Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.
Council backs free breakfast clubs at Milton Keynes schools
Milton Keynes City Council is working with local schools to increase access to free breakfast clubs, helping more children start the school day with a healthy meal.
The clubs run for at least 30 minutes before the school day begins and are open to pupils from Reception to Year 6. They also provide morning childcare for parents and carers during busy routines.
The programme is funded by the Department for Education, with eligible schools invited directly. The council says ten schools in Milton Keynes are already taking part, with a further seven set to join from September.
The council’s longer-term aim is for all local primary schools to take part, with the programme prioritising schools with higher levels of disadvantage.
Credit: Milton Keynes City Council
Milton Keynes education leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Two figures linked to Milton Keynes education have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Sally Alexander, Chief Executive and Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, has been awarded an MBE for services to Further Education. She joined the college group in 1999 and has since held senior roles including leading its prison education provision.
Professor Rachel Hilliam, Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at The Open University, has been awarded an OBE for services to Data Science. The official honours list records her role at The Open University, which is based in Milton Keynes.
All Things Business reports that the honours recognise work across further education, data science and professional standards, with both awards reflecting long-standing contributions to education and skills.
Credit: The Open University
Willen Hospice Midnight Moo raises £100,000 so far
More than 1,000 people took part in Willen Hospice’s annual Midnight Moo walk, raising £100,000 so far for the Milton Keynes charity.
The event took place on Friday 26 June, with walkers setting off from Middleton Hall in centre:mk before following a nighttime route through the city’s redways.
Participants wore a mix of cow-inspired fancy dress and official Midnight Moo T-shirts, while local groups and businesses supported the evening with live radio, a warm-up, refreshments and entertainment along the route.
Willen Hospice said more than 300 volunteer marshals helped keep the event moving, offering encouragement, music, sweets and support to walkers during the challenge.
Money raised from the event will help fund the Hospice’s care and support for local people affected by life-limiting illness. The charity has also confirmed that Midnight Moo will return in 2027.
📍 Milton Keynes
Credit: Willen Hospice
Milton Keynes changemakers recognised at first charity awards
Community groups, charities, volunteers, businesses and civic leaders gathered as Milton Keynes Community Foundation held its first dedicated charity awards.
The inaugural event was organised as part of the foundation’s 40th anniversary year and recognised work taking place across the city’s voluntary, community and charity sector.
MKFM reports that nominations were reviewed by a 26-strong judging panel drawn from areas including business, education, health, housing and community life.
Winners included Harry’s Rainbow in the Education category, MK SNAP for Health and Wellbeing, MÓTUS for Arts and Heritage, MK Melting Pot for Poverty and Disadvantage, SOFEA for Work and Local Economy, and MK Act for Crime and Safety.
Other awards went to Community Trees, Maria Affa, MK Community Boat Electra, Vanessa Holmes and Arthur Ellis, recognising areas including environmental action, volunteering, business support, leadership, and equity and inclusion.
Credit: Harry’s Rainbow
Willen Hospice to open lakeside gardens for National Garden Scheme
Willen Hospice is inviting the public into its lakeside gardens on Saturday 11 July as part of the National Garden Scheme.
The gardens will be open from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors the chance to explore two acres of lawns, wooded areas, planted beds, a working allotment and an orchard. The site also includes an RHS award-winning pocket garden first showcased at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2025.
The event will raise money for national nursing and health charities, as well as Willen Hospice’s own care for local people affected by life-limiting illness.
Cream teas, lunches, drinks and cakes will be available from the hospice café, while live music will run throughout the day. The line-up includes 60s and 70s tribute band MOTIF, acapella group The Reluctants and Sarah Jones Jazz.
Visitors will also be able to browse a plant sale and pop-up gardening shop, with prize stalls and a biscuit-decorating activity for children.
Adult tickets are £5, children can enter free, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Tickets can be booked in advance or paid for on the day.
🕒 Sat 11 Jul, 10am–4pm
📍 Willen Hospice
🎟 Adults £5, children free
Credit: Willen Hospice
What’s on in Milton Keynes
Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:
🕒 Mon 6 Jul:
Quiz Night in Support of Willen Hospice
A weekly social quiz night, with the quiz starting at 7.30pm. Entry is £2 and proceeds are donated to Willen Hospice.
📍 The Old Beams, Shenley Lodge, 7pm–9.30pm
More information →
🕒 Sun 12 Jul:
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
An interactive dining-theatre event based on Fawlty Towers, including a three-course meal. Tickets are listed at £69.95.
📍 MK Gallery, 1.30pm and 6.30pm
More information →
Family & Weekend ::
🕒 Sat 11 Jul:
Elmer sculptures and comedy festival activities
12th Street will host free family entertainment, live performances and the launch of Elmer’s Art Parade as part of Milton Keynes Comedy Festival.
📍 12th Street, 10am–7pm
More information →
🕒 Sat 11 Jul – Sun 12 Jul:
Flavour Fest
A two-day street food and family event at Willen Lake, with free entry and no booking required. Normal car parking charges apply.
📍 Willen Lake, 11am–5pm
More information →
🕒 Sun 12 Jul:
East Asian Market
Urban Garden Fair brings its East Asian Market to Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, with event details available via Eventbrite.
📍 Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, 10.30am–4pm
More information →
Walks, Rides & Wellbeing ::
🕒 Tue 7 Jul:
Inclusive Stroll: Lodge Lake
A free guided walk designed for all ages and abilities. The walk meets at the Bradwell Road car park in Loughton, and no booking is required.
📍 Lodge Lake, 10.30am
More information →
🕒 Thu 9 Jul:
MK Health Rides
A free beginner-friendly bike ride led by The Parks Trust. The ride is around 8km and lasts about an hour, with no booking required.
📍 Campbell Park Pavilion, 2pm
More information →
Arts & Culture ::
🕒 Sat 11 Jul:
SEND Exhibition Tour | Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour
A sensory tour of MK Gallery’s Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour exhibition, led by artist Collar & Cuffs Co. Tickets are £7.
📍 MK Gallery, 11am
More information →
Concert for Codebreakers
A Concert for Codebreakers event at Bletchley Park, bringing the story of Dido and Aeneas to life. Tickets are listed at £25 including event and cream tea.
📍 Bletchley Park, 2pm
More information →
🕒 Sat 11 Jul – Wed 15 Jul:
Mary Barnes Retrospective
A free exhibition showing work by Mary Barnes, including early college work, printmaking and almost 30 years as a resident artist at Westbury Arts Centre.
📍 Westbury Arts Centre, The Barn Gallery, 11am–4pm
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.
Quick question for you
What kinds of local events would you like to see more of in MK Digest?
Just hit reply – I read every message.
See you next issue.
Toby
MK Digest
[email protected]