Creativity for all at The Stables
Our mission is to make music and the arts accessible, inspiring and meaningful for everyone. We create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover new experiences, develop skills and share their creativity.
Here are some of the ways our mission came to life in 2025.
Supporting Young Musicians
In May, we awarded our Fresh Sounds Bursary to young Milton Keynes punk rocker BEX. The cash bursary enabled her to produce and release her new EP.
"It’s fantastic to get this support from a local venue that I have such great memories of going toas a younger musician." BEX
The Fresh Sounds bursary is made possible with support from Milton Keynes Community Foundation and the Christopher Hopkinson Music Bursary fund.
BEX
Championing Young Artists
Throughout the year we championed young, emerging musical talent.
At The Stables, young artists were given the opportunity to headline in Stage 2 and provide support slots for main stage artists in the Jim Marshall Auditorium. IF: Milton Keynes International Festival’s acoustic stage also provided a fabulous platform for brilliant up-and-coming talent.
"We are so grateful to The Stables for all their support!" Ebony Buckle
Ebony Buckle performing on the Acoustic Stage at IF: 2025
Learning Through Music and Dance
In March, 16 young folk music enthusiasts came together to take part in our Youth Ceilidh Course.
Guided by a team of experienced professionals and tutors, the young people – all aged between 8 and 16 – learnt new skills and techniques, played together in small bands and took part in an end-of-course public ceilidh concert and dance.
Youth Ceilidh Course participants on stage at The Stables
Bringing World Class Events to Milton Keynes
In July, IF: Milton Keynes International Festival brought 10 days of world-class events to Milton Keynes. More than 70% were free to attend with 63,000 recorded attendances. The Festival’s community projects and participation opportunities engaged more than 6,000 people of all ages and backgrounds.
"The things I’ve seen at the Festival have been some of the most amazing I’ve ever seen. We’re so lucky to have this." Festival attender
Deabru Beltzak performing Symfeuny at IF: 2025
Supporting Lifelong Learning and Social Connection
We ran a year-round programme of 65 music related workshops and courses at The Stables. These popular workshops and courses provide opportunities for music enthusiasts of all abilities to develop their skills and confidence in a creative and inspiring setting.
"I’m a huge fan of The Stables, especially the Education part.It is, without doubt, world-class and long may it thrive." Introduction to Jazz Improvisation Course participant
Enabling Schoolchildren to Experience Live Performance
We welcomed more than 2,000 primary and secondary school pupils to The Stables to experience and enjoy a range of performance and learning sessions. For many it will have been their first time seeing a live performance in a theatre.
"The children in year 3 at Monkston really enjoyed themselves. Thank you for making it possible." Monkston Primary School
