December 2025
2025 has been another successful year with 27 events been held at the Milton Keynes Rose, attracting over 2600 people throughout the year. The numbers attending have to be estimated as the Rose is an “open Space” with multiple entrances. Members of the public often pass through even the most formal events.
The year started with a hardy group of 4 singing the Olney hymn “Amazing Grace” on January 1st.
On the 5th January the Mayor of Milton Keynes (Cllr Marie Bradburn) commemorated the founding of the city at the Founders pillar.
Holocaust memorial day was commemorated on 27th January with 72 members of the community pledging their opposition to genocide.
The Guides organisation then re-affirmed their promises on 22nd February – World Thinking day.
The 24th February is especially significant as the day that Russia invaded the Ukraine in 2022. The city’s main event with more than 200 attending was held at Christ The Cornerstone in 2025 but a small group met at the Rose.
On the 24th March the Milton Keynes Rose organised another corporate pancake race. This is the most significant fund raiser for the Trust with 17 teams taking part this year. The 2025 winners were Mercer and Hole with 120 competitors and helpers all having a great time.
The Milton Keynes Community Foundation marked International Women’s Day on the 8th March with the Mayor bringing more than 30 cyclists along to the event.
On 13th March the minister and elders of Christ the Cornerstone offered prayers for peace and the Church.
The Open University hosted a gathering on 23rd April to mark their presence in the city, the cake was very good!
It was the turn of the Unite Union to mark Workers Memorial Day on 28th April remarkable and very beautiful wreaths.
On the 8th of May the Milton Keynes Rose trust marked VE Day80 with evening performances and a candle lit finale. 1200 members of the public and performers attended. The Parks Trust contributed with the lighting of the Campbell Park beacon to mark our commitment to our last “heroic generation”.
The 24th May saw the anniversary of Heart Warming Day, a special day for the methodist movement. Lord Griffiths addressed those present and gave a very moving and inspirational sermon.
Black Lives Matter was then marked on the 25th May in a gale which challenged the PA system and forced the early end of proceedings
It was hope that Volunteers Week would attract new volunteers to join the team who manage events for the Milton Keynes Rose Trust. Julia Upton DL spoke about the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Albert French the boy soldier from Wolverton as remembered on the 15th June with a moving tribute by the local branch of the Western Front Association.
World refugee day was marked by an especially moving performance by the local Ukrainian community during the annual “Art in the Park” event of 21st June.
Both the current and past Mayors had an early start on June 21st to mark the Summer Solstice.
Disability Awareness Day was then celebrated on July 14th when 200 attendees including the High Sherrif and Lord Lieutenant, Countess Howe.
Mandela Day on July 18th was the next event with 35 attendees enjoying speeches and some moving songs from a choir.
After the summer break volunteers from the Trust hosted visitors to the Rose and then we had two groups marking the International Day of peace at 1pm and 3:30pm. 215 people attended.
Older persons Day on 1st October was attended by 35 people, there was an interesting presentation on transport and sustainability, one shirt at least will never be the same again.
World Food Day on the 16th October was again marked the Rose. 40 Teams from local businesses took part in a spirited version of tin and string messaging. Clear diction was not enough and some competitors resorted to “shouting”
The City’s Armistice Day commemoration November 11th was attended by the Lord Lt, Countess Howe and a representatives of the Civic Power, Parliament and the Armed forces all of whom laid wreaths. 2025 had more wreaths than ever before with many local organisations and veterans laying their tributes after the civic party.
On November 20th the Q-Alliance marked Trans Remembrance Day despite having no pillar to act as a focus.
25th November saw a joint event with White Ribbon and the UN “Turn the World Orange” campaign being launched at the Rose. Nearly 150 people heard testimonies and then pledged their support for the campaigns to end violence against women.
St Andrew’s day saw members of the local Scottish dance group accompanied by a piper performing at the Rose.
On the 1st of December the Milton Keynes University Hospital specialist AIDS nurse organised an event for survivors and victims. The deputy Mayor, Paul Trendell, reminded those attending of the fear and hostility that surrounded those contracting the disease when it was first identified. Few of those attending remembered the frightening “public service” advertisements that did do much to create a stigma against those afflicted.
Thank you if you have supported any of the events at the MK Rose and we hope to see you again in 2026.