Christmas in the County

Christmas

in the County

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Your 18-page guide to all things Christmas from Pulse magazine 09/09/2022 09:07

and beyond

Outdoor Events | Santa Visits | Festive Parties | Christmas Lights | and much more...

Christmas in the City

and beyond

Your 18 page guide to all things Christmas, packed with ideas, events, parties, fairs and places to shop in the run up to the big day.

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS OUTDOOR EVENTS SANTA VISITS FESTIVE PARTIES WREATH MAKING THRIFTY CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR CHRISTMAS FAIRS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREES WILLEN HOSPICE

Georgian Christmas Display Inhale the aromas of the festive season; smell the evergreen sprigs of greenery among the decorations and spices in the kitchen at The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, before enjoying the festive display which will be open between December 1 and 21.

Usual entrance fees apply, and a free children’s trail will keep them occupied.

Stony Stratford Farmers Market Wrap up warm and peruse the stalls with their lovely produce in the Market Square on December 23 – perfect for last minute gifts and nice things. The event will be soundtracked by live music, and children can line-up for face painting, while parents enjoy a cup of mulled wine.

The man in red might be popping along too...

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A Dickens of a Christmas

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t’s an Olney town tradition that attracts thousands of people every year and it returns in 2022 on December 4.

Enjoy the seasonal market with stallholders choosing to don Victorian costume, and enjoy a cup (or three) of mulled wine as you peruse the stalls selling gifts, food, Christmas trees and decorations, and much more. There are more than a few stalls to take attention too – with Market Place and the length of the High Street occupied by sellers.

Additionally, The Olney Centre and library and The Carlton House Club will host craft fairs.

An old fashioned fair, street organ entertainers and the Olney Brass Band will entertain you, and many of Olney’s independent retailers open their doors for this special event, offering still more giftbuying choices.

At The Cowper and Newton Museum, mulled wine and hot chocolate will be among the steaming drinks to warm you up between 10am and 4pm, and entertainment in the garden will be running at midday, 2pm and 3pm.

At 2.15pm, you are invited to the ‘24 Days of Advent’ carol singing in the Flower Garden, and a festive display, A Georgian Christmas, will run inside the Museum – usual entrance fees apply.

Parking can be a problem due to the popularity of this seasonal special, so make use of the park and ride services which make moving about easy – they will be running from Emberton Park and the Yardley Road Industrial Estate.

A Dickens of a Christmas is free to attend and runs between 10am and 4pm.

Get your skates on!

If you want to skate your way to December 25, Daventry’s Whilton Locks Garden Village is the place to go to – with a real ice undercover rink back in play from November 18 (until January 3, 2023), and this year the village promises it will be ‘bigger, better and icy-er than ever before.’

Sessions last for 45 minutes, beginning on the hour, and advance bookings are advised.

Whilton delivers the skating experience to as many people as possible – it offers Super SEN Skating sessions for you and your children, so you can use traditional skates, or twin blades skates for added stability.

Penguin and polar bear skate aids are also available, and there are special Toddler Skate events too, for children aged four years and under.

Any ‘cheap skates’ among you? You’ll want to make full use of the half price sessions available, then. For full details visit whiltonlocksgardenvillage.com

The whole family can take part in the skating with penguin and polar bear skate aids and special Toddler Skate events

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

OUTDOOR EVENTS

In the bleak

Midwinter

Carol Service at The Tree Cathedral in Milton Keynes

The Carol Service at The Tree Cathedral offers a unique festive experiemce for all of the family to enjoy on Sunday, December 11

At a traditional carol service, you should be able to see your breath in the chill of the winter air, you should hold a cup of steaming mulled wine in one hand, a song sheet in the other, and you should have a snuggly hat pulled down tight...

You’ll need a nice setting too, and The Parks Trust have sorted that – they will once again be holding their annual festive sing-song at the Tree Cathedral.

But before the open air carolling, a procession will begin at Willen Lake car park.

You will follow a lantern trail along the redways to the cathedral itself. Bring a lantern or torch of your own and meet in the Peace Pagoda car park. Parking charges will apply, but the carol service is free.

When: Sunday, December 11, 3.00pm-5.30pm

Lights of Love Celebrate the winter solstice Stanwick Lakes in Wellingborough will observe the winter solstice with fire beacons around the lake on December 21. An archer will shoot a burning flame into the middle of the lake to celebrate the pagan festival. Tickets will soon go on sale for fiery display. Check back at stanwicklakes.org.uk

Time to get spooked There’s always a chill in the air in December, but on December 16, the chill will be somewhat different – with a Spooky History Walk booked in, courtesy of the Cowper & Newton Museum.

