Next Rally – Sunday 30 August 2026

The Location
The Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society (MKARS) annual radio rally is once again to be held at the superb Herons Lodge with excellent modern facilities together with free onsite parking, catering and disabled facilities.

Located near Central Milton Keynes opposite the National Badminton Centre, just off the H4 Dansteed Way. (Follow the brown shuttlecock signs)

Herons Lodge Girl Guide Centre
Bradwell Road
Loughton Lodge
Milton Keynes
MK8 9AA
(Opposite the National Badminton Centre – see map below)

WARNING – Reduced Space this year!
This year we do not have access to the Badminton Centre car park opposite, so we must use some of our field space for parking.
This means there will be a reduced number of outdoor pitches available, SO RESERVATION IS ADVISED, after reservations pitches will be allocated on a first come gets it basis. We will however be making full use of the indoor space, previously under used.
We are planning 23 Outdoor and 23 indoor pitches.

Latest update (as of 14th August)
18 of 23 outdoor pitches have been reserved, 5 left.
5 of 23 indoor pitches have been reserved, 18 left.
We will try to keep this site updated with availability info, please check here before travelling, or better still book(see below).

For bookings or if you have queries please email rally@mkars.org.uk. There is no telephone number for booking!

Fees
Entrance to visitors is £3.00 per person, free parking.
Outdoor Pitches are up to 5m at £10 or multiples of.
Indoor pitches are 3m at £10 or multiples of.
If you have your own tables for indoor use please bring them.
Special interest groups [not selling] or local clubs – Free of Charge – please email rally@mkars.org.uk for written exemption, please do not ask at the gate on the day.
MKARS reserve the right to refuse entry.

Hours
Open to Traders from 7am
Open to the Public from 9am
Site closes at 3pm

PARKING
There is parking for 14 Disabled visitors vehicles (with blue badge) on tarmac near the building, others will be parked on grass within the Herons Lodge ground. There will be traffic marshaling on the site, please follow their instruction and work with us to ensure we can get as many parked in the space available to avoid disappointment.
Please DO NOT park on the road or the nearby residents will complain and we will not get the venue in future years.
Please DO NOT park in the Badminton Centre car park this year.

TRADER/EXHIBITORS

We do not permit the use of Generators on site for Health and Safety / Fire / Insurance reasons, so if you need power, please request an indoor table or bring suitable batteries.

FIRE PREVENTION
The grass and surrounding foliage is obviously very dry this year. Please use common sense and behave responsibly, there must be no activity that could potentially start a fire, including cigarette disposal, naked flames, flammable liquids, short circuits etc.. Smokers please avoid smoking on the grass and traders please bring an ash-tray or mug to collect butts, and ensure they are fully extinguished. Anyone found in breach of this WILL be asked to leave. You will be advised of the fire assembly point on arrival at the event.

FOOD & Drink
Catering will be provided by MKARS inside the hall, and will include Tea/Coffee/Cold drinks as well as Sausage rolls and Bacon rolls. There will be provision for veggie sausage rolls. You are of course welcome to bring your own refreshments but please take note of the Fire Prevention advice above, i.e. no gas stoves please.