MK Pride Festival 2025 Programme

GUIDE TO

PRIDE! HEADLINE SPONSOR

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR A note from Keith Emmett III, Director of MK Pride Festival:

At the heart of our festival is an inclusive, passionate team that works tirelessly to keep MK Pride Festival free and welcoming for all. Each year, as our community grows, so do the resources needed to bring this incredible event to life. Without the ongoing dedication of our sponsors and partners, none of this would be possible. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what’s set to be our biggest year yet.

Amy Claxton Treasurer

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Keith Emmett III Director

Lee Kaye Director

Jay Virgo Community Manager

2. MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR 3. CONTENTS 4 - 5. SANTANDER 6 - 7. MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 8 - 9. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP UNITED KINGDOM 10 - 11. MAIN STAGE LINEUP 12 - 13. CENTRE:MK 14 - 15. UNITY PLACE 16 - 17. HONOURING THE VIVIENNE 18 - 19. HOTEL LA TOUR 20. RIGHTMOVE 21. COMMUNITY STAGE LINEUP 22 - 23. Q:ALLIANCE 24 - 25. FOURTEEN SKY BAR & RESTAURANT 26. MK CITY CENTRE GIFT CARD 27. QUEER COMEDY CLUB LINEUP 28 - 29. ORACLE RED BULL RACING 30. NHBC 31. MK PRIDE X PINK PUNTERS AFTERPARTY 32. TIMINGS & YUSEN LOGISTICS 33. RAINBOW SPONSORS 3

Santander is delighted to welcome you to the 5th MK Pride Festival!

This year is all about celebration for us, as we’re honoured to be the headline sponsor of MK Pride for the 5th year!

From a small stand at the first ever MK Pride to our fabulous activation with its iconic rainbow runway. It’s been great for us to see how this event has evolved.

No matter how big it gets though, at its core, MK Pride is a place for people to come together and be themselves. And we’re so proud that Santander is #ThePlaceToBeYourself.

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Our Embrace Network Embrace is Santander’s award-winning LGBTQ+ employee network that serves over 2,000 members across the UK from all areas of our operations. Embrace is one of Santander UK’s largest employee networks, and is the blueprint for creating Embrace Networks in other countries within the Santander Group – a truly global phenomenon!

Our dedicated team of volunteers are always focused on how we can better support the experience of our LGBTQ+ people, customers and communities.

TJ Richards, Network Co-Chair commented:

“I am super excited that Santander have the privilege of sponsoring MK’s Pride Fest for the 5th year. Now more than ever, it’s vital that we show up and actively support for our LGBTQ+ community.”

Alison Webdale, Executive Committee Sponsor added:

“I am delighted that Santander is the headline sponsor for Milton Keynes Pride for the 5th year. For us, it’s about standing proudly with the LGBTQ+ community and this celebration. MK Pride continues to have inclusive spaces for all ages and needs. This sponsorship represents an allyship both as a major employer in the city and beyond. We continue to be a proud and active supporter for all our customers and employees.”

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Giving with Pride

MK Community Foundation sparks local giving that changes lives in our city, directing funds to the causes that build a fairer, more inclusive community.

Our longstanding partnership with MK Pride is rooted in a shared belief: that Pride should be for everyone. Our funding has supported: British Sign Language interpreters Braille programmes The RevoLOOtion: a fully accessible, genderneutral loo A dedicated Welfare Zone, a calm, safeguarded space for rest, support, and care

“Having MK Community Foundation as a long-term partner has been transformational.” - Keith Emmett III, Director MK Pride 6

The Rainbow Fund exists to support projects that centre equity, safety, visibility and belonging for our LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes. The fund prioritises groups led by and for the community, especially those supporting people who face multiple forms of discrimination or marginalisation.

Milton Keynes has always had a proud place in LGBTQ+ history.

From the Campaign for Homosexual Equality in the 1970s to the joy of MK Pride today, every decade has added a new chapter. Now it’s time to ask, ‘what does the next generation need to write theirs?’

More safer spaces. More support. More celebration.

New ideas and groups are waiting.

The Rainbow Fund will help them grow. Invest in the future of the original community builders; the next generation of queer storytellers, support workers, artists, and campaigners.

Join us in writing the next chapter of our city’s story

mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk

Have an idea for a project or group that would make life better for our community in MK? Get in touch! applications@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk

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We Drive Proud at Milton Keynes Pride Festival At Volkswagen Group United Kingdom, our continued support for the Milton Keynes Pride Festival is more than symbolic—it’s a celebration of who we are and what we stand for. Diversity and inclusion are embedded in our culture, from our UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, home to iconic brands like Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, CUPRA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, to the wider Volkswagen Group around the world.

Our commitment is brought to life through our passionate Employee Network Groups, including We Drive Proud, which champions the LGBTQ+ community across our organisation.

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MAIN STAGE – PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VOLKSWAGEN Sima Ballard, Chair of We Drive Proud UK, shared:

Being part of the festival in such a hands-on way through sponsorship and the incredible involvement of our colleagues means a great deal to us and to the LGBTQ+ community here in Milton Keynes. We’re thrilled to support the Main Stage once again and to stand proudly alongside this vibrant celebration of identity and inclusion.

