Local businesses are being invited to create Christmassy Gingerbread Sheds to help raise money for good causes across Milton Keynes.

Midsummer Place shopping centre has officially launched its 2026 Christmas festival, supported by WD-40 and Men in Sheds, and is inviting businesses from across Milton Keynes to get creative, support a charity close to their hearts and help build a magical new festive attraction in the heart of the city.

Following the success of previous year’s Christmas Tree Festival, Midsummer Place is giving the concept a festive makeover for 2026 with the launch of its Gingerbread Shed Festival.

Local businesses are now being invited to sign up as Sponsors and will each be given their very own Gingerbread Shed to transform into a unique Christmas creation, decorating it both inside and out. Once completed, the sheds will be brought together at Midsummer Place to create a festive trail for visitors to explore throughout the Christmas period.

Businesses are being asked to make a £300 charitable contribution, with 100% of every contribution going directly into the festival’s charity prize fund.

Visitors to Midsummer Place will then be able to vote in-centre for their favourite Gingerbread Shed, with the overall charity prize fund shared between the charities represented by the top three creations.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Last year we saw just how much creativity, enthusiasm and generosity there is within the Milton Keynes business community, so we wanted to take that idea and make it even bigger and more fun for Christmas 2026.

“The Gingerbread Shed Festival gives businesses a brilliant opportunity to showcase their creativity while supporting a charity or cause that means something to them. We’re hoping to see some imaginative designs and, most importantly, raise a fantastic amount of money for local and worthwhile causes.

“We’d love businesses of all sizes from across Milton Keynes to get involved. Whether you create something traditional, completely outrageous or wonderfully festive, we want each shed to have its own personality.”

The Gingerbread Shed Festival 2026 is being supported by WD-40 and Men in Sheds as Principal Partners, helping Midsummer Place bring the festive community project to life.

The festival runs from 14 November until 29 December.

For more information and to sign up, visit Midsummer Place’s Gingerbread Shed Festival 2026 page: www.midsummerplace.co.uk/blog/be-part-of-our-gingerbread-festival-2026

Xscape Milton Keynes will host a community celebration for Black History Month in partnership with MK Melting Pot, bringing local organisations, independent traders and families together for a day of music, creativity and connection.

Taking place on Saturday 10 October, the event will honour and recognise the people whose care, courage and commitment strengthen communities every day, reflecting this year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities. The theme provides an opportunity to celebrate not only the achievements of prominent figures in Black history, but also the often-unrecognised contributions of individuals, families, community groups and local organisations whose dedication, creativity, leadership and service make a lasting difference.

From 11am to 4pm, visitors can take part in the celebrations, which will see the centre dressed to impress with colourful decorations and balloons. A live DJ will also be performing throughout the event, playing a selection of Caribbean music to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

During the day, guests will have the opportunity to shop local and independent traders ran by marginalised groups and access support about topics including mental health and wellbeing, financial advice, and youth empowerment. Plus, there will be crafting sessions and storytelling circles put on to keep children entertained in the festivities.

Stallholders include:

• MK Melting Pot
• Action Speaks CIC
• MoneyHeave
• Black Creatives
• Funmi’s Rentals
• Princess’s Jewellery & Attire
• Shadz’s Art
• MG Perfumery
• Stop Mental Illness Foundation UK
• Be Your Crown.

Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape MK said, “Black History Month is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the people, stories and contributions that make Milton Keynes such a vibrant community.

“We’re proud to partner with MK Melting Pot to bring local organisations, independent traders and families together at Xscape for a day filled with music, creativity and connection. By sharing the stories and contributions from the diverse groups that shape Milton Keynes, we can celebrate the strength and diversity of our community as a whole while inspiring future generations to make a positive impact. We hope people of all ages will join us to discover the support available locally and enjoy everything the event has to offer.”

Jade Jaiyeola, organiser and coordinator of MK Melting Pot, said, “MK Melting Pot is all about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and connected. This celebration at Xscape Milton Keynes reflects that mission by creating a welcoming space where people can connect, discover local support and celebrate the individuals and organisations making a difference every day.

