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elcome to the November issue of MK Pulse! It’s that time of year again, when Milton Keynes comes alive with festive cheer, and we’re thrilled to bring you all the best the city has to offer this Christmas.
First up, the countdown to Christmas officially begins with the Christmas Lights Switch-On. This year, it’s bigger and better than ever, hosted by MyMK, with live performances, a visit from Santa in his grotto, and even a special appearance from the cast of Peter Pan. If you’re looking to kickstart your festivities, this is the place to be!
Of course, the festive fun doesn’t stop there. Our Christmas in the City guide has all the details on the best places to meet Santa, where to go ice skating, and the must-see pantomimes around Milton Keynes. Whether you’re planning a magical day out with the family or a cosy evening enjoying a show, we’ve got your Christmas calendar covered.
And speaking of pantos, we caught up with none other than Craig Revel Horwood, who’s trading in his judging hat for a hook this year as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Our own Sammy Jones sat down with Craig to talk about his panto role and what it’s like stepping off the Strictly stage and into Neverland – expect plenty of sass and, of course, sparkle!
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Christmas in style, you’ll want to check out The Blossom Room for your festive parties or spice things up with a delicious meal at Maaya. There’s no shortage of places to get into the festive spirit, and we’ve got the best of them right here.
For those of you who love a good dose of nostalgia, don’t miss our feature on the iconic Pitz Club. The legendary music venue may be gone, but it’s certainly not forgotten. Sammy Jones sat down with promoter Chris Kemp to talk about the club’s glory days, now being immortalised in the new documentary The Pitz, One Day Like
So, whether you’re counting down the days to the lights switch-on, planning your Christmas outings, or taking a trip down memory lane with the Pitz Club, we hope this issue brings a little extra sparkle to your November.
Read previous editions online: www.pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 01908 465488 mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines mkpulsemagazine
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MK Pulse is distributed door to door to homes and businesses across: Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Bancroft Park, Blakelands, BlueBridge, Bolbeck Park, Bow Brickhill, Browns Wood, Caldecotte, Carlton, Castlethorpe, Clifton Reynes, Deanshanger, Emberton, Emerson Valley, Filgrave, Furzton, Gayhurst, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Hanslope, Harrold, Haversham, Kents Hill, Kingsmead, Lavendon, Lathbury, Loughton, Middleton, Monkston, Monkston Park, Newport Pagnell, Newton Blossomville, Oakridge Park, Oakgrove, Odell, Old Farm Park, Olney, Pennyland, Ravenstone, Shenley Church End, Shenley Brook End, Shenley Lodge, Sherington, Simpson, Stoke Goldington, Tattenhoe, Turvey, Tyringham, Walnut Tree, Walton Park, Wavendon Gate, Wavendon Village, Weston Underwood, Whaddon, Willen, Willen Park, Woburn, Woburn Sands, Woughton on the Green and pick up points across MK.
From mid-November, Woburn Sands Emporium real ice rink opens for you and your family to enjoy some festive winter fun.
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Milton Keynes launches its biggest Christmas Lights Switch-On yet, hosted by MyMK, with live performances, Santa’s Grotto, Peter Pan pantomime, and festive activities across the City Centre.
Milton Keynes will officially launch its Christmas celebrations on Saturday, 16th November, with the city’s largest Christmas Lights Switch-On event to date. Organised by MyMK, this popular family celebration is set to attract record crowds and will take place in an expanded space, relocating from outside Midsummer Place to the larger car park adjacent to The Point.
The festivities will begin at 4pm, featuring performances from the St Bernadette’s School Choir and the Milton Keynes Rock Choir. Pantomime star Max Fulham, currently appearing in Peter Pan at MK Theatre, will entertain spectators alongside his mischievous sidekick, Gordon the Monkey. The evening’s highlight will be a performance by local teacher and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Mike Woodhams, who will join Father Christmas to officially switch on the city’s festive lights. The event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
This year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On also
marks the start of a vibrant programme of events across the City Centre. From 15th November until Christmas Eve, children visiting Santa’s Grotto in centre:mk will have the opportunity to meet Norbert, Santa’s latest reindeer, in an immersive and enchanting setting. The eagerly awaited
Peter Pan pantomime, featuring Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook, will run at Milton Keynes Theatre from 6th December until 5th January. Meanwhile, Midsummer Place will host its Christmas Tree Festival from 16th November, where local businesses will decorate sponsored trees to raise funds for charity.
Adding to the festivities, Molly O’Reilly’s Irish Pub will bring a festive pop-up to the car park next to The Point from 29th November to 28th December. The experience will feature live music and traditional Irish hospitality, creating a unique winter wonderland atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Shoppers can look forward to extended opening hours throughout the City Centre, with leading retailers such as John Lewis, the Apple Store, Harrods Beauty, and the soon-toopen Flannels offering an extensive range of Christmas gifts.
For more information on upcoming events, shopping, and dining options, please visit the MyMK City Centre website at www.mymk.cc.
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Millions of us spend every Saturday night in his company, digesting his sometimes acidic comments as he appraises celebrities on their heel turns and success with samba—you know the sort of thing.
