The third edition of the boutique festival showcases the brightest talents in design and creativity this May.
Feeling the post-February slump? Well, here’s something to look forward to. There’s something utterly magical about being in a room where creativity crackles in the air. Where ideas bounce from mind to mind, and inspiration strikes when you least expect it.
And that’s precisely the experience awaiting you at All Flows 2025, the bijou creative industries festival that’s rapidly becoming the UK’s most talked-about gathering for the design profession.
Returning to Milton Keynes this May, All Flows has curated a proper treat for anyone with even a passing interest in graphic design, typography, illustration and creative innovation in general. Fancy rubbing shoulders with some of the industry’s most exciting minds while soaking up fresh perspectives in an intimate setting? Well, here’s your chance.
Who’s coming?
The 2025 lineup reads like a who’s who of creative excellence. For starters, David Pearson, the celebrated book designer whose typography-forward approach has caught the eye of everyone from Wes Anderson to Hermès, will share insights from his remarkable career. As a Royal Designer for Industry and one of Britain’s Top 50 Designers (according to The Guardian), David brings a wealth of experience that spans both commercial and cultural realms.
David Pearson
Liza Small
Astrid Stravo
MURUGIAH
Seetal Solanki
Swarovski Yurisuzuki. Photo by Mark Cocksedge
Tiziana Alocci
Joining him at All Flows will be Astrid Stavro, president of the International Society of Typographic Designers, whose powerful ideas and exceptional craft have made her one of the most influential voices in contemporary design. After co-founding design consultancy Atlas and a stint as a Pentagram partner, during which she created identities for clients including Vitra, Tate and Phaidon, Stavro now runs her own practice with a focus on “designing a better world.” We can’t wait to hear what she has to say about all that.
Meanwhile, for those fascinated by the intersection of sound and design, Yuri Suzuki’s appearance is not to be missed. The Tokyo-born, UK-based artist creates installations that give physical form to sound, using artificial intelligence to generate ever-evolving audio experiences that blur the boundaries between permanence and change. It’s a rare treat.
Beyond the obvious
Materials might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of creative festivals, but Seetal Solanki is about to change that. The founder of research design studio Ma-tt-er and author of ‘Why Materials Matter: Responsible Design for a Better World’ explores alternative methods of employing materials more responsibly—work that has attracted collaborators from IKEA and NIKE to the Design Museum.
The festival’s international flavour continues with Liza Enebeis, creative director at Rotterdam-based Studio Dunbar/DEPT. She’ll share insights from her work pushing the boundaries of motion and identity design. As co-founder of Typeradio.org and a member of the prestigious Alliance Graphique Internationale, Liza brings a global perspective that’s sure to provoke and inspire.
Data enthusiasts are in for a treat with Tiziana Alocci, award-winning data artist and founder of NECESSITY.INK. Her mesmerising practice transforms everything from sounds and sleep patterns to wine and perfumes into visual art, collaborating with clients like the British Library and Wired UK to reveal the hidden beauty in numbers and information.
Rounding out the headline speakers is MURUGIAH, the British Sri Lankan artist whose candy-coated aesthetic—peppered with South Asian motifs—explores the macabre, bittersweet and joyful experience of daily life and identity. His multi-disciplinary approach spans film, architecture, art and design, offering a fresh perspective on visual storytelling. (You can read more in our articles on his Refugee Week installation and Green Man festival branding.)
In short, it’s a fascinating and unexpected lineup of speakers, with more to be announced. Better still, they all add up to more the sum of their parts and what is quite a unique event.
“There’s something truly special about the intimate scale of All Flows,” say co-founders Richard Wiggins and Simon Wright. “Witnessing the way speakers and audiences interact over the three days, for us, underlines the importance of coming together as a community to share ideas and experiences.”
That community feeling is what sets All Flows apart from larger, more impersonal creative gatherings. Here, you won’t just be a face in the crowd—you’ll be part of the conversation, able to engage directly with speakers during talks, workshops, film screenings, exhibition tours and (let’s not forget) parties.
Practical bits
Conveniently located in the heart of the UK, Milton Keynes is easily accessible by train from London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Five international airports are within 90 minutes of travel time.
The festival takes place at MK Gallery, an architectural gem that presents significant exhibitions alongside extensive public programmes. It also features an independent café, Curzon cinema, and spectacular views over City Park.
With affordable accommodation options close to the venue, attending All Flows won’t break the bank—a refreshing change from many industry events. The festival’s growing reputation as one of the key design conferences to attend in the UK means it’s a brilliant opportunity to stay ahead of the creative curve.
All Flows takes place 14-16 May 2025 at MK Gallery, Milton Keynes. Will you be there? Your creative future self might thank you for it.
