MK Pride Festival Program 2023 Milton Keynes

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTORS

MKPF are proud to share another Free Pride festival for Milton Keynes.

So much has happened since our last event! With the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, our community came together and there was not a dry eye in Campbell Park when we played the national anthem to start the event, in honour of her life.

We welcomed our new Secretary to the fold and have all worked tirelessly to raise funds to bring you this event for Free. With the cost of living crisis that we have all endured, money has not been easy to come by.

Observing the saddening rise in Hate crime and Transphobia both nationally and locally, we hope that this event will provide information, guidance and a space to come together to heal, be proud and celebrate the wonderfulness of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our two music tents will showcase LGBTQ+ artists and we try to represent as much diversity within that as we can. We have our community area with a focus on health, kids space, community groups providing advice and guidance, LGBTQ+ comedians in the evening for those that want a quieter activity.

A part of our fundraising comes from what is available on site, we understand some people feel these are expensive, you are welcome to bring a picnic and take part in all of the free things on offer.

Thank you to our trusted Sponsors and thank you, to all of the team that have volunteered their time to make this happen.

MKPF DIRECTORS

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

Welcome to Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2023, proudly sponsored by Santander.

Embrace Network

Embrace is Santander LGBTQ+ people network. It has over 2,500 members and allies across all areas of Santander including branches, Contact Centres and head offices and is one of the largest of the bank’s people networks.

It’s dedicated team of volunteers have a robust focus centred around raising awareness of intersectionality and less well-represented groups within the LGBTQ+ community. They achieve this through ongoing engagement with all other people networks as well as our HR Inclusion, Wellbeing & Belonging teams.

Embrace also collaborates closely across the bank to continuously enhance the experience of our colleagues, customers, and the communities, like Milton Keynes, in which we operate.

TJ Richards, Embrace national Co-Chair and Milton Keynes native commented: “I’m super excited that the bank is sponsoring MKPF this year. As a large local employer, it’s incredibly important that we show support to the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes and all it’s wonderful rainbow residents!”

Duke’s statement:

“I’m so proud to be ExCo sponsor of Embrace. There’s so much passion among the people involved – they’re doing it because they fundamentally believe it’s the right thing to do – it’s not for reward or praise. There’s a lot of energy and joy. My role is to support the team and encourage them to make a difference.

I find the LGBTQ+ community unique in terms of the unity, positivity, lack of one-upmanship and just general happiness, a lot of people with a shared sense of purpose. It’s not something I have seen before in such abundance.

Personally, I’ve learned a lot through Embrace. I thought I understood but I didn’t – for example, I had no idea that conversion therapy was still happening in the UK at this time. It’s the sort of thing the team are trying to educate people on, and they’re determined in their mission. I’m learning all the time and feel really lucky to have the chance to be involved with the network – something that’s so different from my day job.”

COMMUNITY STAGE

1PM — ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY — SPEAKER

THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY UNDERTAKE RESEARCH LOOKING AT HOW LGBTQ+ PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THIS ILLNESS, HOW IT IMPACTS ON THEIR IDENTITY AND THEIR FAMILIES. DEMENTIA DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE!

IF YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DEMENTIA, IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR MEMORY, IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA OR CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WHO IS. COME AND HEAR SAM FROM ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA AND HOW IT DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE.

1.30PM — SANTANDER — SPEAKER

OUR HEADLINE SPONSOR SANTANDER WILL SHARE HOW THEY WORK HARD ALL YEAR AROUND TO SUPPORT THEIR LGBTQ+ STAFF AND CUSTOMERS. WHAT THEY HAVE IN PLACE TO ALLOW THEIR STAFF TO COME TO WORK AS THEIR WHOLE SELVES EACH DAY.

2PM — LAKSHNIE — INTERACTIVE WELLBEING SESSION

A BACP REGISTERED INTEGRATIVE QUEER PSYCHOTHERAPIST, ANTI-OPPRESSION CENTRED PRACTICE PRACTITIONER LAKSHNIE, WILL LEAD A BEAUTIFUL HOUR-LONG SESSION AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS.

