Living Archive

Living Archive celebrated its 25th Anniversary at The Chrysalis Theatre, during event there was an short showcase of Living Archive Films followed by a performance from The Living Archive Band


Living Archive 25th

Living Archive received lottery funding through First Light Movies to make three films with groups of young people in Milton Keynes. These films would not have been possible without the 35 young people who created them and this exciting event is a celebration of their achievements.

Living Archive Screening New Films

Our most recent exhibition showcased the sports and leisure heritage of Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

Sponsored by thecentre: mk, Routeco, Milton Keynes Council and The Homes and Communities Agency, the exhibition focused on the many different aspects of sport and leisure heritage that the city has watched, taken part in and ultimately lived through over the last 100 years or more.

Our Place MK: Sport and Leisure

At the Open Weekend a screening of short films was enjoyed by audiences at the Enigma Cinema, and Discover Milton Keynes showcase at city centre. Living Archive presented a programme of short films chosen to illustrate the diversity of cultures, activities and interests within the community of Milton Keynes.


Hidden Treasures on Film

In 2007 Living Archive, Milton Keynes was awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to document the History of Football in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

Football has been a part of people's lives in this area since the 1880s, one local club has existed for over 105 years. Many other clubs have come and gone but the enthusiasm has remained throughout, treasured memories for players and spectators alike.

The History of Football in Milton Keynes

This is the story of how Central Milton Keynes happened, told by the people who shaped the initial ideas of ‘CMK'. Commissioned by the Central Milton Keynes Project Board (part of English Partnerships) and published (Oct 2007) by Living Archive of Milton Keynes. The book is illustrated with over 150 full-colour and black-and-white photographs, many never before published.

The story is told solely through the words of those interviewed - the architects, designers, planners, landscape designers, engineers, surveyors, architectural technicians, finance and project managers.

The Story of the Original CMK

Funded by a ‘Your Heritage' Lottery grant this project is collecting personal testimonies, photographs and memorabilia to document the history of football in Milton Keynes over the last 100 years. The primary source material collected will be used to create a website, exhibition, book and digital stories.

Milton Keynes History of Football Project

A Star-Studded judging panel including Titanic star Kate Winslet and British movie director Sir Alan Parker cast their expert eyes over a First Light Movies funded film Darkness Visible made by young people from Buckinghamshire.

First Light Movies Award 2007 - Winners

Three stories written by young people and one very moving documentary will hit the Big Screen at Cineworld on Monday 18th September at 6pm. Big Screen 2 is a celebration of short films made this year by young filmmakers in Milton Keynes, funded by the Lottery through the UK Film Council's First Light initiative and produced by Living Archive Young People's Film Productions.

Big Screen 2

Living Archive, Close to Home youth workers and the Energiser Bus Project will work with around thirty young people, aged 13 – 18 years, engaging them in making music and exploring aspects of their lives. These young people live in the inner-city areas of Milton Keynes and are from very different ethnic origins (mainly African, Caribbean and Asian but also Irish and British) and they all find a connection through music, in particular Garage music.

Music That Moves You