These FAQs will be updated with new or updated information as it becomes available.

THE SHOW

What is Place des Anges?

Place des Anges is French for The Place of Angels and is performed by a French theatre company called Gratte Ciel which translates as Skyscraper. It is an aerial show which means that most of the activity takes place above your head. We don’t want to give too much away in advance, but the show involves angels, music and feathers! It is a short, playful, visual spectacle that aims to enchant audiences of all ages.

When does Place des Anges take place?

Friday 28 July 2023.

Where is the show taking place?

The show is taking place at Secklow Gate D3 Car Park in Central Milton Keynes, next to The Point. The postcode is MK9 3NE and the what3words locator is ///ratty.smile.loaders.

What time does it begin?

The show begins at 9.45pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. The venue (covered in feathers) will remain open until about 11pm when the site will begin to be cleared.

What time can I get access to the site?

The gates will open at 9:00pm and we advise you to arrive in plenty of time to get through the ticket check.

TICKETS

When are tickets available and where do I get them from?

Booking opens from 10am on Tuesday 7 February and can be booked from The Stables box office, 01908 280800 (check opening times) or online at ifmiltonkeynes.org.

Your tickets will be emailed to you (or posted at an additional cost of £2). Please print your electronic tickets or show them on your mobile device to our gate staff to gain entry to this event. Please note that tickets will be scanned on entry. If you are printing tickets, please ensure a good quality print for our scanners to read them effectively. This will avoid delays accessing the event. If your mobile device screen is broken, we recommend that you print your tickets.

Is there allocated seating?

This is a standing-only show and the audience moves wherever they wish within the show site during the performance. Please do not bring your own chairs as they will not be permitted into the show site.

A limited number of seats will be available in a quieter area of the site for those who have difficulty standing for long periods. Please ask a steward on arrival if you wish to use one.

CHILDREN

Is the show suitable for children?

This is an all-ages event, however all children under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Everyone over two-years old will require a ticket.

Please bear in mind that there are likely to be thousands of people at the site and there will be a blanket of feathers on the ground at the end of the show. Please take care as you leave the event and ask stewards for assistance if you need it. We would advise not to bring pushchairs.

TOILETS & ACCESSIBILITY

Will toilets be available?

Yes, temporary toilets, including those accessible for the disabled, will be available to use at the event.

What other considerations have been given to those with disabilities?

The site is suitable for wheelchairs.

If you would like to be in an area that is less busy during the performance, please let a steward know on arrival and they will direct you to a quieter area of the site. If you have difficulty standing, a limited number of seats will be available to use in this area. We regret that it will not be possible for you to bring your own chairs and they will not be permitted into the site.

Please bear in mind that there are likely to thousands of people at the site and there will be a thick blanket of feathers on the ground at the end of the show that may cover street furniture, kerbs, etc. Please take care and ask stewards for assistance if you need it.

Additional facilities to enhance the experience of those with disabilities may be added. Please contact The Stables box office on 01908 280800 or boxoffice@stables.org to discuss any access requirements you may have.

PETS

Animals, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted on the show site.

FOOD & DRINK

Will food or drink be available?

There will be no food or drink available at the show site. However, there are lots of places nearby in central Milton Keynes to purchase refreshments.

Alcohol is not permitted at the event and will be confiscated. Security personnel may search those entering the event.

THE FEATHERS

Where do the feathers used in the show come from?

The feathers used in Place des Anges come from European suppliers of down used for the manufacture of winter clothing and bedding. They are duck feathers usually destined for use in clothing, mattresses, pillows and duvet materials. The feathers are sourced from farms that meet strict European regulations regarding animal welfare and that humanely farm the birds for the production of meat, with the feathers being a by-product of that industry.

There are strict regulations in the UK regarding the import of feathers and the feathers used in the show have been sourced from Avian Flu zero risk areas designated 100% safe as per current UK regulations.

The company supplying the feathers has been awarded the DOWNPASS certification (valid 2021 - 2023) for stringent traceability and quality standards. This certification requires that feathers are not sourced from any live animals and in adherence to the strictest European standards of humane farming practices.

In addition, IDFL, the world’s largest down and feather testing laboratory, has completed a further independent Supply Chain Traceability Audit of the company’s feather supply and passed them in accordance with the requirements of the EDFA Codex and EDFA Traceability Standard (valid 13 Oct 2021 – 13 Oct 2023).

The feathers used in Place des Anges are clean and safe in accordance with similar strict European regulations. They have been washed, sterilised and dusted, and are provided for the wider manufacture of down quilts, mattresses and clothing are certified free from allergens and contagious diseases.

The supplier is an official and active member of the Japan Bedding Goods Association Traceability Audit System (J-TAS)

Are the feathers hypoallergenic?

The feathers used in the show are washed, sterilized and dusted. The feathers have undergone antibacterial treatment to prevent allergens.

The down and feathers used in this performance have been processed via a hygiene laboratory. The brands of the Association of the European Bedfeather and Bedding Industries document that the filling material conforms to EN 12935. (Feather and down – Hygiene and cleanliness requirements).

How will the feathers be cleared after the show?

A dedicated cleaning team will be responsible for ensuring that the site is left clean and tidy after the event. Many people will take feathers home with them and some feathers will gradually find their way across the city leaving their mark as a memory of this magical spectacle.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Will the show be cancelled in bad weather?

The show is unlikely to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, such as rain or light winds. If it does rain, please wear waterproofs.

In the event of severe weather, such as storms and high winds, please refer to the Festival website ifmiltonkyenes.org, check your email and our official social media channels for the latest news on the day and before you travel.

LOST PROPERTY & PEOPLE

I’ve lost something while at the event, what do I do?

If you lost something whilst you were attending the Place des Anges performance, please get in touch with us via email at boxoffice@stables.org with a description of the item then we’ll see if it was found and will let you know as soon as we can.

What do I do if I lose someone in the crowds?

If you lose someone, please make an event steward aware of the situation and they will implement an official lost child/parent procedure. Event stewards will be clearly identifiable in a uniform.

February 2023