Volkswagen Group UK has announced its continuing sponsorship of the Milton Keynes Pride Festival, sending a clear message of support for diversity and inclusion from the team at Volkswagen Group.
The Milton Keynes Pride Festival takes place on Saturday 9 September in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes.
It is the Pride event nearest to the car company’s headquarters, and is notable for remaining free to attend for everybody, making it a truly inclusive event for everyone, providing support, advice and, as expected from any festival, lots of fun for all ages.
The festival benefits the local community through providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ people, as well as contributing to local projects ranging from educational development programmes to youth groups and Q:Alliance, a local LGBTQ+ charity.
For employees of Volkswagen Group UK (which comprises Volkswagen UK, Audi UK, Škoda UK, SEAT UK, CUPRA UK and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK), as well as the brands’ retailer partners, supporting Milton Keynes Pride Festival helps demonstrate the company’s commitment to making everyone feel welcome and included across the whole organisation. The belief is that nobody should ever feel less than their authentic self at work.
In previous years many employees took part in both the planning of the event and at the actual festival itself – and this year is expected to be no exception. It is positively received across the whole business.
The project is being led by the We Drive Proud UK Employee Network Group (ENG), which represents LGBTQ+ employees at Volkswagen Group UK, as well as ‘ally’ colleagues in support of their LGBTQ+ teammates. The group sits within a wider Diversity and Inclusion programme at Volkswagen Group UK, which includes further ENGs: Driven Women; Cultural Diversity; Disability and Neurodiversity; and Parents and Carers. All are thriving within the business.
Keith Emmett, Director at Milton Keynes Pride Festival, said: “We’re so pleased that Volkswagen Group is once again supporting our wonderful annual festival. Milton Keynes Pride is an especially inclusive event in the Pride calendar because it is free to attend – which means that it is truly a celebration of compassion and diversity for everyone.
“As well as providing valuable community support, let’s not forget that it is also huge fun. There will be lots to do and see, in addition to plenty of great music and highly-anticipated stage acts. All of this couldn’t happen without our valued sponsors – their support makes Pride happen!”
• Drag & Cabaret Stage Sponsor •
— Milton Keynes Pride Festival (@mkpridefestival) June 14, 2023
"@UKVolkswagen support for and involvement in the wonderful MKPF is more than a gesture - it's a clear message from all of us” https://t.co/mzxIk8PVBi LinkedIn: https://t.co/AgInxVHGbD #MiltonKeynesPrideFestival #VolkswagenUk pic.twitter.com/v3ox235uH4
Penny Weatherup, People Director at Volkswagen Group UK, said: “Inclusive workplaces with diverse teams are more innovative, more creative, and make better decisions. It’s about recognising and respecting our teams, valuing different perspectives and thought processes, and making everyone feel welcome. This is what we are very passionate about creating at Volkswagen Group UK.
“That’s why we’re very happy and proud to once again be sponsoring the Milton Keynes Pride Festival, for the third year in a row. It is a fantastic event, completely inclusive and great fun!”
Further information on Volkswagen Group UK’s Diversity and Inclusion programme can be found at https://vwgjobs.co.uk/jobs/workinghere.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for this year's MK Pride Festival.
Keith Emmett added: "Our sponsorship package enables us to provide this established event in MK for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, we offer spaces to sponsors so that you can see in real time where your money has been spent. As a non profit CIC all money goes to facilitating the event and community engagement. This year for our community area we are focusing on mental and physical health to provide discussion and activities to support positive wellbeing.
"Milton Keynes Pride Festival is an expensive event to host, with costs running towards £160,000 we rely on a lot of sponsorship, in kind support, donations and your individual support to keep pride a FREE event!"
If you would like to invest in the event via a package we ask that you either have an established LGBTQ+ network/support or that you will work with us to develop one that will benefit your staff and customers. This element is a part of our social action and we want to be proud to work with you and promote you as a safe space for our community.
If you own a business in Milton Keynes and would like to find out about how you can get involved, please call 01908 230 149 or email sales@mkfm.com.