Walk Olney’s mysterious byways by night, and learn some of its hair-raising history.

Meet outside the Museum ahead of the 7.30pm start. Adults pay £10, under 16s go for £2, payable on the night. Mulled wine and nibbles are included in the price.

Christmas is a time for families and friends and this poignant event, organised by Willen Hospice, is the perfect opportunity to join a festive celebration of life to remember those who are no longer with us.

It’s a time to remember, and to reflect.

Lights of Love is being hosted at The Ridgeway Centre in Wolverton and anyone from the MK community is welcome, whether your loved one was cared for by Willen Hospice, or elsewhere.

Please remember your purses and wallets – donations will be appreciated.

When: Saturday, December 3, 2.30pm Book: willen-hospice.org.uk

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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SANTA VISITS

Enjoy a vintage Christmas with Santa at Bletchley Park from November 26

Where to see Santa

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t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the most famous VIP of all is ready to set up his grotto to greet you all.

Father Christmas will be keeping an eye on his reindeer and helping the elves with the present making before heading out on his most special journey on Christmas Eve. He’s very clever and will be showing up at several locations around and about. Here’s where to see the man with the red suit.

Milton Keynes Museum Milton Keynes Museum is pleased to announce that it has secured another visit from the biggest star of the season!

He is currently very busy in Lapland, but Father Christmas will be taking time out to meet boys and girls in the new city of MK. The man in red will be in situ at the Museum for the first three weekends in December.

When: December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 Cost: £10.50 per child (Usual admission charges also apply) and all children will receive a present from Santa.

Book: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk 4

You’ll see hundreds of Santas at the Willen Hospice Santa Dash

Delapré Abbey

The house will be dressed for Christmas, and Santa will move in temporarily, setting up his grotto on site – and he’ll bring his team of elves with him.

Little ‘uns will get to meet him, will receive a present lovingly wrapped by his team of helpers, and can be transported to a magical space with an original Christmas story.

When: December 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, with timed entries daily between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Cost: £8 (£5 for those with an annual pass) Book: delapreabbey.org

Willen Hospice For five-days only, Santa will be setting up his grotto in the gardens of the Milton Keynes Hospice, ably assisted by his ever so nice elves. Open to all ages and absolutely everyone who wants to meet the man with the best beard in show business...

When: December 16-20 Cost: £15 Book: willen-hospice.org.uk

Delapré Abbey will be hosting Santa from December 11

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

SANTA VISITS

centre:mk

Bletchley Park

The city’s shopping centre has a new themed Santa’s Grotto for 2022. centre:mk has teamed up with Penguin books to deliver an immersive, wonderful adventure with The Snowman. Visitors will experience the story of how The Snowman comes to life and embarks on that magical adventure, which is an integral part of the perfect family Christmas for so many of us.

The experience will last for up to half an hour (and includes decorating a Christmas Elf biscuit) including that meeting with Santa – and he will have a quality gift for each child he meets.

Step back in time and enjoy a vintage Christmas at the home of the Codebreakers.

The mansion and Codebreaking Huts will be dressed in decorations and we have been advised there may be some cheeky elves about the place too!

Visitors will meet Father Christmas in his Vintage Christmas Grotto, and will return home with a special gift from him.

When: November 18 – December 24 Cost: From £13.75 for children and £5.50 for adults.

Book: centre:mk.com

Father Christmas will be settled in his Grotto at Whilton Locks from November 26

When: November 26, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 & 23 (Relaxed Grotto being held on November 27 and December 21).

Cost: £10.50 per child Book: bletchleypark.org.uk

Stanwick Lakes Father Christmas will be in his grotto over the weekend of November 19 & 20, meeting fans (and maybe using his spot in the tranquil place to do a little bird watching if time allows).

He will be busy in the week planning his annual trip, but will be back at the grotto every weekend until Christmas.

The centre:mk has The Snowman as the theme for its Christmas display this year

More details to be announced at stanwicklakes.org.uk

Santa Dash Granted, this is slightly different from the aforementioned Santa appearances – you won’t be going to a Grotto, but the gift of seeing 100s of people dressed as Father Christmas is priceless. The annual fundraising event helps swell the coffers of Willen Hospice, and they need to raise a whopping £9 a minute (or £4.7 million a year) to deliver free care to the city.

Every participant in the Santa Dash is therefore asked to raise £50 to help support their remarkable efforts. Though it is called a dash, if you’d rather walk your way around, that’s cool too, and delightful doggies are welcome to attend with their owners.

