Arts programme

Milton Keynes is one of the nine host cities who are taking part in a national cultural programme supported by £800,000 funding from Arts Council England, thanks to National Lottery players.

Running alongside the tournament from 6-31 July and delivered in collaboration with the ten local authorities, across nine Host Cities - Brighton & Hove, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Rotherham, Sheffield, Southampton, Trafford and Wigan & Leigh - the cultural programme is set to reach nearly three million people and invite sports audiences and participants to engage with culture at an important moment for the country. 

Three specially commissioned projects led by artist Emma Smith, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Idle Women, will share the rich history of women’s football and its players and harness culture to encourage more people, particularly women and girls, to be inspired by the competition.

There will also be the opportunity for the public to create an original anthem to celebrate UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England, expressing the passion evident in the women's

Over 26 action-packed days, 31 UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 matches will be played by 16 teams across nine English cities from 6-31 July.

For more information and to get involved read more on the Destination MK website.

Heritage programme

Milton Keynes is one of the nine UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 host cities is taking part in a National Lottery funded project to uncover the hidden history of women’s football in a summer of celebration of the game, its players and communities.

In partnership with The FA, Milton Keynes Council and its local partners have joined a number of other organisations across England for the project which has been awarded £500,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It’s an important year for women’s football, as England hosts the UEFA Women’s EURO and the Lionesses mark their 50th anniversary.

However, the history of the game goes back a lot further than many might think. This year also marks 141 years since women’s football was first played professionally.

The National Lottery funded project aims to challenge the common perception of women’s football being ‘new’ and change the nation’s understanding of ‘the English game’. For the very first time, information about every England player, captain, goal scorer and match score since 1972 will be researched, recorded and shared alongside the information that already exists about men’s football. Hosted on England Football’s website the record will continue to be updated, ensuring future female players are part of the nation’s footballing story. The project will particularly explore the role of the LGBTQ+ community.

Among the activities happening in MK during the lead up to the tournament as part of the heritage programme include a themed exhibition at Station Square, oral history programme bringing local MK stories to life, community roadshows and a photography competition.