“Black History Month is an important opportunity to recognise the care, creativity and leadership within our communities, and we’re excited to showcase local talent, share valuable resources and give families a joyful day of music, storytelling and connection. We hope everyone leaves feeling supported, inspired and proud of the richness of Milton Keynes.”

For more information the partnership between Xscape Milton Keynes and MK Melting Pot on Saturday 10 October, please visit https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/en/news-listing-page/black-history-month-2026

Milton Keynes Disability Awareness Day 2026 will now take place at Camphill Milton Keynes, Willen Park, on 14 July from 12pm to 2.30pm, providing visitors with access to indoor and outdoor spaces following concerns about the hot weather.

The FREE community event, which celebrates the talents, achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, will be hosted across Camphill’s Theatre and Green, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can look forward to an afternoon packed with activities, performances and opportunities to try something new. Highlights include:

• Live performances from local musicians, including Dale O and Melody Woman
• Dance and performance sessions from MacIntyre, Suzie Birchwood Consultancy and Spectrum CA
• Football goal-scoring with MK Dons Community Trust
• Sports activities from MK SNAP
• DJ workshops with On The Decks Group
• Wellness workshops led by D’Rose
• Health walks and bug hunts with The Parks Trust
• A community Silent Disco hosted by Camphill MK

There will also be a range of information stalls covering topics including neurodiversity, dementia, disability sport, wheelchair services, DJ-ing and local support services.

Bring along your picnic, find a spot to settle and enjoy the entertainment.

John Moffoot DL, Chair of the organising committee, said:

“Disability Awareness Day is all about celebrating what people can do. We’re delighted that Camphill MK has stepped forward to host this year’s event, allowing us to offer a fantastic programme of activities in a comfortable and inclusive setting.”

The event is open to everyone, with families, schools, community groups and local residents all encouraged to come along, get involved and celebrate disability inclusion in Milton Keynes.

Event Details

Milton Keynes Disability Awareness Day 2026
📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026
🕛 12.00pm – 2.30pm
📍 Camphill Milton Keynes, Willen Park
🎟 Free and open to all

As part of the National Garden Scheme, Willen Hospice is inviting the public into its peaceful, wildlife-friendly lakeside gardens on Saturday 11 July to raise money for national nursing and health charities, as well as its own care.

From 10am until 4pm, visitors can pay a small fee to walk around the Hospice’s two acres of gardens. Lawns, wooded areas, planted beds, a working allotment and an orchard will all be open to view, alongside an RHS award-winning pocket garden first showcased at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2025.

Set on the banks of Willen Lake, the gardens have been thoughtfully designed to provide private and peaceful spaces for Hospice patients and their loved ones. A dedicated team of volunteers manage the gardens, with staff support, taking an increasingly naturalistic approach to help boost biodiversity.

Cream teas, lunches and drinks will be on offer from the Hospice’s cafe, as well as delicious freshly made cake. Every purchase from the cafe helps fund care for local people affected by life-limiting illness. The vast majority of the Hospice’s services are funded by the local community making donations, attending its fundraising events and shopping at its charity shops.

Live music will take place throughout the day, from 60s/70s tribute band MOTIF, acapella group The Reluctants and Sarah Jones Jazz. Green-fingered visitors will be excited to browse the plant sale and the pop-up gardening shop. There will also be prize stalls and a biscuit decorating (and eating!) activity for children.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to more than 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. It raises money for six core charities: Carer’s Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. In 2025 the scheme raised £3.9 million and welcomed almost 600,000 visitors.

Willen Hospice’s gardens will be open on Saturday 11 July, 10am–4pm. Adult tickets are £5 and children can enter free. You can pay on the day or book in advance. Well-behaved dogs kept on a lead are also welcome.

To book online, and to read more information about the Hospice’s gardens, visit:
willen-hospice.org.uk/event/national-garden-scheme

If you’re interested in becoming a gardening volunteer at the Hospice, the gardening team are keen to welcome new members and will be at the event to answer any questions you may have. To find out more about volunteering with the Hospice in the meantime, visit willen-hospice.org.uk/volunteer-with-us