In collaboration with MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District (MyMK BID) and in celebration of Purple Tuesday, centre:mk, Midsummer Place and various city centre businesses will host a major city-wide event on Tuesday 12th November.
This initiative places a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities, marking Milton Keynes' ambitious steps to become the UK's first ‘Purple City’
This year’s event is part of Purple Tuesday, a global movement with thousands of participants across 30 countries, aimed at enhancing the customer experience for disabled people and their families. In Milton Keynes, this effort goes beyond one day, as MyMK BID is launching significant long-term projects, including Purple 365 and a partnership with AccessAble.
Highlights of MyMK BID’s Purple Tuesday Activities
This year, MyMK BID is funding Purple 365, a year-long accessibility training programme for BID businesses. Delivered through the Purple Tuesday platform, this programme will feature monthly recorded webinars and resources, enabling staff across Milton Keynes to build skills and awareness that ensure outstanding service for customers with disabilities.
Charlotte Pearson, Marketing Director for MyMK BID, added, “Milton Keynes has always been a ‘City of the Future,’ and that future must be accessible to all. Through our Purple 365 program and AccessAble partnership, MyMK BID is dedicated to making Milton Keynes City Centre a welcoming, supportive place. This year’s initiatives are the first steps in a long-term journey toward creating a city where everyone can fully participate and feel at home.”
Additionally, MyMK BID has partnered with AccessAble to commission a city centre-wide accessibility survey. The findings from this comprehensive assessment will inform the creation of detailed Access Guides for key areas within Milton Keynes City Centre. These area-specific guides, covering locations such as Xscape, The Hub, Station Square, centre:mk, and Midsummer Place, will highlight essential accessibility features like Changing Places toilets, accessible parking, and pedestrian-friendly crossings. The guides will also be integrated into the mymk.cc website and updated annually, empowering residents and visitors with reliable, in-depth information on navigating the city according to their unique accessibility needs.
As part of the day’s celebration, buildings across Milton Keynes will light up in purple to symbolise the city’s commitment to accessibility including Purple Tuesday supporters Milton Keynes Theatre, Hotel La Tour, 12th Street, Xscape, Unity Place and centre:mk.
Kim Priest, Head of Marketing at centre:mk, commented, “We're incredibly proud to support Purple Tuesday and make Milton Keynes the UK's first ‘Purple City.’ By collaborating with local businesses and organisations, we’re actively improving the experiences of people with disabilities in our community by bringing together resources and information all year round. This is more than a one-day event; it’s part of our ongoing commitment to building a truly inclusive city for everyone.”
Engaging the Community: Purple Tuesday Activities
Local businesses and organisations will set up pop-up displays throughout centre:mk and Midsummer Place, sharing information on services for people with disabilities. Highlights include:
- PACA (Parents and Carers Alliance MK) – Supporting families with disabled loved ones
- HK Hair and Wellness – Fully accessible hairdressing and wellbeing services
- Spectrum Place & Umbrella Project – Raising awareness for autism and neurodiversity
- The Parks Trust – Showcasing improvements to accessibility at Furzton Lake
- Camphill MK – Selling crafts created by adults with learning disabilities
- Medical Detection Dogs – Training dogs to detect health issues
- MK Theatre and Cineworld – Promoting accessible performances and resources
For more information about Purple Tuesday activities in Milton Keynes, visit https://mymk.cc/events/purple-tuesday
