MK Dons have signed defender Nico Lawrence, who joins the League Two club on a season-long loan from Southampton.

The 20-year-old is the Dons’ 11th signing ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season, and he made his first team debut on Saturday during the Dons’ final pre-season friendly as they lost 1-0 to Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

The move will be Lawrence’s third loan move, having previously featured for Torquay United and then Colchester United.

Lawrence had a successful spell with Torquay, winning the Devon club’s Young Player of the Season awards prize, but his spell with Colchester last season was cut short after he suffered an ankle injury after just five games with the Essex club. The defender has recently signed a new two year contract at St Mary’s.

In his arrival interview with the MK Dons website when the deal was announced on Friday (02/08), Lawrence said he was encouraged to move to Milton Keynes after a conversation with the former Dons boss Russell Martin, who now manages the Saints and who achieved promotion to the Premier League with the South Coast club last season.

Lawrence said, “I sat down with Russell Martin for 20-30 minutes to discuss my options, and what would suit me best and help me thrive the most, and obviously it was MK!

“The style of play is something that excites me a lot, it’s similar to Southampton’s style of football, I can’t wait to kick-start and get going!”

Mike Williamson added his delight to confirm Lawrence as his latest new signing.

He said, “Nico is a highly-rated young player who had a few options this summer, so I’m delighted he’s chosen to come here and Southampton have trusted us with his continued development. He possesses the ball skills and vision required to be a real asset to our defence but also has the physicality to compete in League Two, we’re very pleased to have him.”

Police have launched an official investigation after a man suffered stab wounds in an assault at the Reggae Land Festival in Milton Keynes.

The incident was reported to the police at about 8.50pm yesterday evening (4/8), with Thames Valley Police confirming they were informed that a man had been assaulted in the main arena at The National Bowl music venue.

Medical staff attended the scene and the injured man was taken to hospital with stab wounds. His condition is described as critical.

Thames Valley Police stated that they believe the attack was targeted and that there is no risk to festivalgoers or the wider public.

Police have also stated that they have taken a number of statements from witnesses and will be carrying out forensic examinations as well as CCTV enquiries. They also stated they would be working very closely with the event organisers and their security team.

If anyone who witnessed the assault or has any other information and hasn’t already spoken to a police officer, you can call 101, or visit our website, quoting investigation reference number 20240726-1285.

Camphill MK have announced the return of their Handmade Craft & Food Fair on Saturday, 9th November 2024, at their Willen Park South site.

Supporting a community that helps adults with learning disabilities find a meaningful working life, they will open their doors to the wider community to celebrate craft, art, and food created by residents and local makers and crafters.

Hosted inside the Chrysalis Milton Keynes community theatre, the mostly indoor event will showcase their artisan baked goods, preserves, and honey—with ingredients harvested from their gardens—as well as traditional textiles and unique one-off art and craft items.

Camphill MK has invited 30 hand-selected local crafters, makers & artisans to join them. Expect street food vendors, crafts, preserves, soaps, candles, textiles, upcycled wood, garden crafts, jewellery, festive gifts, and more to be on offer.

A selection of street food will also be available outside on the grounds, providing delicious, locally made and sourced eats.

Entertainment will come courtesy of local musicians, who will be revealed on the day.

All funds raised will go back into the vibrant charitable community that supports adults with learning disabilities and those who support them.

The free event is family-friendly and open to everyone.

You can find out more on their Facebook Event Page at www.facebook.com/events/479806764792032

Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days are set to return for 2024 with days taking place throughout September.

Taking place from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September, a packed programme of over 230 family events, guided walks, historic talks, cycle rides, creative workshops, open days, exhibitions, film screenings and musical performances, all completely free to attend, are being arranged to celebrate the city’s heritage.

Key attractions opening their doors for free include Milton Keynes Museum, Great Linford Manor Park, Westbury Arts Centre, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, The Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes Arts Centre and the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney.

Living Archive MK is funded by Milton Keynes City Council to manage this flagship annual heritage event for the new city and it is delivered by all the heritage, cultural and community organisations who give their time and resources to make these events FREE.

The theme for 2024 is Routes, Networks and Connections and across the city many of our MK HODs organisers will be taking you on journeys as far afield as Ukraine, India and Sierra Leone, with workshops, exhibitions, film screenings and events celebrating the contribution that their communities have made to our new city. Experience the culture and cuisine of other lands, take part in artist-led workshops and celebrate all that our city has to offer with 10 days of family-friendly free activities.

Can’t make any of the scheduled events? Once again there are plenty of self-guided walks and trails to keep you busy at times to suit you.

You can collect your MK HODs brochure from the Milton Keynes libraries, from Get Smart carousels in local supermarkets from the beginning of August, or browse the events online at www.livingarchive.org.uk/events/category/events