3PM — NATHANIEL J HALL — SPEAKER

NATHANIEL IS AN AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT, ACTOR AND HIV ACTIVIST FROM MANCHESTER. HE WRITES, DIRECTS, INSPIRES AND PRODUCES BOLD AND PROVOCATIVE SOCIALLY MINDED WORK. HE IS KNOWN FOR HIS STIGMA-SMASHING AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL PLAY FIRST TIME AND HIS APPEARANCE IN THE C4 DRAMA IT’S A SIN. JOIN HIM AS HE SHARES HIS OWN JOURNEY AND WHAT HE HAS LEARNT.

3.30PM — TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST — SPEAKER

TERENCE HIGGINS PROVIDES SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN MILTON KEYNES, THEY WILL BE SHARING INFORMATION REGARDING HIV AND PREP AND ABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THESE TOPICS.

4PM — VOLKSWAGEN GROUP UNITED KINGDOM — SPEAKER AS A CONTINUED SPONSOR FOR THE EVENT THE TEAM WILL BE SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCE OF HOW VW GROUP LOOK TO SUPPORT THEIR LGBTQ+ STAFF AND CUSTOMERS.

4.30PM — HEALTHWATCH — SPEAKER

AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY, WHO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE SURE NHS LEADERS AND OTHER DECISION MAKERS LISTEN TO LOCAL FEEDBACK AND IMPROVE STANDARDS OF CARE. ADVICE AND GUIDANCE REGARDING ANY ISSUES THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY MAY HAVE WITH LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES.

5PM — MILTON KEYNES WOMEN’S CHOIR — SING ALONG THE VERY POPULAR CHOIR WILL HELP RAISE THE POSITIVE VIBRATIONS AND BRING SOME HAPPINESS TO ALL WHO TAKE PART IN THIS SING ALONG LED BY THE TALENTED NIKI ROGERS.

6PM — TONY O’SHEA-POON — ADULTS WELL BEING SESSION

TONY IS A MINDFULNESS TEACHER AND TUTOR AT THE UK COLLEGE OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION. HE IS ALSO A CLINICAL HYPNO-PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND TUTOR AT THE UK COLLEGE OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS. HE SUPPORTS INDIVIDUALS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES FROM HIS CLINIC IN BROUGHTON, MILTON KEYNES. TONY WILL BE SHARING SKILLS AND ADVICE AROUND HOW TO BE MINDFUL AND USE THESE SKILLS TO SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

CHRISTOPHER HALL COMEDY STAGE

KATE DALE COMEDY STAGE

DEE ALLUM COMEDY STAGE

JEREMY TOPP COMEDY STAGE

EMILY BAMPTON COMEDY STAGE

HEATHER PEACE RAINBOW STAGE

MATTHEW JOSEPH RAINBOW STAGE

BENTLEY JONES RAINBOW STAGE

ALISON JIEAR RAINBOW STAGE

JORDAN LEE RAINBOW STAGE EVENING HOST

JAMES INDIGO RAINBOW STAGE

Volkswagen Group UK’s continuing support for the fantastic annual Milton Keynes Pride Festival is far more than a gesture. The company’s commitment to welcoming a more diverse workplace is something that comes from not only the Milton Keynes-based UK headquarters (comprising the brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles), but also Volkswagen Group as a global company. It is a value that is embraced enthusiastically by the growing number of Employee Network Groups at Volkswagen Group UK, which includes ‘We Drive Proud UK’.

This support for the festival at a tangible, grassroots level, with numerous employees getting involved on the day, is important within the local Milton Keynes area, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Volkswagen Group UK, as sponsor once again of the Drag & Cabaret Stage, is proud to be an integral part of this wonderful event.

We Drive Proud UK is leading the project to support MK Pride. This group represents LGBTQ+ employees at Volkswagen Group UK, as well as ‘ally’ colleagues in support of their LGBTQ+ teammates, and sits within a wider Diversity and Inclusion programme at Volkswagen Group UK, with We Are Driven Women; We Live Cultural Diversity; We Enable; and We Are Parents and Carers ENGs all very active and thriving within the business.

For Milton Keynes Pride Festival, ALL employees have been encouraged to get involved, and we are delighted by the huge response from across the business.

Further information can be found at https://vwgjobs.co.uk/jobs/workinghere or via LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin/company/volkswagen-group-uk-ltd

Milton Keynes Pride Festival. All

DRAG & CABARET STAGE SPONSORED BY VOLKSWAGEN

Introducing Unity Place: The place to be U

Hey there, fantastic team! We’re thrilled to introduce you to Unity Place – Where we are all about enhancing our work, mindset, and wellbeing. This summer, get ready to experience something truly special in Milton Keynes. Our sustainable, thoughtfully designed venue isn’t just another place – it’s a hub of innovation, community, and all-around greatness!

