Young voices to shape the Milton Keynes of 2050: new creative competition launches in Brooklands and Broughton
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Nana Ama Ofori-Atta, together with councillor Sam Crooks and councillor candidate Wing Tsang, have launched a creative competition for pupils across Brooklands, Broughton, and Broughton Gate.
The project, themed “Milton Keynes at 2050,” invites children and young people to share their vision of what the city could look like in 25 years’ time, through art, writing, music, film, dance, drama, architecture, or any other creative form.
Milton Keynes is expected to double in size by 2050 and become a key part of the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor, often described as Britain’s Silicon Valley. This competition gives young people the chance to explore what kind of city they want to live in and lead in the future.
“As councillors, we spend a lot of time talking about the future of Milton Keynes, the homes we’ll build, the infrastructure we’ll need, and the economy we want to grow. But this competition is about asking our young people what they want their city to be,” said Cllr Nana Ama Ofori-Atta, who is leading the initiative.
“By 2050, Milton Keynes will be double the size it is today, and the children in our schools will be the ones making the big decisions. So, it’s only right that we start listening to them now. We want to hear their ideas, their hopes, and even their worries about what’s ahead. Whether that comes through a painting, a poem, a short film, or a piece of music, every entry will tell us something unique about how our young people see their city’.
Cllr Sam Crooks added: “Milton Keynes was founded on innovation and imagination, and those qualities are alive in our children today. This competition reminds us that the best ideas often come from young people who see the world differently.
“I’ve seen first-hand how projects like this can bring communities together, strengthen local identity, and inspire pride in our growing city,” he continued. “It’s an exciting opportunity for schools, parents, and young residents to come together one creative idea at a time.”
Wing Tsang, councillor candidate for Brooklands and Broughton, said: “I grew up in Milton Keynes, and I’ve seen how much it’s changed from a young town with big ambitions to a thriving city full of opportunity. What’s always made MK special is its community spirit and the way people from all backgrounds contribute to its story.
“That’s why this competition means so much to me personally. It gives local children the chance to dream big about the future of their hometown to imagine the kind of city they want to inherit. As someone who grew up here and now hopes to represent this community, I can’t wait to see what their visions look like.”
Competition details
- Theme: Milton Keynes at 2050
- Open to: Schools, children and young people who live or go to school in Brooklands, Broughton and Broughton Gate.
- Formats accepted: Posters, paintings, poetry, short films, music, dance, drama, photography, architecture, and more
- Categories: Under 8s, Year 1 to Year 3, Year 4 to Year 6. Year 7 to Year 9 and Year 10 to Year 12
- Entry deadline: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Exhibition & awards: 14-21 February 2026, with prize presentations on Saturday 21 February 2026
Entries will be judged by a panel of councillors, city officials, educators, community members and creatives. All participants will receive certificates, and winning schools will be awarded gift vouchers.
For more information or to register, email [email protected]