CHRISTMAS FAIRS

Getting Christmas wrapped up

The 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...

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

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

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

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