Groups planning a 2027 event on one of Milton Keynes' six old high streets can bid for up to £5,000. The council has £30,000 to give; its form says apply by 1 November.

Community groups that want to put on a food festival, a market or a family fun day on one of Milton Keynes’ traditional high streets next year can now bid for up to £5,000 from the city council.

The council has £30,000 in its new High Street Events Grant Programme, it announced on 15 October. The money is for events in 2027 that bring in visitors and footfall and help local businesses.

Which high streets qualify

The event has to take place on, or have a clear link to, one of six high streets:

  • Bletchley (Queensway)
  • Newport Pagnell
  • Olney
  • Stony Stratford
  • Woburn Sands
  • Wolverton

Central Milton Keynes is not on the list.

Who can apply, and for what

The council’s application form accepts bids from:

  • community and voluntary groups
  • residents’ associations
  • business associations and trader groups
  • charities
  • community interest companies (CICs)
  • town and parish councils

Its examples of eligible events are heritage and cultural celebrations, food and drink festivals, artisan markets, seasonal festivals and family fun days. The council says it especially welcomes bids that bring in local businesses and other partners.

Cllr Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said: “Our high streets are a vital part of Milton Keynes, supporting local businesses and bringing communities together.”

The council also says successful events could become part of the celebrations for Milton Keynes’ 60th anniversary in 2027.

The small print

  • Road closures come out of the grant. The form says all costs, including road closures, must be covered by the grant or the wider plan. The council will not pay for them on top. You can include closure costs in what you ask for.
  • Proof of existence. Groups that are not a public body must send a certificate of incorporation, charity registration, VAT certificate or similar.
  • Evaluation. Winners sign a grant funding agreement and take part in an evaluation of whether the event delivered what it promised.
  • Subsidy rules. The form explains how the Subsidy Control Act 2022 applies, and asks applicants to confirm they are under the £315,000 threshold for minimal financial assistance.

Two closing dates

The council’s two documents disagree on the deadline:

Where Closing date
The council’s economic development page 8 November 2026
The application form itself (version 1, October 2026) 1 November 2026

Until the council says which is right, plan for the earlier one. Questions go to enquiries@investmiltonkeynes.com.

What it means for you

If you run a group in one of the six towns and have an idea for 2027, you have about a fortnight. To apply:

  1. Download the High Street Support Fund application form from the council’s economic development page.
  2. Fill it in, including the date of the event, who will deliver it, how you will measure success, any licences or road closures, and a cost breakdown.
  3. Email it to enquiries@investmiltonkeynes.com by Sunday 1 November to be safe.

Already planning a festive event this year? Our guides to things to do in Milton Keynes and the Christmas markets list what is already booked.