Colleagues and students celebrate at Milton Keynes Pride Festival 

On Saturday 9^th September, 13 colleagues, learners and their families volunteered at Milton Keynes Pride Festival at Campbell Park to support and celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ communities.  

The College Group’s volunteers ran a crafts stall where festival goers could paint rocks and help create a ‘graffiti floor’. The stand also had information about studying and working at the College Group as well as an ‘ideas tree’ for any future students to give their ideas on what they’d like to see at the College’s Pride Club from September. 

Aly Luxon, Specialist Autism Mentor and lead for the College Group’s LGBTQ+ network, said: “We support MK Pride Festival for two reasons: to commit to our College value of Belong, letting students and the wider community know that we support our local LGBTQ+ communities; and because many of our colleagues and learners are themselves part of the community or strong allies and are passionate about inclusion for all.  MK Pride Festival is also a super fun event! 

“The day was very hot but one of our supporters brought us a bucket of ice and some ice creams, which was very kind! Over 100 rocks were painted by people of all ages, some of which you may find around our campuses over the coming weeks. We also chatted to current and new students as well as making connections with local charities. It was a great atmosphere with everyone supporting each other. I’d like to give a shout out in particular to Q Alliance, The Alzheimer’s Society and The Beaumont Trust. 

“We had a fantastic day – a huge thank you to the colleagues and learners who supported us, both on the day and in helping us to get prepared beforehand. We’re already talking to the Pride Festival Committee about ideas for next year’s event – we’re sure it’ll be just as amazing as this year!” 

To find out more about what it’s like at MK College, visit mkcollege.ac.uk/student-info/student-support/life-at-mk-college/