Milton Keynes to Unveil the UK's Largest Neurodiversity Art Installation This Saturday
- Education & Skills
- 3 min read
The grand event will take place on Saturday, 15th March, at Midsummer Place, where The Boulevard will be transformed by nearly 400 vibrant umbrellas suspended overhead, creating a stunning visual display.
A Celebration of Neurodiversity
The launch event promises a full day of engaging activities, performances, and insightful talks, all aimed at celebrating, educating, and raising awareness of neurodiversity. This impressive installation symbolizes the diverse ways in which people think, learn, and interact with the world.
"MK Umbrella Project is much more than just an art installation; it’s a movement. It embodies Milton Keynes' commitment to building a more inclusive and accepting society," said Jane Lambert, Project Manager and CEO of Makewell Clinic. "We invite the whole community to experience this extraordinary display, take part in the activities, and gain a deeper understanding of the neurodivergent community."
Simon Martin, General Manager of Midsummer Place, shared his excitement: "We’re proud to host such a powerful and thought-provoking installation. Midsummer Place is a community hub, and the MK Umbrella Project aligns perfectly with our mission to create a welcoming space for all."
Launch Day Schedule
Guests are encouraged to arrive between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, with the opening ceremony kicking off promptly at 10:00 AM.
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony & Presentations:
- Jane Lambert, CEO of Makewell Clinic & Project Lead
- The Mayor of Milton Keynes
- Simon Martin, General Manager of Midsummer Place
- Ife Thomas, Motivational Speaker, Author & Coach
- Chris Curtis, MP
- Acting Chief Constable Dennis Murray, Thames Valley Police
12:00 PM – Performance by Milton Keynes Dance Centre
12:30 PM – Talk by Hester Grainger: "Help! I think I am neurodivergent - what now?"
1:30 PM – Talk by Bekka Prideaux: "A dyslexic business owner’s path to success"
2:00 PM – Dr. Lindsey Roberts, Interim CEO of ADHD Foundation, discussing the Umbrella Project
2:30 PM – Talk by Hester Grainger: "Parenting neurodivergent children – what you need to know!"
3:00 PM – Talk by Nikki Ross, Late Diagnosed ADHD, Retired Assistant Chief Constable
3:30 PM – Performance by MacIntyre Dancers
4:00 PM – Performance by Milton Keynes Dance Centre
4:15 PM – Talk by Caitlin Smith: "Navigating neurodiversity in an education career"
A Community Effort
The MK Umbrella Project is driven by a dedicated team of local advocates and supported by several prominent organizations, including Midsummer Place, Red Bull Technology, Perfectly Autistic, Kuehne+Nagel, Liz Male Consulting Ltd, and many others.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Neurodiversity Marketplace, featuring organizations like The Parks Trust, Harry’s Rainbow, WeMakeFootballers, MK College, Autism Early Support, MK Gallery, and many more, all offering valuable resources and insights.
The MK Umbrella Project will remain on display at Midsummer Place until September 2025, allowing visitors ample time to experience its powerful message.
We encourage everyone in Milton Keynes and beyond to join us for this landmark event and celebrate neurodiversity.
A Special Thank You to Our Supporters
The project team extends its gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable support:
The Project Team:
- Jane Lambert, Founder & CEO Makewell Clinic
- Jerry Taylor, Director, TRT Communications & Commercial Business Manager
- Amanda Wright, Founder & Director, Yellowyoyo
- Adam Moore, Partner, Moore Growth Accountants LLP
- Sarah Sweet-Rowley, CEO, Autism Early Support
- Samantha King, Mental Health Service Outreach Manager, Makewell Clinic
- Lisa Hathway
- Jill Farnsworth, CEO, MyMiltonKeynes
- Sue Pardy, HR Consultant, Face2Face HR
- Gamiel Yafai, Founder & CEO, Diversity Marketplace
- Jon Manning, Founder & CEO, Arthur Ellis
Main Sponsors:
- Midsummer Place
- Red Bull Technology & Perfectly Autistic
- Kuehne+Nagel
- Liz Male Consulting Ltd
Additional Sponsors & Partners:
- Holiday Inn MK
- Harry’s Rainbow
- Flynn Pharma
- MK College
- Moore Growth Accountants
- Makewell Clinic
- We Make Footballers (Milton Keynes)
- Diversity Marketplace
- Giraffe
- Volkswagen Group UK Ltd
- EMW Law LLP
- Handelsbanken MK
- InFlow Media