The event – taking place at Willen Lake North – is the only place you’ll get to see a ‘sea of santas’ and fingers crossed the new extension will be complete and serving refreshments.

Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre

When: Sunday, December 18, 10am Cost: A minimum of £50 donation Register: willen-hospice.org.uk

Santa’s Grotto will be open to little visitors and their families and when you splash the cash to meet him, you’ll be doing a good thing to help others – all proceeds will be given to swell the coffers of the Mayor’s charity.

Whilton Locks Garden Village

When: From November 26 with the chance to meet the man every Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm in the run-up to the festive season. There will be additional openings too; from Monday, December 19 to Thursday, December 22, again between 10.30am-4.30pm.

Cost: £1 Book: northamptonbid.co.uk

Father Christmas will be settled in his grotto and ready to meet children of all ages in the lead up to the big day.

The meetings with Santa last for 10 minutes and children will be given a premium gift...so long as they are on the nice list!

Meet the jolly man in red at MK Museum from December 2

When: The man in red will be resident from November 26 and through to Christmas Eve. Cost: £14.99 Book: whiltonlocksgardenvillage.com

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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FESTIVE PARTIES

Time to party!

Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa

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re you looking to celebrate Christmas with your work colleagues or need somewhere to host a big family get-together?

Stadium MK can help you with that.

You want your festive party your way, and DoubleTree by Hilton will make it happen.

Whether you are looking to bring together 100 or 600 of your nearest and dearest, Stadium MK has the right room and dates are available throughout November, December and January.

Your guests will receive a festive arrival drink, a three-course dinner or grazing menu, crackers and party novelties and a private bar.

For quotes and enquiries call the Festive events team on 01908 364170 or email through the website stadiummk.com Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa in Kettering is hosting special Christmas Party Nights this December. The evenings will comprise a drinks reception in the ballroom, prior to dinner and festivities with a live swing singer and DJ and dancing, all hosted in the spectacular new Orangery within the history rich setting.

There are three party dates to choose from – on December 2, 16 & 17.

To take a peek at the menu and secure your seat for a special night visit rushtonhall.com Kettering Park Hotel & Spa will host a luxurious Christmas Ball, a party evening delivering fabulous entertainment with disco and casino tables, and a three-course festive feast.

The hotel’s dedicated staff will be going all out to ensure that your evening is a night to remember. Make an exciting event even more special by staying at the hotel – no need to curtail the enjoyment by waiting for cabs to take you home. Instead, you can simply head to one of the rooms for a relaxed night’s sleep... followed by a filling breakfast.

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Kettering Park Hotel & Spa offers a life of luxury at their Christmas Party Nights and the opportunity to stay and enjoy all of the facilities they have to offer guests

Aside from the breakfast, your accommodation also allows use of the hotel spa. Bliss!

Christmas Ball events will run on November 19, 25 & 26, and December 2, 3, 10, 16 & 17.

Perhaps you would prefer to welcome in the new year in style – and Kettering Park Hotel has that all wrapped-up for you too; You’ll enjoy afternoon tea in the restaurant, and use of the spa before getting ready to spend the evening in the beautifully dressed Rutland suite.

Champagne and canapés will be served, while a Scottish piper starts the evening, which will be followed by a five-course dinner, and then dancing to the resident DJ. To book and for more details head to ketteringparkhotel.co.uk

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Celebrate Christmas at Maaya Scan to view our Christmas Fayre & New Year’s Eve packages

NEWL Y REFURB

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VISIT MAAYAMILTONKEYNES.COM TO VIEW ALL CHRISTMAS PACKAGES

01908 242665 | maayamiltonkeynes.com The Hub, 2 Rillaton Walk, Milton Keynes MK9 2FZ

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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WREATH MAKING

Hanging around for Christmas W

e love seeing Christmas wreaths adorning doors – they look all smart and inviting in equal measure.

But why spend lots of money on one from a store when you can sign up for a Christmas Wreath workshop organised by The Parks Trust and create your very own?

Better still, all the materials needed to make your wreath will be natural and harvested from the parks in Milton Keynes.

Your wreath will be made from hazel and dogwood, yew, ivy and other seasonal greenery.

No previous experience is necessary, and aside from taking home your festive ‘crown,’ you’ll also learn skills that you can take with you and use year in, year out.

Refreshments will be served in seasonal style; a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie will help the creative flow!

No need for booze? No worries – nonalcoholic alternatives will be available.

The two-hour sessions will be running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 8, 9 & 10.

