverse artists, mathematicians and scientists throughout the ages, from the golden age of Muslim civilisation to Alan Turing’s Enigma codebreaking during WWII at Bletchley Park, which led directly to the technological advancements of the world we live in today. 

The Milton Keynes Central Library will be a hub of activity during the festival, including a collaboration with international artists Maria Almera and Nestor Rubio. Together, they've crafted 'Relax and Release' – a groundbreaking interactive installation navigating the mental health challenges faced by young people.    

The spectacular ‘Echoes from the Golden Era’ projection and illumination of MKC library on the 7th of October will begin the digital light parade, with huge luminous puppets and decorated lanterns forming a celebratory procession to Campbell Park.  

A festive finale with The Old Savoy Jazz Band, fusion ensemble Symphonica and Mr Switch and a laser light show will bring together the sounds of Jazz rhythm, a classical orchestra and the beats of the dancefloor, concluding the 2023 Festival celebrations. 

The best part? Admission is entirely FREE, ensuring that everyone can engage in a diverse array of activities and events that champion creativity, innovation, and community involvement. 

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Editors notes

Milton Keynes Islamic Art, Heritage and Culture (MKIAC) 

Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture is an award-winning national charity working in Buckinghamshire and South East. We have secured NPO status and are part of Arts Council England's Investment Programme 2023-26. We are inspired by Islamic arts, heritage and culture that encompasses both traditional and contemporary art forms. MKIAC covers a broad spectrum of inclusive arts-based events throughout the year. We are at the forefront of inclusion and diversity for the creative sector in Milton Keynes. 

The establishment of MKIAC was prompted by the 9/11 incident in 2002, and we focus on using the arts and creativity as a vehicle to overcome societal divisions and provide a sense of community in our city. 

MKIAC is a diverse grassroots that right from its infancy, has been a bench-setter for embracing diversity and inclusion. As well as events, the organisation has a strong educational outreach programme. 

Milton Keynes has always been a diverse place, with a rich history and prominent institutions. MKIAC has been developing and advocating for cultural diversity and diverse artist development in Milton Keynes and the surrounding region.