Craig Revel Horwood has been on the judging panel for Strictly Come Dancing since the staple began back in 2004, and when he’s not doing that, he is in demand as a performer with a pedigree that is difficult to match, and as a leading director and choreographer. Pulse’s Sammy Jones—a self-confessed panto fan—spoke with him.
This Christmas, Craig will be back in the new city to hook us all in as the baddie in Peter Pan Milton Keynes audiences are in for a treat.
Captain Hook is a role familiar to Craig who has played him several times. But he doesn’t play ‘by numbers’ and this year’s delivery will be as fresh as ever.
“It’s very open and you are with a different cast every time, so it will never be the same twice,” he promised, talking to me at this year’s panto launch at Gulliver’s.
“You can bring as much of you or as much of the character as you want. I’ve done that several different ways actually, I have played him drunk and disorderly, I’ve played him Pirates of the Caribbean... Johnny Depp,” he laughs, “There are a lot of ways you can modernise it and associate it.
“I usually go with the big old wig and all that stuff, but this year I am going to be more modern, I think,” he shared, teasing what is to come.
“The script is different every year, so you just go from that, see what the other actors are doing, and workshop it with them.”
Spending the festive season in these parts is handy for Northamptonshire based
Craig, and it’s not his first visit here this year – he played a brilliantly Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz back in the summer.
He also served as the director and choreographer for the 80s set comedy Now That’s What I Call A Musical, which visits MK Theatre this month. Let’s get serious. Do choreographers get enough credit?
“No,” he says, without hesitation, “Certainly not for direction, because a lot of choreographers have to direct the last part of the scene to get you into a number. A lot of directors don’t see that. Plus, normally in the script it will say the director has all the words, and the music department has all the music, but the choreographer comes in and it just says in the script, ‘they dance.’
“You have to create it – you have to create the music for it, you have to create all the A to B, B to C, C to D, the storyline of it, you have to make sure the story is a bridge between the next scene, and that it develops the characters.
“It’s huge,” he declared of the work involved.
And yet, when it’s done well, no-one would notice...
“That’s why I think good choreographers make great directors,” he answers.
You don’t get to Craig’s position without being dedicated – and he is a workhorse.
I’m always intrigued by people who seem to be able to effortlessly juggle so much, and his diary is bursting. How does he keep everything rolling?
“Berocca,” he laughs, giving a nod to the health supplement, “I think you mentally prepare yourself, and I know what to expect –it’s no surprise to me, and I enjoy it.”
The grey matter is kept active when he enjoys a little down time too: “When I go on holiday I am studying a script, or something. It is just time management,” he promises.
... it’s a really great story, it has a moral, it is a great tale for children, it has flying in it, it has crocodiles in it, it has lots of singing, lots of dancing, and it is very, very funny.”
“You are only as good as your last thing, so you’ve always got that on your mind, I suppose.
“I will use my phone as a listening device, so I can listen to music. I don’t actually do any work, but I absorb material while I’m on holiday.”
In between panto performances Craig will hang up Hook and get busy organising his next projects.
“Generally in between shows is when I do my meetings for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour,” which he choreographs, “... and I’ll also use that time to write - I am writing a new show for myself that goes with my solo album.”
The album, Revelations - Songs Boys Don’t Sing, hit the racks last month. Another string to that busy bow of his. And there’s more.
“When I finish the Strictly Come Dancing live arena tour I go to Australia and film Dancing with the Stars there, then I come back and I start immediately on my tour...”
His acerbic wit on Strictly, and ace ability on the stage and behind the scenes have turned Craig into a household name, but his talent might so easily have never shown itself.
Craig’s entry into the world of dance was purely accidental. There was no yearning for lessons as a wee nipper. Nothing of the sort.
“Some three or four year olds love dancing at home and their parents see something in them that maybe they then take them to a dance class,” he considers, “But I was never like that, I liked making little models, little aeroplanes and ships and things like that.
“I liked board games, and I wasn’t ever physical at school, I hated it...”
I hated PE...
“Ugh! I hated it with a passion,” he agrees. So where did the attraction to the art form first present itself?
“I went to an exercise class and it was dance based - I didn’t know it was a dance class, but I picked it up and I really liked
moving to the music and that was it,” he recalls of the session he took in his home town of Ballarat in Australia.
“Then other people would encourage saying, ‘we really need boys for the am-dram’... and that’s how I started really and I just got hooked; I loved the people, I found something I really liked doing and then I trained and studied more...amazing,” Craig says, realising not for the first time, how that one dance class changed his life.
His time on Strictly means Peter Pan won’t be flying high in Milton Keynes on a Saturday evening – Craig is great, but even he can’t be in two places at once!
Still, there must be some secretly pleased theatre staff who now get to take Saturday’s off before Christmas thanks to his schedule. That’s unheard of!
“I think it’s the first time for them ever,” he smiles, “It’s fantastic for the cast and for everyone.”
Craig has a big birthday the day before the curtain falls on this year’s seasonal show. Does that mean that panto audiences rocking up for the last day will be greeted by an unusually fragile Hook who might be feeling hungover?