To book, visit theparkstrust.com Over in Northampton, Delapré Abbey invites you to partake in its wreath making sessions using natural materials which will be foraged from the Abbey grounds.

Sessions run at 10am or 2pm on December 5, 6, 10, 11, 17 &18 at a cost of £20 per person – numbers are limited to a maximum of 14 for each session, so don’t ‘wreath’ it too late before booking!

Visit delapreabbey.org to join one of the sessions.

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Make your own Christmas Wreath at The Parks Trust organised workshops on December 8, 9 & 10

At Whilton Locks Garden Village in Daventry, you can book up for a wreath making workshop which will begin with a talk and demonstration from their horticultural experts to get you ready to let your inner florist flourish.

The gardening hub will provide everything you need to produce your own wreath to take home.

Energy levels will be kept up with homemade soup of the day and a warm baguette and tea and coffee included in the price. You are invited to get creative on December 1 or 2.

Stanwick Lakes Craft Fair Wellingborough’s wildlife haven will welcome many artisan sellers and crafters selling a variety of products – from pet accessories to clothes and candles during the weekend of November 19 and 20.

The visitor centre will also be suitably festive and the café will be selling traditional Christmas gifts.

For more information visit stanwicklakes.org.uk

Book at wlgv.co.uk

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

START YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH A DASH!

Willen Hospice Santa Dash 18th December 2022 - Willen Lake Get the whole family dressed up and join hundreds of Santas as you ‘dash’ around Willen Lake North to support your local Hospice.

Adults - £15 | Children - £10 | Entry includes Santa suit* We kindly ask you to fundraise £100 to support our care. Thank you. www.willen-hospice.org.uk/santadash *Or you can wear your own festive fancy dress!

Registered charity number 270194

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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Thrifty Christmas

‘Tis the season to be thrifty!

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he cost of living crisis has caused stress and anxiety for a great many people in 2022 and, sadly, Christmas looks set to exacerbate those worries still further. But it’s worth remembering that first and foremost, Christmas is a time for togetherness, not a time for increasing debt.

The joy you will feel by being too free with the plastic cash for a few days of fun simply isn’t worth the trauma that will follow in the new year.

Christmas can still be a success on a shoestring – and if you have children, they will never remember what they didn’t get for Christmas, but they will cherish those times of togetherness.

It’s important to set a budget, and then stick to it.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the season of goodwill for less.

Be realistic If you can’t afford to buy this year’s must-have toys, paying for them on the ‘never-never’ isn’t ideal – because you will have to pay eventually, plus interest.

If your children are young enough to know that Santa is visiting, they are young enough to appreciate whatever he leaves for them.

Look online for bargain buys from the online auction sites, check the online sales of your preferred stores and stay tuned – many shops offer flash sales or special days with super reductions at short notice.

And how many extended family members and friends do you splash the cash on, but seldom see throughout the year?

With the constraints on our money, 2022 is the ideal year to have a conversation about cutting back – they will welcome your honesty and quite possibly be glad of it. Martin Lewis has been telling us to do this for years!

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Secret Santa It doesn’t just have to be a bit of fun in the office – it can be a great way to ‘do’ Christmas at home too. Everyone agrees on a spending amount, pops their name into a hat and takes the name of another. You then purchase an item for your recipient.

Let’s be honest, the boxes often prove just as popular with young children as the contents!

You might choose to keep the cost low, or maybe you’ll spend a larger amount, but only buy a gift for that one person – everyone will still receive, but the piggy bank won’t be broken in the process.

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Thrifty Christmas

Real tree, or not real tree, that is the question...

If you have a plastic tree, make it work for you. When you throw your tree out for the dustmen it’s destined for landfill which is terrible, so keep your ‘fake’ trees and love them – after all, they are only used for a couple of weeks annually!

If you really must have a newbie this year, please consider donating your pre-loved one to a charity for resale – or offer it free online.

People will be only too pleased to come and collect from you.

And what of real trees? In December they are paraded in windows looking spectacular, and yet come January, the sad piles of dumped trees are a depressing vision.

If you have a real spruce in the house during the festive period, you have a responsibility to dispose of it properly – and if you live in Milton Keynes, for a suggested donation, Willen Hospice will take it off your hands.

Every year they increase the postcodes they collect from – keep an eye on their website (willen-hospice.org.uk) to see if they will be collecting in your area – they’ll be out and about between January 6 and 8.

Make your own decorations out of things you can find

Nothing beats the excitement of going to choose a Christmas tree but make sure you recycle real trees in the new year

Decorations The price of some baubles these days can be as much as buying someone a gift. It’s enough to make you choke on your advent calendar choccie!