Elevate Your Everyday: Say hello to a workplace that’s more than just desks and meetings. Unity Place spans eight floors of creativity and purpose. We’re talking about renowned chefs, local eateries, inspiring social enterprises, and spaces that will blow your mind – all set to make your work life extraordinary.

Planet-Friendly Choices: Here’s the deal – we’re not just here for us, but for our planet too. Unity Place is proudly rocking a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, showing off our commitment to sustainability. Our partners are totally on board with the whole Earth-loving thing, and together, we’re making positive waves!

Power of Togetherness: Unity Place is more than just a building – it’s a community. We’ve carved out spaces that welcome everyone. From health and wellbeing corners to spaces that celebrate the arts and even opportunities for apprenticeships, it’s all about creating connections and enriching lives.

Get Ready to Thrive at Unity Place

Wellbeing Wonderland: Your wellness journey starts at our amazing Wellness Suite. Exclusive to our Unity Place crew, it’s a sanctuary of health. There’s a gym to get your sweat on, classes to zen out, and a terrace that’s your escape to tranquillity. Oh, and the “Ways to be Well” program? It’s like a guide to mastering health and happiness!

Deliciously Nourishing: Hungry for goodness? Our food and fitness game is topnotch. We’re talking nourishing eats, fresh produce, and snacks that’ll keep you going strong. Whether you’re a veggie champion or a lover of sustainably sourced goodies, we’ve got something that’ll put a smile on your face!

Unleash the Adventurer: Let’s get active, team! From cycling to exploring the city’s Redways, we’re all about smart and green commuting. Ever heard of ‘Get Around MK’? We’re totally on board, and with our location near the train station, it’s never been easier to make eco-friendly moves.

Be Part of the Magic: Team, Unity Place is YOUR place. It’s where we work, collaborate, and have a blast. So, get ready to dive into a world of innovation, community spirit, and good vibes. Let’s make the most of this incredible journey together – see you at Unity Place!

· RAINBOW STAGE ·

· DRAG & CABARET STAGE ·

SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER • CAMPBELL PARK FREE ENTRY • 12PM TO 10:30PM WWW.MKPRIDEFESTIVAL.COM

KIDS SPACE

12:30 — STORY TIME WITH MAMA G

1PM — PARENT & CHILD ACRO YOGA

1:30PM — STORY TIME WITH MAMA G

2PM — CIRCUS WORKSHOPS

3PM — BALLOON MODELLING WITH SANDY FLAPS

3:30PM — READING WITH POP ‘N’ OLLY

4PM — BERT WORKSHOP

4:30PM — CIRCUS WORKSHOPS

5:30PM — CIRCUS SHOW

— COLOURING — CRAFTS — WORKSHOPS —

www.qalliance.org.uk

What do we do?

Meet like-minded people from the LGBTQ+ community at our safe spaces and events across Milton Keynes. Our activities are directed by com munity needs. Activities include but are not limited to; socials, arts & crafts, physical and mental health.

Youth

Our youth groups and outreach services in Bedford and Milton Keynes provide support to LGBTQ+ young people and their networks. Our spaces are co-produced with young people and provide a variety of opportunities for personal development.

Adults Training

We pride ourselves on the relationships we have developed with corporate and educational partners across Bedford and Milton Keynes. We provide comprehensive and detailed training around LGBTQ+ topics and support businesses, schools and community groups in their goals to create safe and inclusive environments.

O F F I C I A L

P R I D E V I L L A G E

V I S I T 1 2 T H S T R E E T F O R F A M I L Y

F R I E N D L Y F U N A L L W E E K E N D :

- A D V E N T U R E G O L F - E S C A P E R O O M S - V I R T U A L R E A L I T Y

- R A C I N G S I M U L A T O R S

- P L U S B A R S , P U B S A N D

N I G H T C L U B S F O R T H E A D U L T S !

