Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.
Parks Trust lines up summer activities across Milton Keynes
Families across Milton Keynes are being invited to make the most of the city’s parks this summer, as The Parks Trust prepares a programme of outdoor activities and events for the school holidays.
The programme includes Summer Holiday Open Mornings at Howe Park Wood every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, with free nature activities for families and weekly themes including Marvellous Minibeasts, Super Creatures, Nature Games and Wildlife Warriors.
Other planned activities include butterfly identification strolls, community volunteering sessions, inclusive Parkland Play sessions, a Wildlife Wander at Waterhall Park, Family Bat Walks and Love Wetlands Day at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve.
The Parks Trust says Milton Keynes has more than 40 parks to explore, with free play areas, walking and cycling routes, trim trails and outdoor artworks across the city.
Some events are free drop-in activities, while others have limited spaces or require booking.
📍 Parks across Milton Keynes
🎟 Free and ticketed events
Credit: The Parks Trust
Free summer activities and meals offered for Milton Keynes children
Milton Keynes City Council is offering thousands of free activity sessions and meals for children, young people and families during the summer holidays.
The council says its Holiday Fun and Food programme will provide 23,000 activity sessions plus meals this summer, aimed at local families with children who receive benefit-related free school meals.
Activities will run between 27 July and 20 August across 50 locations in Milton Keynes, with sessions including free food and at least four hours of activities.
The programme includes a wide range of activities for different ages, from music and science to rock climbing and outdoor adventures.
The council says all sessions welcome children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, with nearly 2,400 tickets set aside for SEND-specific activities.
Eligible families can book up to 16 sessions per child through the online booking system using their e-voucher.
📍 Locations across Milton Keynes
🎟 Free for eligible families
Credit: Milton Keynes City Council
Open University maths professor receives society award
An Open University mathematics professor has received a major award from the London Mathematical Society for her work supporting women in mathematics.
Professor Gwyneth Stallard OBE, Professor of Pure Mathematics at The Open University, has been awarded the Senior Anne Bennett Prize.
The prize is awarded every three years to a mathematician in recognition of their work, influence on or service to mathematics, particularly in relation to advancing the careers of women.
Professor Stallard was recognised for her promotion of and support for women in mathematics, as well as her contributions to complex dynamics.
She previously served on the London Mathematical Society Council from 2014 to 2019 and chaired its Women in Mathematics Committee from 2006 to 2015.
During that time, she introduced initiatives including the Good Practice Scheme, which was set up to support university departments in improving their culture and practices.
At The Open University, Professor Stallard has led the School of Mathematics and Statistics through three successful Athena Swan submissions, achieving Silver in 2022. She is currently the OU’s Academic Lead for Athena Swan.
📍 The Open University
Credit: The Open University
Women Leaders Awards returns to Stadium MK
The Women Leaders Awards returns to Milton Keynes this month, with businesses, community organisations and residents invited to attend the regional event.
The 2026 awards will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK, on Thursday 16 July.
Organisers say this year’s awards received a record 180 nominations, with finalists recognised across sectors including engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, entrepreneurship, the arts, public service and community leadership.
Dr Julie Mills OBE DL, Chair of Women Leaders, said the judges described this as the organisation’s “most inspiring year yet”, with each nomination sharing the story of someone making a difference in their business, profession or community.
The evening will bring together finalists, businesses, charities and community leaders from Milton Keynes and the wider region, with live performances, networking and an after-party also planned.
A limited number of tickets and individual seats remain available.
🕒 Thu 16 Jul
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK
Photo: Past winners of the Women Leaders Awards. Credit: Women Leaders
Growth grants available for Milton Keynes businesses
Milton Keynes businesses can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 through the South Midlands Capital Growth Grant programme.
The match-funded grants are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the South Midlands, including businesses in the Milton Keynes City Council area.
The Growth Hub says the funding is for projects that will accelerate business growth, foster innovation and support decarbonisation efforts.
Eligible projects could include work that creates new products or services, reduces carbon emissions, or helps companies safeguard and create jobs.