A tip for next year – buy decorations in the January sales. They are slashed in price in time for the Boxing Day sales, and if you don’t mind waiting longer you can pick up fabulous adornments for pennies. Some of the biggest savings can be found in the biggest stores.

But what about this year? Make do with those you already have languishing in the loft or at the back of the cupboard, and encourage the kids to get creative.

And start saving those empty toilet roll tubes right now; a little bit of sticky paper and some felt tip pens can transform the tubes into ace Christmas decorations, or you could use them to make crackers. Much cheaper than buying in the shops, recycled and you choose what goes inside, meaning no terribly cheap plastic trash!

Paper snowflakes are another easy to do craft activity and the kids will love seeing their creations hanging at home – perfect decorations for minimum expenditure.

Food Food prices have risen enormously and the nation’s collective purse has felt the pinch, but it is still possible to shop for a food bargain this Christmas.

Here are some ways to make the cash go further: Pick up the in-store magazines They often have money off vouchers for new products, and some even offer free items within their pages.

Compare prices of supermarkets to get the best deal on your Christmas food

Cash in those store cards!

We all swipe when we shop, but do you know how much you’ve got on your cards? It’s free cash, so use it to purchase any treats – and always look out for special offers rather than popping the first things you see into the shopping basket. It’s an easy way to make the money work even better for you.

Bake some mince pies and share them with a neighbour

Buy own brands These are often made in the same factory as those premium brands, and it’s impossible to taste the difference. In fact, the only difference you’ll notice is that your wallet isn’t quite so light.

Compare prices online By doing a quick sweep of supermarkets online, you’ll be able to see where the best special offers are from the comfort of your sofa.

Lots of stores offer big discounts on wine and champagne if you buy in bulk. Why not split the cost and the fizz between yourself, families and friends? You’ll all be quids in.

Check sell-by dates Confectionaries will often have long dates on - buy when they are on special offer and set aside for Christmas.

Seek help if you need it Christmas time can make things seem all the more difficult, but please reach out for help.

Food close to and just past its sell-by date can be taken for free from the many Community Fridges that are in the area, which is a great way to prevent waste, and if you are struggling to feed your family, Food Banks are there to help.

Please make the connection.

It’s simple, if you are fortunate to have enough food, consider giving a little, and if you need some help, take a little.

Be neighbourly Fewer of us than ever know our neighbours today, but there really is nothing stopping you from offering a mince pie or sharing a glass of mulled wine across the fence.

Please make an effort to check on elderly or vulnerable people too – a small gesture could make all the difference, and it’ll make you feel good too.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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FESTIVE FAIR

All the fun of the Fair Find out for yourself why so many people love shopping at The Festive Gift Fair and return every year… bring on the Christmas cheer!

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hristmas isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast!

All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas shopping fair returning to the NEC, November 17-20 for its 26th year!

Often the most time-consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck for ideas this year! Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at The Festive Gift Fair and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls (over 100 new stalls this year!) overflowing with thousands upon thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices.

The variety is huge, with something for everyone.

To get you into the Christmas spirit, while you’re shopping at the fair, you can enjoy a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping!

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh… plenty of photo opportunities!!

It’s no wonder The Festive Gift Fair is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of the country… here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll see …

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Santa will be making an appearance at The Festive Gift Fair

Eat, Drink And Be Merry!

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can over indulge a little.

At The Festive Gift Fair you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink to sample, before you buy.

New for this year The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins. A perfect dinner party gift.

Add a little heat to your cooking with Leithal Hot Sauces …hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!

WIN ONE OF FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS Just answer this simple question... at what venue is this year’s The Festive Gift Fair taking place?

Email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Subject: MK Gift Fair along with your name, address and contact telephone number.

The closing date for entries is: October 31, 2022

>> Want to find out more, then click to: www.festivegiftfair.co.uk >> Advance adult tickets are priced from just £6, children 5-16 years £4, under 5’s free .

Book online at www.theticketfactory.com group tickets available (15+ adults)

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

CHRISTMAS

Getting Christmas

wrapped up T he ever-popular Handmade & Vintage event will return to centre:mk between October 28 & 30 (during usual shopping hours) with its usual array of retro, unique and antique stalls offering a real opportunity to shop smart and find that truly one-off item for a loved one.

From teddies to jewellery, clothing, records (and even jukeboxes) to soaps and fragrances, tempting tipples and novelties, H&V has the lot, with fashions, original art, homewares and ceramics and glass also included.

