Milton Keynes: Royal Visit to MK

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Milton Keynes: Royal Visit to MK

Queen For A Day

Milton Keynes Map MK

Problem:

How to convince a queen (yes, THAT queen) to grant city status to the UK's biggest New Town.

Solution:

First, develop a cultural strategy for the city with an easy to understand narrative framework. Then create a space that delivers the story in 7 minutes flat.

Impact:

Clear messages and flawless execution helped Milton Keynes' campaign to gain city status by the year 2010.

View all challenges

Problem

Milton Keynes, the UK’s largest and best known “new town”, needed to develop a compelling experience for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their one day visit to the town. Milton Keynes’ is seeking to be granted city status by the year 2010 and a successful royal visit would boost their chances immeasurably.

Solution

Prospect first worked to develop the narrative framework that would underpin the story and day’s proceedings. Research in the Milton Keynes archives yielded a rich vein of material: the principles upon which the original town was founded in 1970. Using these ideals as a basis, Prospect updated them to reflect Milton Keynes’ current reality and future aspirations. Making the tangible connection between the past and the future via the six reworked themes (Innovation, Connection, Diversity, Beauty, Participation and Sustainability) allowed compelling stories to be created in a range of media.

Prospect curated and executed the day’s key exhibition: a 30 meter long timeline celebrating Milton Keynes 40th anniversary. Moving into the piazza, The Queen unveiled a Prospect designed plaque commemorating the official opening of the Hub, Milton Keynes’ exciting new real estate development. The royal couple were then transferred to the new 20,000 seat MK Dons stadium, where they were treated to a spectacle of coordinated drama and dance by 8000 Milton Keynes youngsters.

Impact

John Best, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Council said, “Milton Keynes put its best foot forward today. We can all be proud of what we accomplished. I’m certain that our clear messages and flawless execution will help us in our campaign to gain city status by the year 2010.”

"At a time of huge stress multiple work streams Prospect were calm and focused to work with, one of the areas I did not have to worry about. Prospect had to manage the relationship as much as the project, which they did with great clarity, inspiring confidence in those so nervous about the big day.

The presentation went perfectly and all involved were delighted with the outcome and impact. The exhibition was used again in Middleton Hall in Milton Keynes to allow the public to view it."