Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.
Work begins on Wolverton's long-awaited Agora regeneration
Construction work has begun on the regeneration of Wolverton's former Agora shopping centre site, marking the next stage in a project that aims to transform a prominent area of the town centre.
The scheme will redevelop the former Agora site and surrounding land, bringing new homes, commercial units and public spaces to Wolverton. Plans also include reinstating parts of the town's historic Victorian street pattern and improving connections for walking and cycling.
Milton Keynes City Council purchased the site after earlier private-sector redevelopment proposals failed to progress. Following demolition and preparatory works, the project has now moved into its construction phase.
The redevelopment is expected to deliver more than 100 homes, nine commercial units, community facilities and transport improvements as part of the wider regeneration of Wolverton town centre.
Construction is being carried out by John Graham Construction Ltd and the project is expected to continue over the next few years, with completion currently anticipated in 2028.
The project has been the subject of discussion for many years and has faced delays linked to changing economic conditions, rising construction costs and revised development plans. Construction is now under way following demolition and preparatory works at the site.
📍 Former Agora site, Wolverton town centre
Credit: Milton Keynes City Council
Bletchley Park wins national tourism award
Bletchley Park has been recognised as one of England's leading visitor attractions after receiving a Silver award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
The Milton Keynes heritage site won Silver in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, placing it among the highest-performing attractions recognised in this year's national awards.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate quality, innovation and customer service across England's tourism industry and have been running for more than 35 years.
Bletchley Park's success follows its Gold award at The Beautiful South Tourism Awards in December 2025, which qualified the attraction for consideration at the national awards.
Rebecca Foy, Director of Public Engagement at the Bletchley Park Trust, said the organisation was "beyond proud" to receive the recognition and described the award as a reflection of the work carried out by staff and volunteers to provide the best possible visitor experience.
Known worldwide as the home of the Allied codebreakers during the Second World War, Bletchley Park now welcomes visitors from across the UK and overseas to explore its historic buildings, exhibitions and collections.
The award adds to a successful period for the independent museum and charity, which continues to host exhibitions, educational activities and special events throughout the year.
📍 Bletchley Park, Bletchley
Credit: Courtesy of Bletchley Park Trust
Milton Keynes to mark Disability Awareness Day with week of events
A programme of activities will take place across Milton Keynes next month as residents, charities, community groups and businesses come together to celebrate Milton Keynes Disability Awareness Day (MKDAD).
The annual initiative aims to recognise the abilities, contributions and experiences of people with disabilities. This year's main event will take place on Tuesday 14 July at the MK Rose in Campbell Park, with a week of activities running from 6–10 July.
Events planned during the week include an inclusive walk around Lodge Lake organised by The Parks Trust, dance sessions with MacIntyre, football activities with MK Dons Community Trust and art journaling sessions for carers. Organisers say the programme is designed to highlight the support, services and opportunities available for people with disabilities.
The main Disability Awareness Day event will run from midday until 2:30pm and will feature live performances, interactive workshops, sports and activity sessions in a family-friendly bring-your-own-picnic setting. The programme will begin with live music and conclude with a group outdoor silent disco.
Schools are also being encouraged to take part. Residents at Camphill Milton Keynes have created free educational packs containing workbooks, videos and suggested assembly and classroom activities to help schools explore disability awareness.
John Moffoot DL, Chair of the Organising Committee, said the event celebrates what people with disabilities can do while promoting inclusivity and collaboration across Milton Keynes.
Individuals and organisations interested in taking part, hosting an activity or finding out more can contact Camphill Milton Keynes via [email protected]
📍 MK Rose, Campbell Park
Credit: Camphill Milton Keynes Communities Ltd
Last chance to sign up for Willen Hospice Midnight Moo
Hundreds of people are expected to take to the streets of Milton Keynes next week as Willen Hospice's annual Midnight Moo returns on Friday 26 June.
Sponsored by Specsavers MK, the charity's biggest fundraiser of the year gives participants the choice of a 5-mile or 10-mile night-time walk starting from Middleton Hall at centre:mk. Online entries close at midnight on Wednesday 24 June, although registration will also be available in person on the night.
This year's event will feature entertainment along the route, including LED drummers, an LED juggler, an underpass disco and live drummers. Walkers will also pass through a dedicated "thank you" mile marshalled by current and former Hospice staff, and a "memory mile" where lanterns decorated by participants will create a tribute to loved ones.
Every participant receives a fundraising pack and sponsorship form, with a suggested fundraising target of £125 for individuals or £500 for teams. Those raising more than £200 individually will be entered into a prize draw for a country escape for two, while teams raising more than £1,000 could win a "night in" hamper.
Willen Hospice provides free specialist care and support for local people living with life-limiting illness and relies heavily on fundraising and community support to fund its services.
🕒 Deadline: Before midnight on Wed 24 Jun
📍 Middleton Hall, centre:mk
Credit: Willen Hospice
Wimbledon comes to Unity Place big screen
Tennis fans will be able to watch Wimbledon live in Milton Keynes this summer as Unity Place screens coverage of The Championships on its big screen in the Urban Food Market.