“We’re also proud to share that our efforts in building an inclusive workplace have been recognised with the Gold accreditation from Inclusive Employers—the highest level awarded, and a first for the UK automotive sector.”

Learn more about our inclusive culture: careers.volkswagengroup. co.uk/an-inclusive-employer Follow us on LinkedIn: Volkswagen Group UK Ltd

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12:30 13:10

15:05 16:05

18:00

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18:40

13:50

17:05

19:20

20:10

20:45

21:20

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centre:mk proudly returns for their fifth year as lead sponsor of MK Pride.

Their support makes a huge difference, funding our dedicated Sensory Space for neurodivergent festivalgoers, providing a calm and supportive environment within the heart of the celebrations. They also play a vital role in backing our volunteers, helping us provide uniforms, lunches, a relaxed volunteer lounge, and essential leadership support, recognising the incredible contribution of our volunteer team in making Pride happen.

A heartfelt thank you to centre:mk for six incredible years of sponsorship, helping to make Milton Keynes Pride Festival free, accessible, and welcoming for all.

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Kevin Duffy, Centre Director, said:

We are so proud to continue our collaboration with MK Pride. It’s a highlight of our city’s calendar and a celebration that truly belongs to everyone. To see it grow each year is a testament to the dedication of the MK Pride team and the community it represents.

Remember Pride ‘25 This year, centre:mk is also helping us drive sustainability forward, supporting the continued rollout of reusable commemorative cups to reduce single-use plastics, with proceeds going directly to Q:Alliance.

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Welcome to

Not only is Unity Place the new home of Santander’s UK headquarters – it’s a hub for our local communities.

The bold and bright Unity Place is unmissable, directly opposite MK Station Square and built with community and collaboration in mind, fully open for the public to enjoy!

Partnering with B-Corp businesses, learning institutions, community groups, arts studios and youth charities, Unity Place is a hub of activity, designed to support the community and local area as a landmark public destination. organisation.

Food & Dining: Destination for everyome The vibrant and delicious Urban Food Market is alive with street food vendors, and we’re home to cafés, Unity Sky Lounge, and the new Dipna Anand’s Kitchen and Bar, making it a foodie heaven.

We’re also home to ROK Barbers, Green Bubbles Dry Cleaners & Laundry Service, the Corner Store for grabbing the essentials and the beautiful Baker’s Room, baking fresh treats to delight you.

Collaboration and Co-Working that works In the upper floors, Unity Place partners with co-working provider x+why who provide flexible spaces for members, while the ground floor the Santander Work Café has coworking desks and bookable meeting rooms for customers and public to use, as well as a branch for customers to access their everyday banking needs.

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New Community Space in MK Our Community Hall is built to offer an inclusive space where wellbeing, community engagement and sustainability come together. Our mission is to support local community initiatives which foster community values and support social & cultural projects in MK. Visit unityplace.co.uk to learn more.

Built for the future Sustainability is key as the multipurpose facility is built with rainwater harvesting, solar panels, indoor plants, low energy lighting and is zero carbon (with carbon offsetting). Any surplus bread from the Baker’s Room doesn’t go to waste as it’s repurposed on site in its own microbrewery and is served across the building!

The building is open to the public and there’s even more to discover all in Unity Place!

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Honouring The Vivienne James Lee Williams, known to the world as The Vivienne, was the trailblazing winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, a celebrated finalist on All Stars 7, and a beloved television personality on Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Hunted, and Celebrity Mastermind.

He became one of Britain’s most recognisable and influential drag artists. His career stretched far beyond television, from theatre tours that carried his artistry to stages across the UK and Beyond. Their acclaimed theatre work included standout roles as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz and the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Through James, The Vivienne was born, a global drag icon, a fearless performer, and a defining figure in contemporary queer culture.

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Share Your Memory of The Vivienne We invite you to share your most treasured memories of James Lee Williams – known to the world as The Vivienne – on our memorial wall at Campbell Park during the Milton Keynes Pride Festival on Saturday 13th September.

By signing your name – leaving a message – making a donation, you become part of a lasting tribute, built brick by brick as a testament to love and memory.

This memorial wall activation offers a place to pause – reflect – contribute. Every signature, every message, every brick – every donation – honours James’ legacy while raising awareness and supporting his family’s charitable cause.

Alongside this, the dazzling All Stars - All Winners costume designed by Jeffrey Kelly display will be on view at Sky Bar Fourteen in Hotel La Tour until Sunday 14th September, overlooking Campbell Park and the festival site.

Together, these tributes remember James Lee Williams, celebrate The Vivienne, and shine a light on the charity created in his name.

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Community Stage Sponsors 2025:

Rightmove UK

At Rightmove we’re proud to support such an important event in our local community. We care deeply about creating a workplace where everyone can be authentically themselves and put people at the heart of everything we do, both in our Milton Keynes office and beyond.