The grant can cover up to 50% of the total project cost, with businesses expected to provide the remaining match funding.
Expressions of Interest are open now and close at 5pm on Thursday 23 July. Businesses that pass the first stage will then be invited to submit a full application.
The South Midlands Growth Hub is also running Q&A sessions during July for businesses that want to ask questions about the grant and application process.
📍 Milton Keynes and the wider South Midlands
🎟 Expressions of Interest close Thu 23 Jul, 5pm
Credit: RDNE Stock project
What’s on in Milton Keynes
Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:
Women's Health & Wellbeing ::
🕒 Wed 15 Jul:
The matter of Black women’s health: Resistance, resilience and remembrance
Professor Jenny Douglas gives an inaugural lecture at The Open University, exploring Black women’s health and wellbeing, current evidence, data gaps and future research.
📍 Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall, and online, 5pm–6pm
More information →
Introducing the Pain Reframe
A free online webinar for women living with persistent pain, led by Consultant Health Psychologist Dr Sue Peacock, who also holds a monthly clinic at The Saxon Clinic in Milton Keynes. The session will look at how chronic pain affects more than the body, how the nervous system influences pain, and practical strategies for moving forward with greater confidence.
📍 Online via Zoom, 6pm
Register →
🕒 Tue 14 Jul:
Social Scrabble at Bletchley Library
A free, relaxed Scrabble session at Bletchley Library. No booking required.
📍 Bletchley Library, 10.30am–11.30am
More information →
🕒 Wed 15 Jul:
Pitch Club
A free business session at NatWest Milton Keynes for people who want to practise or improve their pitching.
📍 NatWest Milton Keynes, centre:mk, 11am–12pm
More information →
🕒 Sun 19 Jul:
Peace & Humanity Procession / Interfaith Programme
Voice of Al-Hussain holds its annual Peace and Humanity Procession and Interfaith Programme at Milton Keynes Rose.
📍 Milton Keynes Rose, Campbell Park, 2.30pm
More information →
Family & Weekend ::
🕒 Sat 11 Jul – Mon 31 Aug:
Elmer’s Art Parade
A colourful Elmer sculpture trail is taking over Milton Keynes city centre, with 12 Elmers to find and a trail to complete.
📍 Milton Keynes City Centre
More information →
🕒 Fri 17 Jul – Mon 31 Aug:
The Beach at centre:mk
The Beach returns to Middleton Hall for the summer, with free entry, beach games and fairground rides. Rides start from £3.
📍 Middleton Hall, centre:mk
More information →
🕒 Sun 19 Jul:
🐝 Bee Fest 2026
Westbury Bee Group hosts Bee Fest 2026 at Westbury Arts Centre, with wax candle making, flower seed bombs, a treasure hunt, bee talks, an observation hive, refreshments and more. Free entry.
📍 Westbury Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road, MK5 6AA, 11am–5pm
More information →
Arts & Culture ::
🕒 Tue 14 Jul:
Conversational Tours | Jacques Henri Lartigue
MK Gallery’s volunteer tour guides lead an informal exploration of Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour. Free with an exhibition ticket, booking advised.
📍 MK Gallery, 11am
More information →
🕒 Tue 14 Jul – Sat 18 Jul:
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
John le Carré’s Cold War spy novel comes to Milton Keynes Theatre in a stage adaptation running from Tuesday to Saturday.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
More information →
Free & Local ::
🕒 Wed 15 Jul:
Lego/Duplo Club at Newport Pagnell Library
A free drop-in Lego and Duplo session, with bricks provided and families invited to bring their imagination.
📍 Newport Pagnell Library, 3.30pm–4.30pm
More information →
🕒 Fri 17 Jul:
Games Club at Newport Pagnell Library
A free games club at Newport Pagnell Library, running on Friday afternoon.
📍 Newport Pagnell Library, 2.30pm–4.30pm
More information →
Explore more local events on Eventbrite and Destination Milton Keynes.
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Toby
MK Digest
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