In all, more than 130 stall holders will be vying for your attention which makes it the perfect place to get Christmas all wrapped

The Handmade & Vintage event returns to centre:mk between October 28 & 30

up in advance – and many stallholders will be happy to discuss bespoke orders and commissions. H&V will also return to Rushden Lakes for two pre-Christmas weekends – on December 3&4 and 10&11 for more of the aforementioned.

Shop Saturdays between 9am and 6pm and Sundays, 10.30am-5pm.

For more information visit mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk We are all feeling the pinch after a year of obscene rises. It’s worth remembering that charity stores are great for bagging bargains of new and pre-loved items, and Milton Keynes is brimming with charity shops – head to outlying towns; Olney, Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford and Bletchley, and remember that Willen Hospice has a new location inside The Point.

Christmas cards aren’t as popular as they used to be, but we’re pretty sure they would never have fallen out of fashion if all the designs were as lovely as those gracing the annual Willen Hospice cards.

Festive images of popular local spaces adorn their cards – purchase from one of their many stores locally. And if you want to keep Christmas simple, why not pop in a Winter Draw ticket or one of the Hospice’s scratchcards as a little gift?

Christmas Fair Delapré Abbey will host its own Christmas Fair, with unique, handmade gifts from carefully selected stalls in the historic setting. It will be fantastically festive, with the house smartly dressed for the season and food, drink and children’s activities all on the menu.

Entry is £1 per person (under 5s go free) plus a donated food item – because Christmas is the time for giving, and this year more than ever we need to help each other.

Collected items will once again be given to Northampton Hope Centre and Food Aid Far Cotton to help tackle poverty. If those that can, give a little, it really will help a lot.

The Fair will run the weekend of November 26 &27, and again on December 3 & 4, between 10am and 4pm.

Entry is staggered – for more information see the website – delapreabbey.org

Pantos are coming...

Oh yes they are!

Christmas shows are as much a part of the festive season as mince pies, Christmas trees and carols – and there is plenty of choice for you. Make your selection and go book a seasonal treat...

The Night Before Christmas Starring: The clever folks at Polka Theatre Northampton Underground November 25 – December 31, 2022 Book: royalandderngate.co.uk

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Starring: Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Paul Chuckle Milton Keynes Theatre December 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023 Book: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Snow White Starring: A cast of pros are waiting to make you boo, hiss and laugh lots!

The Old Savoy, Northampton December 9 – December 31, 2022 Book: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring: Keala Settle, Bob Golding and Alex Lodge Northampton Derngate Theatre December 9, 2022 – January 2, 2023 Book: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Adventures of The Little Red Hen Starring: Members of the leading family theatre brand, Stuff and Nonsense The Stables, Wavendon December 19-24, 2022 Book: stables.org

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring: Matt Montfort, Adam Borzone and Will Frazer Castle Theatre, Wellingborough December 3-31, 2022 Book: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Potted Panto Starring: A cast of characters The Core, Corby December 7-11 2022 Book: thecorecorby.com Santa’s Christmas Rescue!

Starring: Santa, Rudoph, Ellie the elf and her best friend Izzy The Core, Corby December 12-24 2022 Book: thecorecorby.com

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Delapré Abbey will host an illuminated woodland trail from Nnovember 17 to January 2

Illuminating times Stony Stratford

The town will be bathed in light with the return of the traditional parade of handmade lanterns travelling from York House to Market Square via the High Street , which this year takes place on November 26. The theme for the event – the first time it has been held since 2019 – is Monster Christmas, which encompasses cartoon monsters, monsters from film and TV, classic monsters, mythical monsters or indeed any other that you can create – let your imaginations run wild!

Please leave Rover at home – the streets can get very congested, and it will prove stressful for pooch, and for you too.

You might choose to make your lantern at York House (with sessions happening on November 12 &13, and 19 & 20) or purchase a kit so that you can get creative in your own home.

The CLASS (Christmas Lights at Stony Stratford) Committee have organised the Switch-On Fun Day. At 10.30am, a Stony Stratford Story Stroll will wander around the town with Red Phoenix, and children will be able to try their hand at juggling, unicycling, tight-rope walking and other skills in the company of Concrete Circus. Funfair rides will be tempting you on the High Street and in Market Square, together with the many other stalls.

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Add in food and drink, and Watlingfest, bringing music to the Market Square between 11.30am and 4.20pm with a good mix of genres ready to go live, and you’ve got the perfect lead up to the big switch-on.

Check in at stonylights.org for the latest updates.

