Did you know the Milton Keynes Rose hosted several events in 2021?  There were so many highlights;

Earlier in the year we hosted many digital commemorations including a fantastic poem and video for Valentines Day by Bard of Buckingham, Dean Jones.

In May we were proud to support the local community when a vigil was held; June saw our annual Albert French commemoration, marking the ultimate sacrifice of young people in war.  Towards the end of June COVID-19 Families hosted an evening service and we then saw ‘Never Let Me Stop’ an outdoor dance performance presented by Jean Abreu Dance & Motus Youth Dance, the performance was a fantastic collaboration between local young dancers and international choreographer Jean Abreu. 

As COVID restrictions decreased later in July we saw larger events like our annual commemoration for Disability Awareness Day on 16th July that featured speeches, art, music and a picnic organised in collaboration with local organisations MK Snap, Camphill Communities MK, MK CIL and MK Arts for Health. Our evening concert was on July 19th which saw a lively programme showcasing local artists including Tinkers Lane, UkieToones, Noah’s Cape and soprano, Emily Haig.  

Throughout the weekends in July Milton Keynes Rose was decorated with 30 hand painted silk flags created with local community groups and internationally renowned arts company Kinetika. The flags created a fantastic spectacle at the Rose and the installation can be seen on the International Festival 2021 video.

Later in the year we held our annual Heritage Open Day tours letting visitors to find out more about the artwork and pillar stories.  Armistice Day on 11th November saw over 500 people mark an important annual date and 10th December saw Human Rights Day marked with a short vigil.

2021 was a fantastic year at the Rose and we are looking forward to 2022.  There are many exciting events planned for this key which sees HM The Queen mark her Platinum Jubilee.  Keep checking our website and social media for all our event updates and we look forward to welcoming you to the Milton Keynes Rose this year.