MK Digest – Dragon boats, a safari classroom & a new MK exhibition

Your weekly update on what’s happening across Milton Keynes.

One of Milton Keynes’ most popular summer events is set to return this summer, as the MK Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Willen Lake on Saturday 4 July.

The event will see up to 48 teams take to the water, racing in traditional dragon boats in a day of friendly competition, fundraising and entertainment.

This year’s festival is designed as an open fundraising event, allowing teams to support a charity of their choice. Organisations already involved include Willen Hospice, MK Foodbank, Harry’s Rainbow and Camphill MK.

Alongside the racing, spectators can enjoy a full day of entertainment including food stalls, a dragon dance, inflatables and more. Entry is free for visitors, with organisers expecting thousands to attend, depending on the weather.

Enter a team or find out more →

Woburn Safari Park has opened a new specialist classroom designed to make wildlife experiences more accessible for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The facility, called SENse the Safari, has been developed to provide a calm, inclusive and engaging environment where children can explore nature through hands-on learning and sensory activities.

The space includes interactive exhibits, adapted learning tools and opportunities to engage with animals in a way that supports different learning styles and needs.

The project aims to ensure more children can benefit from educational visits, regardless of their individual requirements, helping to make wildlife learning more inclusive.

More information →

A new art exhibition by learners from Milton Keynes charity MK Snap is now on display at Unity Place.

The exhibition features seven artworks exploring themes of identity, community and belonging, with several pieces inspired by local landmarks such as the Concrete Cows and Milton Keynes Central Library.

One standout piece, Labels Are for Jars, carries a bold message challenging stereotypes, while another, Holding Hope, uses the image of a penguin holding a heart-shaped balloon to symbolise resilience and support.

MK Snap supports adults with learning disabilities through programmes focused on life skills, employment and personal development, helping learners build confidence and independence.

The exhibition is open to visitors during Unity Place opening hours.

More information →

Willen Hospice has announced plans to refurbish its popular Woburn Sands shop and café, with the site closing temporarily from 9 April.

The newly refurbished space is set to reopen on Friday 1 May, with improvements including a more comfortable café seating area and an expanded range of clothing and accessories.

The shop has become a popular community space, serving around 13,000 teas, coffees and cakes each year alongside selling thousands of donated items.

Income from the Hospice’s retail shops plays a vital role in funding its free specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses across Milton Keynes.

More information →

Residents across Milton Keynes are being reminded to bring valid photo ID when voting in upcoming elections – or risk being turned away.

Under current rules, voters must show an accepted form of photo identification at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.

Accepted forms of ID include passports, driving licences, and certain concessionary travel passes. Those without a suitable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Anyone unsure about what is accepted, or who still needs to apply for ID, is encouraged to check as soon as possible to avoid being turned away on polling day.

Check accepted ID and apply if needed →

What kinds of local events would you like to see more (or less) of in MK Digest?

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See you next issue.

Toby
MK Digest
[email protected]