Coverage will run on weekdays from Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July between 11am and 4pm, allowing visitors to follow the action throughout the tournament.
Unity Place says the screenings are designed for people looking to watch their favourite players, enjoy lunch with colleagues, or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of the world's most famous tennis tournaments.
To coincide with the event, strawberries and cream and sausage rolls will be available from food pods every Tuesday to Thursday during the tournament.
No booking is required.
🕒 Mon 29 Jun – Fri 10 Jul (weekdays), 11am–4pm
📍 Urban Food Market, Unity Place
Credit: Lisa Van Dorp
Winners announced in first MK Landscape Artist Quest
Artists of all ages took part in the first MK Landscape Artist Quest earlier this month, with three winners selected from around 80 participants who spent the day creating artwork inspired by Great Linford Manor Park.
Organised by The Parks Trust, the free outdoor competition took place on Saturday 13 June and attracted hundreds of visitors to the park throughout the day. Artists were invited to create original two-dimensional artworks inspired by the site's heritage, wildlife, gardens and landscapes.
The competition was judged across three age categories, with Susan Lovejoy winning the Over 18s category, Nicola Mathews taking first place in the 11–17 years category, and Mitakshi Ghosh winning the Under 11s category.
Alongside the competition, visitors were able to explore creative stalls, take part in activities and watch artists at work throughout the afternoon. The Parks Trust described the event as a celebration of art, nature and community.
The winning artworks are now on display at the South Pavilion in Great Linford Manor Park, where they can be viewed by the public for a limited period. All competition entries can also be viewed online through The Parks Trust website.
Sandra Adjei, Events & Community Engagement Assistant at The Parks Trust, said the organisation was "absolutely thrilled" with the success of the inaugural event and praised the creativity shown by participants of all ages.
📍 Great Linford Manor Park
Credit: The Parks Trust
New public artwork unveiled beside River Ouzel
A striking new public artwork has been unveiled beside the River Ouzel in Oakgrove, adding to Milton Keynes' extensive collection of outdoor art installations.
Created by artist Ivan Morison in collaboration with long-term creative partner Heather Peak, Nobody Lives by the Grid was commissioned by Milton Keynes City Council in partnership with The Parks Trust and developed with input from local residents and pupils from Oakgrove Primary School.
The permanent installation features a series of bronze sculptures inspired by everyday forms and explores themes of community, ecology and imagination. Situated alongside the riverside landscape, the artwork has been designed to encourage visitors to pause, reflect and experience the natural environment in a different way.
Council leaders say the project demonstrates how public art can help bring communities together while creating welcoming outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy for years to come.
The artwork now joins Milton Keynes' collection of more than 270 public artworks, continuing a tradition that has helped make the city one of the UK's most distinctive destinations for public art.
For local residents looking to explore something new, the installation offers another reason to take a walk along the River Ouzel and discover a different side of Milton Keynes.
📍 River Ouzel, Oakgrove
Credit: Milton Keynes City Council
What’s on in Milton Keynes
Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:
🕒 Mon 22 Jun – Sun 28 Jun:
Lord of the Dance 30th Anniversary arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre
Michael Flatley's internationally acclaimed dance spectacular begins its Milton Keynes run, featuring Irish dance, music and theatrical storytelling.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
More information →
🕒 Tue 23 Jun:
England v Ghana on Milton Keynes' biggest sports screen
Watch England's second World Cup group-stage match on the giant screen inside Unity Place's Urban Food Market.
📍 Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes
More information →
🕒 Sat 27 Jun:
England v Panama on Milton Keynes' biggest sports screen
England's final group-stage fixture shown live on the giant screen at Unity Place.
📍 Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes
More information →
🕒 Sat 27 Jun – Sat 28 Jun:
SMK Live arrives at Stadium MK
A new live music event arrives at Stadium MK with performances across two days, bringing major artists and thousands of music fans to Milton Keynes.
📍 Stadium MK
More information →
Family-friendly & Community ::
🕒 Throughout the week:
Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour at MK Gallery
Explore more than 150 works by celebrated French photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue, including rare colour photographs, vintage prints and archival material. The exhibition opened this weekend and continues throughout the summer.
📍 MK Gallery, Central Milton Keynes
More information →
Youth Rangers welcomes new members
Teenagers aged 14–17 can register interest in The Parks Trust's free Youth Rangers programme, which includes wildlife surveying, tree planting and practical conservation work across Milton Keynes.
📍 Parks across Milton Keynes
More information →
🕒 Mon 29 Jun:
The Tiger Who Came to Tea arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre
Judith Kerr's much-loved children's story comes to Milton Keynes Theatre in a stage adaptation featuring songs, puppetry and family-friendly fun.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
More information →
Free & Local ::
🕒 Throughout the week:
Free family activities at MK libraries
Lego and Duplo clubs, Stories & Songs sessions, Code Club and other free activities continue across Milton Keynes libraries for children and families.
📍 Various libraries
More information →
Explore more local events on Eventbrite and Destination Milton Keynes.
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Toby
MK Digest
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