My-MK Announced as Pop-up Events Partner for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival 2025

Milton Keynes is set to take centre stage this summer as the internationally acclaimed IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns from 18–27 July 2025 and MyMiltonKeynes (My-MK) is proud to play a key role as the Festival’s exclusive Pop-up Events Partner.

The biennial Festival has become one of the UK’s most distinctive and ambitious cultural events. Its 2023 edition attracted over 56,000 attendances, generated £6.7 million in economic impact, and reached a PR audience of over 410 million. With more than 83% of its programme offered free or low-cost, the Festival is recognised for its inclusivity, innovation, and for transforming everyday city spaces into extraordinary, shared experiences.

Through this partnership, My-MK will sponsor a programme of interactive, family-friendly performances and installations, popping up in public spaces across the City Centre during the two Festival weekends (18–20 and 25–27 July). These include a roller skate battle, high-flying circus performed on a bamboo structure, a mobile bar serving beats rather than beer, head-turning cat walks, hair sculptures and a noisy bookcase, as part of the distinctive 10-day Festival programme will attract thousands of visitors, creating energy, excitement and increased footfall for central MK businesses.

Jill Farnsworth, My-MK Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to support the International Festival as Pop-Up Events Sponsor, helping to bring free, high-quality performances into public spaces right across the City Centre. It’s a great way to attract people into Milton Keynes, support our amazing local businesses, and showcase everything our city has to offer.”

As part of the partnership, My-MK is working closely with the Festival team to promote the My-MK City Centre Gift Card, accepted at over 85 local businesses; advertise city centre offers and promotions to festival-goers via our City Centre website; share key events and updates across My-MK’s social media channels (@mkcitycentre).

Monica Ferguson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of The Stables and IF Festival, added: “The Festival has built a reputation locally, nationally and internationally for the innovative ways we work with businesses to use the City as a stage.   Partnership working with MyMiltonKeynes and all of our business partners means we can truly collaborate on our shared goal of making Milton Keynes a vibrant, welcoming and exciting place for all.”

Beyond the cultural buzz, the partnership reflects a shared vision between My-MK and the International Festival: to shape a City that’s proud of its identity, connected through creativity, and open to all. As a Business Improvement District, My-MK is committed to investing in opportunities that not only entertain and inspire, but also support economic growth, enhance civic pride, and showcase Milton Keynes as a place where people want to live, work and visit.

With international performers, immersive installations and unforgettable live moments, the 2025 Festival promises to be a standout summer highlight and My-MK is proud to help bring it to life.