We’re thrilled to sponsor MK Pride this year, celebrating authenticity at work and in the community. This event is especially meaningful to us, as many of our employees live and work in Milton Keynes, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

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We strive to create a workplace where people feel empowered to be their true selves. We support our LGBTQIA+ community with an active DEI inclusion group, supportive company policies, mental health resources, allyship education, and a strong peer network.

This year, our Pride celebrations included a month-long calendar of activities – from an inspiring talk by Lady Phyll, to a mental health session with Jason Lee, an #IAmRemarkable x Pride workshop, and fundraising for Papyrus and akt.

Our sponsorship of MK Pride highlights our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where every colleague feels seen, valued, and supported.

12:20PM – 12:25PM

→ Jay Virgo (Opening Speech)

12:25PM – 12:45PM

→ Pooches at Pride

12:50PM – 1:20PM

→ LGMC London Gay Men’s Chorus

1:25PM – 1:55PM

→ Santander (Headline Sponsor)

2:00PM – 2:20PM

→ Ella Morgan (Speaker)

2:25PM – 2:45PM

→ Rightmove (Community Stage Spon-

2:50PM – 3:10PM

→ Chanel Williams (Speaker)

3:15PM – 3:35PM

→ Volkswagen (Main Stage Sponsor)

3:40PM – 4:00PM

→ MK Community Foundation (Part-

4:05PM – 4:25PM

→ Red Bull (Sponsor)

4:30PM – 4:50PM

→ Community Panel

4:50PM – 5:20PM

→ DJ Hazza (Closing)

5:20PM - 5:25PM

→ Jay Virgo (Closing Speech) 21

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TJ Richards, Network Co-Chair commented

I’m super excited that Santander have the privilege of sponsoring MK’s Pride Fest for the 5th year. Now more than ever, it’s vital that we show up and actively support for our LGBTQ+ community.”

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NHBC: Celebrating and supporting our LGBTQ+ community year round At NHBC, the UK’s leading provider of warranty and insurance for new homes, our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond Pride Month.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment every day of the year, supporting our LGBTQ+ colleagues through a variety of initiatives and activities.

Our Proud Network supports LGBTQ+ colleagues by providing safe opportunities for important discussions, nurturing allyship and driving meaningful change across our business.

We are pleased to sponsor the Milton Keynes Pride Festival again this year and are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our employees live and work.

Have an amazing day! www.nhbc.co.uk

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Facebook @nhbcuk Instagram @nhbcuk X @nhbc

Media Partners & Registration Scheme

TIASKOFDJI

EMMA

SANDY FLAP

THE OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER Shuttle to the Official Pride Afterparty – Pink Punters Departures: 22:45 | 23:15 | 23:45 Pick-up: Avebury Boulevard MK Pride stewards and volunteers will guide all official Afterparty ticket holders from the festival exits to the coaches.

QR codes must be shown for boarding. This exclusive shuttle service is strictly for ticket holders only.

X

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PRIDE BY DAY

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12:00PM - 6:00PM

A family-friendly celebration focused on connecting communities. Fully programmed with artists whose performances and lyrical content are suitable for all ages – no nudity, no explicit themes. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere for every generation, with entertainment, activities, and opportunities to meet and connect with others in a safe, inclusive setting.

PRIDE BY NIGHT

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6:00PM–10:30PM

Strictly over 18. As the sun sets, the festival transforms into an electrifying evening of expression. Performances may feature mature themes, comedy acts for an adult audience, and music that turns up the energy. It’s the time to be bold, creative, and celebrate Pride’s full style – while respecting the festival’s inclusivity guidelines. ai175213855513_General 2025_Half page 180mm x 132mm PRIDE.pdf 1 10/07/2025 10:09:15

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to make the connection

MK Pulse Magazine & Business MK MK Pulse and Business MK are proud to support Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2025. As leading local publications, we’re committed to celebrating inclusion, diversity, and unity. We believe in amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and look forward to another powerful and inspiring event.

MKFM MKFM is proud to be a Media Partner for Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2025. As the local radio voice of the city, we’re passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and celebrating the diversity that makes Milton Keynes such a vibrant place to live.

West Bletchley Council West Bletchley Council is proud to sponsor Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2025. As one of MK’s larger and more diverse parishes, we’re committed to supporting all residents and celebrating inclusion. We see Pride as a valuable event for our community and look forward to its continued success.

Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council believes that our community’s strength lies in its diversity. We are committed to fostering a city where everyone feels safe, valued and celebrated for who they are. Pride is a time to honour the progress made towards equality whilst recognising the work still to be done to create a truly inclusive society. We are delighted to support this wonderful event and wish everyone a very Happy Pride!

Copart UK As a company with a culture that welcomes equality, diversity, and inclusion, Copart UK is proud to sponsor MK Pride. With 1,700 teammates in 32 locations across the UK and Ireland, our workforce is as diverse as the communities we operate in. We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings to Copart and are committed to providing a safe environment where our teammates and customers are treated, and treat others, with dignity and respect.

Milton Keynes Market Our Market takes great pride in embracing diversity among both our traders and our customers. The MK Pride Festival represents a vital part of our city’s community spirit, and we’re honoured to sponsor such a meaningful event.

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GUIDE TO

PRIDE! Programme sponsored by