Events


The Milton Keynes Rose is used throughout the year for events and gatherings.
Everyone is welcome to come along. You can also visit at any time simply to enjoy the space.

Holocaust memorial Day 27 January

Annual Event: Holocaust Memorial Day


Next event: Sunday 26 January 2025

Holocaust Memorial Day is a national commemoration day dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in the Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides.  A short service is held at The Milton Keynes Rose annually with readings and performance from a local choir.

Next event is on Sunday 26 January 2025.  

*Please note that due to the adverse weather forecast for Sunday 26 January, this event will now take place at 3pm, in the Worship Area, The Church of Christ the Cornerstone, CMK and not at the MK Rose.*

Albert French pillar at MK Rose

Annual Event: Albert French Commemoration


15 June every year – Next event will take place at 5.30pm, Saturday 15 June 2024.

Held on 15 June each year, Albert French Day commemorates Rifleman Albert French who was born in Wolverton and was killed in action in the First World War when he was only 16 years old. The event commemorates the ultimate sacrifice of young people in war and all those who served.

This annual service will include readings, speeches and reflections and all are welcome.

Man playing bugle at MK Rose

Annual Event: Armistice Day


11 November every year
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Everyone is welcome to the annual service at the Milton Keynes Rose for Armistice Day on 11 November with silence at 11am followed by wreath laying. Nearest recommended parking located at centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the Redway bridge that leads into the park.

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Group celebrating World Thinking Day at MK Rose

Past Event – World Thinking Day


22 February 2024

The Milton Keynes Rose was delighted to celebrate World Thinking Day on Thursday, 22 February 2024. On this day 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world connect to shout about the things that they do.

The theme this year was Our World, Our Peaceful Future and the event was celebrated at the MK Rose by representatives of the Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and the Trefoil Guild.

Milton Keynes Mayor Mick Legg at MK Rose

Past Event – Designation Day


23 January 2024

The Milton Keynes Rose was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Mick Legg on 23 January 2024 to mark the 57th anniversary of the designation of Milton Keynes as a New Town.

Past Event – St George’s Day


April 2024

On Sunday 21 April 2024 the Milton Keynes District Scouts and Guides gathered at the MK Rose as part of their annual celebrations and parade to mark St George’s Day.

Ukrainian Independance Day event 24 August 2024

Past Event – Independence Day of Ukraine


August 2024

*Please note that due to the poor weather forecast for Saturday 24 August, this event will now take place at 10.30am at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, CMK*

On Saturday 24 August, from 10.30am-12 noon The Ukrainian Community in Milton Keynes will be celebrating the Independence Day of Ukraine at the MK Rose. The event will showcase Ukrainian culture, language and tradition with music and songs, and include prayers and speeches to show solidarity for Ukraine and those affected by the ongoing conflict. Everyone is invited to join us at this free event.

MK Rose Vigil for Ukraine

Past Event: Vigil for Ukraine


24 February 2023

A candle-lit vigil was held at the Milton Keynes Rose on 24 February 2023 at 5pm to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

MK Rose pillar Concrete Cow Day 3 September

Past Event: Concrete Cow Day


Saturday 3 September 2022 11am to 12.30pm

MK’s iconic Concrete Cows, designed by Liz leyh were first unveiled in 1978. Since then they have become a symbol of the city’s development. While comedians across the country have had cheap laughs with joks about them we have grown to love them, with a replica set at Bancroft, soft toy reproductions, Willen Hospice’s annual ‘Midnight Moo’, the ‘Cowshed’ at Stadium:mk and Donny and Mooie the MK Dons mascots.

Continue reading “Past Event: Concrete Cow Day”

Past event : Tea Party for First Tea Bag Day


Friday 5th July 2019

The first tea bag produced in Britain from Tetley’s factory in Osborne Street, Bletchley.  The tea bag was brought to Britain by Tetley, who produced them in the UK for the first time in 1953 in Bletchley. By 1968, Tetley tea bag sales had soared to 5,000 tonnes a year.

wWomen dancing at MK Rose

Past Event: Commonwealth Picnic 


21st April 2018

Over 100 people celebrated being part of the Commonwealth by sharing food, friendship and flags on HM The Queen’s Birthday, joining in with Commonwealth celebrations that took place right across the globe.

Past Event: Vigil for Manchester Bombing


23rd May 2017

Milton Keynes’ new Mayor, Cllr David Hopkins, held a short public vigil in honour of those who lost their lives at Manchester Arena. Twenty-two people, including children, died and 59 others were injured after an explosion at an Ariana Grande pop concert at Manchester Arena in a suspected terror attack.