INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY MILTON KEYNES 2026
The Joys of Being a Man
Thursday 19 November · 5.00–7.30pm · Central Milton Keynes
An evening of conversation across generations, celebrating what brings joy, purpose and fulfilment to boys and men.
Registration essential · Venue details shared on registration
INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
Why it matters
We hear a lot about the challenges facing men and boys, and about what goes wrong. This International Men's Day, I want us to shine the spotlight on the joys of being a man: what men value about being men, what gives them purpose, fulfilment and connection, and how we can better support boys and young men to thrive and become the best they can be.
International Men's Day is marked around the world every year on 19 November. It celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities, highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men's wellbeing.
INTERNATIONAL THEME 2026
“The Future is Everyone”
The theme set by International Men's Day worldwide.
UK THEME
“Supporting Men and Boys”
The theme for International Men's Day in the UK.
MILTON KEYNES THEME
“The Joys of Being a Man”
Our theme here in Milton Keynes, with a particular focus on young men.
Our focus will be on the positive experiences of boys and men, while also recognising the support available to men when they need it.
ON THE NIGHT
What to expect
An evening of conversation, insight and connection, including:
● Opening remarks from Lady Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
● Speakers including Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, alongside contributions from other guests and wider discussion.
● A Young Men's Panel, following the release of our report on the world of boys and young men, offering a chance to hear directly from boys and young men about their experiences, perspectives and aspirations
● Conversations exploring the joys of being a man
● Stories and reflections on journeys towards joy and fulfilment
● An exhibition-style space bringing together organisations and initiatives that support men and boys, sharing information, resources and opportunities
● Opportunities to meet, connect and continue the conversation
Who is it for? Everyone in business, education and wider society with an interest in celebrating manhood and creating a better future for boys and men.
THE PROGRAMME
Speakers and contributors
Speakers include Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, with more to be announced.
OPENING REMARKS
Lady Howe
Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
SPEAKER
Chris Curtis MP
MP for Milton Keynes North
YOUNG MEN'S PANEL
Young Men's Panel
Boys and young men sharing their experiences, perspectives and aspirations. Panellists to be announced.
OUR PARTNERS
With thanks to our partners
This event is made possible by organisations who share our interest in creating positive futures for boys and men and building greater harmony across our communities.
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
Thorne Project Solutions
Project4Learning
Aiimi
Do It For The Arts Studio
Horwood House
CurvUp
MEDIA PARTNERS
MKFM
Asian Community Radio
ADDITIONALLY SUPPORTED BY
Women Leaders
Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partners
NatWest Accelerator
Become a partner
Would your organisation like to be part of International Men's Day Milton Keynes? We'd love to hear from organisations interested in becoming partners or supporters.
Or email Susan: susan@mosaicworld.live
FROM THE PODCAST SERIES
Being a Man in Today's World
In the run-up to the 19th, I'm sharing a short clip each day from my Being a Man in Today's World podcast series, a special series of the Leading in a Mosaic World podcast. New clips are added here as they go out.
DAY 1 · MOVEMBER
Steve Whittle
Founder, Tough to Talk · On Manning Up
“If manning up also means recognising that emotionally I am struggling, or mentally I'm in pain. If manning up means that I find that inner fortitude to be able to speak to my partner, my line manager, my best friend, my somebody, then so be it.”
DAY 2 · THE JOYS OF BEING A MAN
Mark Brooks OBE
Director of Policy and Communications, Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys · On Men & Boys Issues
“The joys of being a man in today's world are often the same joys that they've always been, and that's always being of service to other people, with your friends and your family, and also feeling that you've got a positive role to play.”
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Practical details
When: Thursday 19 November 2026, 5.00–7.30pm
Where: Central Milton Keynes. Venue details are shared on registration.
Contribution: A suggested voluntary contribution of £20. Please pay what's practical for you.
Registration: Essential, through Eventbrite.
Access: Please let us know of any access needs when you register.
Beyond the day
International Men's Day is one day, but the work carries on all year. It forms part of a wider programme of work to create a Mosaic World, one in which boys and young men are supported to thrive, fulfil their potential and contribute positively to society.
To find out more about how I work with men, and with the organisations around them, or to listen to the full podcast series, follow the links below. I hope to see you on the 19th.