Craft messages of peace at Unity Place as part of International Festival 🕊️

On Tuesday 8th July, Unity Place invites you to take part in the Les Colombes Dove Workshop, a unique creative experience open to all ages. During the session, participants can craft a symbolic dove — an internationally recognised emblem of peace and hope — and choose one of two ways for their creation to make an impact:

Join the Flock at Middleton Hall – Create a dove to be included in the larger Les Colombes installation at Middleton Hall. With guidance from International Festival facilitators, your dove will join hundreds of others in this powerful and visually striking exhibition.

Add Your Voice to Unity Place – Craft a dove using our bespoke Unity Place paper and help create a smaller, local installation on display in the Urban Food Market at Unity Place. Visitors are invited to write a message on their dove, responding to the question: “What does unity mean to you?”

This free, drop-in workshop is open to all, with materials provided by Unity Place. You can pop in anytime between 11.30am and 2.30pm, and why not combine your visit with lunch at the Urban Food Market while you’re here?

In addition to the main workshop, dove-making stations will also be available across Unity Place’s working floors, including within the x+why co-working spaces, providing even more opportunities for people to get involved. Guests are also welcome to take their doves home as a keepsake.

Part of the world-renowned Les Colombes by artist Michael Pendry, this installation has captivated audiences in cathedrals and cultural spaces across the globe. Featuring hundreds of white doves suspended in flight, the artwork shares a powerful message of peace, compassion, and shared humanity.

Unity Place is proud to play a role in Milton Keynes’ cultural life. With vibrant public spaces — including a bustling urban food market, a variety of eateries, co-working spaces, and the popular Sky Lounge bar — Unity Place is a hub for connection, collaboration, and community events.

Adam Holbrook, Head of Placemaking at Unity Place, said:
“We’re excited to welcome the community into Unity Place to contribute to this beautiful expression of peace and unity.

“Whether you're joining the larger flock at Middleton Hall or helping us build a special installation right here at Unity Place, your message matters. This is about more than art — it’s about connection.”

The Les Colombes Workshop is completely free and open to all. Come along, get creative, and let your dove take flight — in Milton Keynes and beyond.