
DIASPORA
CALLING!
Presented by Ms. Lauryn Hill
Confirmed Lineup
Friday 7th August 2026 · Milton Keynes Bowl
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Wyclef Jean
Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of "The Score"
Erykah Badu
Dave Chappelle
Plus many more special guests to be announced
Friday 7th August 2026
Gates open early afternoon. Full schedule to be announced closer to the event.
Milton Keynes National Bowl
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. Well-connected by road and rail from London and the Midlands.
A Night of Reunion & Roots
Celebrating the sounds of the African diaspora across generations — music, arts, culture, and community.
Know the Grounds
Site Map 2026
Milton Keynes National Bowl · Friday 7th August 2026
Essential Info
Know Before You Go
Everything you need for Friday 7th August 2026 at The Milton Keynes National Bowl.
Downloads
Guides for the Day
Location
Diaspora Calling takes place at The Milton Keynes National Bowl, MK5 8AA.
Clear signage and stewards will guide you throughout your arrival.
↗ View on What3WordsUse the North Gate on Chaffron Way.
↗ What3Words: recliner.transit.sonicTaxi pick-up / drop-off: Chesney Wold
↗ What3Words: grief.sunroof.painted
Friends, family & private hire drop-off: Kelvin Drive
↗ What3Words: basket.skirt.ambitions
Stopping on main roads or residential streets is not permitted.
Head to the Box Office at the North Gate.
↗ What3Words: workbook.trombone.legsLocated on Watling Street. Accessible parking is available next to this entrance — colour-coordinated to assist you.
↗ What3Words: continued.taskbar.sankCar park ticket information will be announced very shortly.
Opening Times
- Gates Open16:00
- Music Starts16:00
- Last Entry20:00
- Event Ends23:00
Diaspora Calling is strictly a 14+ event. Anyone aged 14–17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
No re-entry once you leave the festival. Plan ahead and bring everything you need for the day.
Wristbands must stay on — tampered bands = no entry.
Tickets
You do not need to print your ticket. Download it onto your phone or into your wallet app before arrival.
Signal can be slow at peak times — save it offline in advance.
Diaspora Calling is strictly a 14+ event. Anyone aged 14–17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. No one under 14 will be permitted entry.
What Can I Bring?
- Bags — max 30cm × 21cm × 15cm (A4 size). Large bags are not permitted.
- Sealed water — 500ml max. Empty reusable bottles allowed, but must be empty on arrival.
- Blankets — for sitting or staying warm later.
- Medication — must match your ID and be supported by a prescription or doctor's note.
- Phone power banks
- Sunscreen — non-aerosol only.
- Alcohol
- Outside food (not permitted)
- Illegal drugs / Nitrous Oxide / "legal highs"
- Liquids (except sealed water)
- Metal bottles
- Glass bottles / jars
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Aerosols over 100ml
- Umbrellas with pointed ends
- Perfume / aftershave
- Pyros / flares / fireworks / smoke bombs
- Laser pens
- Professional cameras (detachable lenses, tripods, rigs)
- Audio recording equipment
- Drones
- Personal vehicles (bikes, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards)
- Marketing materials
- High-visibility clothing (non-staff)
- Large bags (must be A4 size max)
- Camping equipment
- Animals (registered assistance dogs only — email in advance)
Not sure about something? Email hello@jbmmusic.com and we'll confirm.
Food & Drink
A wide range of food traders will be on site, including vegan and vegetarian options.
No outside food or drinks are permitted, except sealed water (500ml max).
Yes — Diaspora Calling is entirely cashless.
- Bars accept card / contactless only
- Food traders accept card / contactless only
Bring a charged phone and a backup power bank.
Medical & Welfare
Medical & Welfare tents will be clearly signposted across the site. In an emergency, approach any steward or security staff, or head directly to the medical tent. Never hesitate to ask for help.
- Must be in sealed packaging
- Must match your ID
- Must come with a prescription or doctor's note
If you need to store medication (e.g. refrigeration), email hello@jbmmusic.com before the event.
- Toilets located across the site
- Accessible toilets available
- Free water refill stations
- Hand sanitiser points across the festival
Bring a small empty refillable bottle (500ml max, no metal).
Travel & Parking
Diaspora Calling uses a colour-coded car park system. Parking is available to pre-book now.
↗ Book your parking ticket- No overnight parking — cars left after hours may be towed
- Parking is on grass and hard-standing; vehicles parked at owner's risk
Accessible parking is available at the Watling Street entrance (Orange Car Park).
Nearest station: Milton Keynes Central
Served by Avanti West Coast & London Northwestern Railway.
A safe pedestrian route (Leisure Route 51) takes approximately 20–25 minutes from MK Central to the Bowl. Allow extra time on departure due to crowds.
↗ Book train tickets via Avanti West CoastWe will be running large numbers of shuttle buses all day with regular departures from Milton Keynes Central.
Expect short waits during peak hours. Follow instructions from shuttle staff at all times.
Shuttle tickets will be available very soon.
Accessibility
The accessible entrance is located on Watling Street — clearly signposted and fully staffed.
↗ What3Words: continued.taskbar.sankLimited accessible parking is available next to this entrance. Car park tickets will be announced via email and social media.
The site has a mixture of hardstanding, rough terrain and grass. Wet weather may cause muddy conditions — please plan accordingly.
There is a flat pathway around the exterior of the bowl, which is the easiest way to navigate the site. Site maps will be shared on social media and via email.
Strobe lighting, smoke, and pyrotechnics may be in use.
- Accessible viewing areas available — limited capacity
- Accessible toilets inside viewing area (valid accessibility evidence required)
- Camping chairs strongly encouraged if standing for long periods is difficult
- Ground-level accessible area & wheelchair platform available
PA/Carer tickets require approval and cannot be purchased directly.
- Buy your ticket via Skiddle.
- Email hello@jbmmusic.com with your Skiddle order number, proof of eligibility, and confirmation you require a PA/Carer ticket.
- If approved, a complimentary PA/Carer ticket will be assigned to your booking.
Send documentation within 7 days of booking.
Accepted proof of eligibility:
- Access Card with +1 symbol
- PIP or DLA letter (showing carer support required)
- Medical letter confirming need for support
- Other relevant documentation
PA/Carer tickets are only valid with the main ticket holder. Resale or misuse results in cancellation with no refund.
- Medication permitted with matching ID and prescription
- Sealed small snacks permitted with matching medical evidence
- Accessible parking must be booked via Skiddle (limited availability)
- RADAR-key locked accessible toilets — please bring your key
- Our access team will assist with wristbands, directions, and any questions on the day
Still have a question?
We're here to help.
Email us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
📩 hello@jbmmusic.comBecome a Vendor
Trade at Diaspora Calling!
Join hundreds of independent businesses, artists, and food traders at one of the UK's most culturally significant music events. We're building a marketplace that reflects the full richness of the diaspora.
- Premium audience
10,000+ culturally engaged attendees with a genuine appetite for independent brands.
- Prime pitch locations
Dedicated vendor village situated along the main artery into the bowl.
- Full-day trading
Doors open at 12pm with the headline act closing at 11pm — maximum trading hours.
- Community focus
Priority given to Black-owned, diaspora, and independent businesses that align with the festival's ethos.
Application deadline: 1st July 2026 — applications close when spaces fill
Vendor Interest Form
All fields are required unless marked optional.
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