Candlelit Tours

Ok, so this isn’t a light switch-on, but Northampton’s Delapré Abbey will be glowing by candlelight, as you’ll see if you book your space on one of the special out-of-hours tours.

You’ll learn more about the Abbey’s history and its people while also getting to explore some of the many nooks and crannies of this most special building.

Tours will run on December 1, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22.

Get more details at delapreabbey.org Stony Stratford takes on a carnival atmosphere with its parade of handmade lanterns

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Winter Light Trail

centre:mk

Enjoy a breathtaking, illuminated woodland trail with an array of magical light installations with a new trail experience spanning more than a mile and quarter of stunning woodland, walled garden and grounds of Delapré Abbey.

The perfect way to light up your life, and there’s plenty of time to enjoy it – the trail will run every Wednesday to Sunday (4pm8.40pm) from November 17 to January 2.

Independent food vendors, an Aprés Ski bar and children’s funfair will also feature.

If you want to attend centre:mk’s switch on, the date for the diary is Friday, November 18 – which is also the opening night of its Santa’s Grotto.

Beginning in City Square at 4.30pm there will be entertainment and guest appearances from the cast of MK Theatre’s panto Snow White who will be coming along to help with the festivities, while everyone awaits the arrival of Santa.

When he arrives, the parade will begin – travelling the length of the centre to his grotto in Middleton Hall.

Just one question: As Santa and the cast of Snow White will travel together, will they go off to work with a hi-ho-hi-ho or a ho-ho-ho?!

To book, visit delapreabbey.org

Wolverton Lantern Festival This isn’t a light switch-on either... but it will be a glorious parade of light when the Lantern Festival makes its return in 2022 after an enforced absence of two years on Saturday, December 3.

Food and drink vendors will be serving up good things from 2pm, live music will sound out from Foundation House and if you fancy picking up new tricks, Kester the Jester will be hosting free circus skill workshops between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

The MK Community Choir and Wolverton Town Band will also be showing out on the day.

The parade will begin from The Square at 4.30pm, and this year’s theme is minibeasts, perhaps giving a nod to many of our delicate species that are essential, but under threat.

Hopefully that will inspire young minds to support our beasties and bugs, and it will certainly make for an array of wonderful lanterns.

Of course if you want to take part in the parade, you’ll need a lantern and kits will go on sale in local outlets (Mrs B’s Emporium, Maisies and at the MK Christian Foundation) from the end of October for £4. Alternatively, step up for one of the public-making workshops happening at The Old Bath House on November 6, 13 and 27 between 2pm and 5pm. No need to pre-book.

Get more by visiting FB @wolvertonlanternfestival and tell them we sent you.

The big switch on at centre:mk coincides with the arrival of Santa on November 18

Historic Northampton comes alive with the switching on of the Christmas lights

Northampton Christmas lights The switch will be flicked on November 26 at the annual event in the Market Square, and the festivities will continue across town, with businesses being encouraged to get creative with festive themes window displays, all coming under the theme of Mischievous Elves – dozens of elves are expected to pop up in shop windows.

And, while not Christmas lights related, we have to mention the 24-hour Christmas radio station which goes live for the start of advent and will pump out seasonal delight at the University of Northampton, the Grosvenor Shopping and at town centre businesses.

Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights

Northampton Christmas Lights

Newport Pagnell Christmas lights have been bathing in the town in a festive glow annually since 1960, when Early Beatty of Chicheley gave the command for that inaugural switch-on.

Today, the event is a chance to bring the community together with a day of stalls and fun ahead of the switch-on, which this year is taking place on Saturday, November 26.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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CHRISTMAS

Tree-mendous times

I

f a real tree is set to be a focus of your family Christmas in 2022, you won’t do better then choosing it straight from the field at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees who have the perfect tree to ‘spruce’ up your abode, just waiting for you to discover it!

You’ll stroll the field of plenty and choose your very own, British farm-grown tree which the team at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees will cut down for you.

And there’s no need to stress about getting it back to the car – the team promise they have plenty of helpful elves on hand to help take the tree back to the farmyard where it will be netted, helping getting it into your car a breeze!

Refreshments will also be served by Really Awesome Coffee (Saturday) and Good Times

Cafe (Sunday) and if you are wondering where to get your holly and mistletoe from, there are plenty of both of those for sale too, together with tree stands, logs and kindling.

The farm also makes its own range of The Fruity Farmer fruit gins, liqueurs and rapeseed oils which will be available for purchase. They make ideal stocking fillers, secret Santa opportunities, or buy for yourself – because you deserve it!