FUNFAIR

FOOD VILLAGE

BAR

MAIN BAR BUMPER CARS

RAINBOW STAGE

DRAG & CABARET

PICNIC AREA

MERCHANDISE

SPONSOR

PRIDE VILLAGE

SENSORY TENT

CAMPBELL PARK - EVENTS PLATEAU

REUNITE HUB

PRIDE YOUTH SPACE

FIRST AID - MEDICAL CENTRE

COMMUNITY & COMEDY

SPONSOR SPACE

COMMUNITY SPACE

EMERGENCY EXITS

MAIN ENTRANCE & EXIT

TOILETS

KIDS SPACE

REVOLOO

ACCESSIBILITY ENTRANCE

ACCESSIBILITY CHARGING

HYDRATION STATION

PRIDE VILLAGE

NO ALCOHOL TO BE BROUGHT ONTO SITE

2023 Milton Keynes Pride Festival.

SECURITY BAG SEARCHES AT PRIDE

centre:mk are delighted to support the Milton Keynes Pride Festival once again as Volunteer and Sensory Calming Space Sponsor.

The MKPF is growing every year, a day of celebration, inclusivity and pride. As people come to the festival each year in ever increasing numbers to soak up the wonderful atmosphere, it sends a clear message that MKPF is an event where absolutely everybody is welcome. A festival where you really can be yourself and truly enjoy the day and all it stands for.

The sponsorship of the festival Volunteers, helps to provide them with essential training, t-shirts and an area where they can rest and recuperate at the busy festival. The sensory tent is a dedicated space for families and individuals with sensory perceptual needs, to take a break from the excitement of the festival where they can relax, chill out and feel calm.

SENSORY SPONSOR-CENTRE:MK

The sponsorship reflects centre:mk’s ethos to help make the centre and the wider city a place where individuals can always feel like they can come and be themselves, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

At the heart of the city centre, centre:mk is the region’s leading shopping and dining destination. Over 4,000 people make up the centre team, across retailers, restaurants and independent businesses as well as the centre management team, serving 24 million visitors each year. We believe in treating every visitor to the centre as a valued guest, making sure that centre:mk is a destination where everybody feels welcome. Our “open to all” policy is at the heart of everything we stand for and believe in.

Our partnership with MKPF reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting, supporting and giving visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, enabling them to be who they are and enriching the fabric of Milton Keynes life. We continue to strive to help to create an inclusive society, where all communities feel they belong and are an essential part of what makes this such a vibrant and diverse city.

KEEPING SAFE AT MKPF

Please note our child & vulnerable adult registration scheme available on the day of the festival. Upon entry you will be asked if you would like to register and use our wristband scheme. You will be required to write your mobile number on the wristband provided to register.

If a child or vulnerable adult goes missing please go straight to our REUNITE HUB located next to our community space.

Please see our pride festival map and use our icon below as a point of reference.

We wish everyone a safe and wonderful time at this years pride.

WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO HAVE PURCHASED AN OFFICIAL PRIDE SUPPORTER STICKER.

GO-LARGE DESIGN AND BUILD

ADRECO

BLETCHLEY AND FENNY STRATFORD TOWN COUNCIL

BLOSSOM ROOM

MAAYA

DANCE BOX STUDIOS

DIVERSITY MARKETPLACE

THE ITALIAN SUL LAGO

GRAND UNION HOUSING GROUP

IKEA MILTON KEYNES

MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES UK

MIDDLETONS

MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE

NHBC

OCEAN TREASURES

SECURITAS

SHI INTERNATIONAL

SIMPLY RACE

XSCAPE

WARBLER ON THE WHARF

SALON BEYOUTIFUL

Milton Keynes Pride Festival is a (not-for-profit) community interest company that has been developed to provide Milton Keynes with an annual pride.

The organisers do not receive core funding to make pride happen or to support the work we do throughout the year. MKPF is run completely by volunteers who donate their time to organise the event. Pride relies on your donations to keep it FREE event.

We have now made it possible for festival-goers to donate on the day.

(MKPF’s Drag Ambassador) Sandy Flaps will be on the pride gates during the ribbon cutting and grand opening! You can stop for a photo with Sandy and support pride via our (TAP TO DONATE)!

JEANNIE LAURIE-EMMETT

HELEN PRITCHARD

DIRECTOR

LEE KAYE • OPERATIONS MANAGER

AMY CLAXTON

COMMUNITY LEAD

SAMANTHA POWELL • CORPORATE LEAD

JORDAN COVENTRY

SAFEGUARDING LEAD

THE MILTON KEYNES PRIDE FESTIVAL OPERATIONS TEAM

KEITH EMMETT III • DIRECTOR