Mental health charity Arthur Ellis is inviting businesses to back its 2026 Summer Festival as it prepares to welcome an expected 3,000 people to one of Milton Keynes’ largest free community wellbeing events.
The charity is seeking corporate sponsors for the festival, which will take place on 23 August and aims to make activities that support mental wellbeing more accessible to local families and residents. The free event will feature more than 20 activities spanning movement, creativity, learning, communication and community support.
Founded by Jon Manning, Arthur Ellis has developed the annual festival to encourage people to discover hobbies and interests that can have a positive impact on their mental health while connecting with local clubs, organisations and support services.
The charity says it has delivered more than 54,000 support sessions, helped more than 10,000 children and young people, built partnerships with more than 40 professionals and organisations, and provides access to support within an average of four days.
Last year’s festival attracted more than 2,000 visitors, with organisers expecting attendance to rise to around 3,000 this summer. Around 400 two-course meals were also distributed to members of the local community during the 2025 event.
Jon Manning, founder of Arthur Ellis, said: “We know that good mental health isn’t built in a single conversation – it’s built through connection, purpose and opportunities to take part in activities that people genuinely enjoy. The Summer Festival is about removing barriers, bringing communities together and showing that looking after your wellbeing can be fun, accessible and something the whole family can enjoy.
“Every business that supports the festival is helping us reach more people, create more opportunities for families and make wellbeing available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.”
Arthur Ellis reports that demand for its services continues to increase, with referrals rising by 140% in recent years. The charity says this growing demand underlines the need to make preventative wellbeing activities easier to access alongside traditional support services.
Businesses can support the event through Festival Partner or Community Sponsor packages, which include branding across the festival site, employee volunteering opportunities, networking with local organisations and recognition throughout the event.
Sponsors of the 2025 festival included John Lewis, TXM Group, Brioche Pasquier and Milton Keynes Community Foundation. The charity says it is now looking to build a new group of sponsors for the 2026 event.
Businesses interested in supporting the Arthur Ellis Summer Festival can contact Jon Manning at [email protected].