Visits to the farm begin on Saturday, November 19 and run for the five weekends before Christmas, on Saturdays and Sundays, with two Friday openings, 9am-4pm.

Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees offer There is no need to pre-book.

To check the full list of dates visit stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk

you the chance to choose your tree straight from the plantation

Wolverton Winter Fair

Made in Stony

The old railway town will host its Winter Fair on the weekend of December 10 & 11 in The Square, with stall-holders selling their goods out of festive alpine huts. Entertainers and food vendors will add more flavour to the traditional shopping opportunity.

Get your Christmas gifts, cards and confectionery sorted in one fell swoop – with a trip to York House on December 3.

Shop there between 10am and 4pm.

Willen Hospice: Care at Christmas

T

he care at Willen Hospice is important all year-round, but perhaps even more poignant at Christmas time. For many of our patients, this could be their last Christmas. Our teams go above and beyond so families can make those all-important memories that they will cherish forever.

A Willen Hospice Christmas means our Willen at Home team visiting patients on Christmas day so they can spend it at home with their families.

It means Christmas dinner served with all the trimmings and a cheery smile to patients and their families at our lakeside In-Patient Unit. Or a friendly voice on the other end of the phone, for those spending their first Christmas without a loved one. We can only do this thanks to your support.

Why our nurses and doctors are the greatest gift of all Joy Butler, Willen at Home “Working at Christmas is just like any other day for us. We go out to visit the patients that need our care, or we speak to families over the phone to offer advice and support. Caring for patients and their families is the most important thing, no matter what day it is.”

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Support Willen Hospice this Christmas There are many ways you can support us whilst ticking off a few items from your Christmas shopping list. Our shops are bursting with bargains including Christmas party outfits as well as our charity Christmas cards and Lottery Scratchcards* - a fun table favour or stocking filler! And for the person who has everything, a Lottery subscription for our weekly draw is the perfect gift that keeps giving all year round.

Your support can help the team at Willen Hospice provide the patients with the extra care and support they deserve at Christmas

We also have a whole host of festive events to keep you busy over the Christmas period.

Celebrate the life of a loved one at our Lights of Love on Saturday 3rd December at The Ridgeway Centre, enchant the children with Santa’s Grotto from 16th – 20th December, or get the whole family Santa-suited up for a walk, run or jog around Willen Lake North at our Santa Dash on Sunday 18th December. *Over 18s only

October 2022 | Pulse Magazine Christmas | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

t a s a m t s i r Ch The Core

Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees Helping you make memories and keep traditions

Come to the farm to pick your own Christmas tree straight from the field

Open dates 2022

Saturdays & Sundays 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 3rd & 4th Dec, 10th & 11th Dec, 17th & 18th Dec Plus two Friday openings 2nd & 9th Dec No need to pre-book, just come along 9am - 4pm each day

Potted Panto

Wed 7 - Sun 11 December

Seven classic pantomimes in 70 hilarious minutes.

Unmissible fun, whether you’re 6 or 106!

Santa’s Christmas Rescue

Norway Spruce & Nordmann Fir Trees Available All trees are outside in the fields so bring your wellies and enjoy a walk around. Really Awesome Coffee Co or Good Times Cafe in the farmyard for refreshments. Ample free parking. Our own range of The Fruity Farmer homemade gins, liquers and oils for sale. Payment by direct debit/credit card or cash acceptable.

Mon 12 - Sat 24 December

This charming interactive show, full of songs, laughter and festive fun, is ideal for children under 6. Plus, meet Santa after the show!

Chris & Jenny Letts

Tel: 07770 614364 / 01908 551903 Stoke Lodge Farm, Purse Lane, Stoke Goldington MK16 8LW

Tickets 01536 470 470 www.thecorecorby.com

CHRISTMAS

www.stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk Find us on Facebook & Instagram

at Kettering Park

Whether it’s your chance to get the family together, or a festive catch up with friends, we’ve planned you a Christmas to remember.

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Enjoy a festive feast or an indulgent Afternoon Tea in our AA Rosette restaurant. Or join us for our luxurious Christmas Ball. This special party evening promises fabulous entertainment with disco and casino tables, delicious food served in style from your greeting on arrival to the closing dance.

We look forward to welcoming you to the hotel during the 2022 party season.

To book or for more information call 01536 416666 or visit ketteringparkhotel.co.uk/christmas

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Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6XT 01536 416666 | ketteringparkhotel.co.uk | danielthwaites.co.uk

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | Pulse Magazine Christmas | October 2022

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