Definitely not: “I am celebrating my 60th in July, even though it’s in January,” he laughs, “I’ve got two shows the day after my birthday and on the Monday I literally start on Strictly stuff so I will not be doing anything. I’ve got about six friends coming and we are just going to have dinner after the show.”
And we have to ask how this fella keeps the ageing process at bay – he looks, dare we say it, fab-u-lous!
What’s the secret?
“Hang around with 18 to 25 year olds and choreograph! All the leading characters in this are quite young, which will be fun because they have a fresh approach to it, and it keeps me young, on my toes and thinking, and open to new ways.
“I’ve never had botox, even though I say I’m full of botox... I think it’s genes – I’ve been very lucky with my family.”
So Craig’s looking good, and so too is the show which he will be heading up this Yuletide. Why take a ticket? Here’s our Craig with a quick reminder.
“Because it’s a really great story, it has a moral, it is a great tale for children, it has flying in it, it has crocodiles in it, it has lots of singing, lots of dancing, and it is very, very funny.
“And we’ve also got a monkey this year as well!”
> Peter Pan comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Friday, December 6, 2024 –Sunday, January 5, 2025.
To book tickets visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Open 19 October 202423 February 2025 at MK Gallery, TuesdaySunday, 10am - 5pm
Vanessa Bell (1879–1961) was a pioneering modernist painter and founding member of the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of influential English artists, writers and intellectuals in the first half of the twentieth century. This exhibition – her largest-ever solo show – provides an in-depth overview that includes drawings, paintings, ceramics and furniture.
Bell’s pioneering work was at the forefront of British abstraction. At the same time, she helped to create conditions in which artists, including women, could flourish. This involved organising the ‘Friday Club’ for artists to meet and co-founding the experimental design collective, Omega
Workshops. Collaboration formed an essential part of Bell’s approach to art, including with her sister, the writer Virginia Woolf, and the artist Duncan Grant.
Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour is organised by MK Gallery in partnership with Charleston. The exhibition is generously supported by the Jerwood Foundation.
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The Poppy Factory with Fish & Chip Lunch. £65 Per person, includes entrance fee and lunch. Explore The Poppy Factory in Richmond, where veterans craft remembrance products and receive job support. Enjoy hands-on poppy making and an engaging 90-minute tour.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 7.45am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.05am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.25am
London at 14.00pm
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
£29 Per person - Wander Worcester’s Christmas Fayre for local gifts, street food, and Victorian charm. Enjoy festive sights, smells, and sounds with handmade treats and historic characters.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am Worcester at 16.30pm
FRI 6th DEC ‘24
RHS Wisley Winter Glow with Festive Afternoon Tea. £75 Per person, includes entrance fee and 1-hour guided tour.
*Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking* Stroll Wisley Gardens’ magical light trail, featuring glowing wicker sculptures, a disco-lit lake, and vibrant displays—ending with a fiery water finale at the Laboratory.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 11.15am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 11.35am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 11.55am Wisley at 19.00pm
daytrips@billscoachhire.co.uk
Thursford Christmas Spectacular with Brunch. £90 Per person, includes entrance fee & brunch at a local tea room.
*Please make us aware of any dietary requirement’s*
Thursford Show time 14.00pm
Europe’s largest Christmas show with 130 performers, music and laughter!
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.00am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.40am
Thursford at 17.15pm
Jingle Bell Christmas Show - Brick Lane Music Hall with 3 course lunch. £96 Per person, includes entrance fee and 3 course lunch included. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirement’s and full payment required when you book*
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.30am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.50am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 10.10am
London at 17.15pm
THUR 23rd JAN ‘25
Brick Lane Music Hall - Adult PantoPinocchio and his Wooden Whooper!
£90 Per person, includes entrance fee and 3 course lunch included. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirement’s and full payment required when you book* Enjoy hilarious adult panto, singalongs, and afternoon tea at London’s oldest venue!
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.30am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.50am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.10am London at 17.30pm
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As part of our Museum for a New City project, our project partner Living Archive conducted 80 interviews with Milton Keynes residents; some long-time dwellers and other new settlers. Their stories will inform future generations, shining a light on the early years of the new city through those who grew up here, and those who have relocated here; for work, for family, to escape conflict or for a new challenge.
It was a case of 'love at first sight' for Victoria Butterworth, who was smitten as soon as she saw the space, as Sammy Jones discovered....
Victoria was born and raised in a small village close to Watford, the picturesque sounding Croxley Green.
Milton Keynes? Believe it or not, she'd never even heard of the place when her husband suggested a shopping trip here back in 2014.
And yet that suggestion would change everything for the couple – and her love affair with the new town, as it was then, was instant.
“...literally, as soon as I got out of the station I was like, 'I’m hooked, 'Where are we?' This is a completely different place to anywhere I’ve ever been before,” she remembered.
“From the first minute I got off that train it was just like, 'this is where we need to live.'”
In time, Victoria and her husband returned to investigate potential living spaces here, somewhere they could put down their own roots and be a part of this 'can do' place.
"Because we don’t drive, my husband and I got those Santander bikes from the station
and cycled from the centre to Walnut Tree. “We were going past all these things and seeing trees and then we'd go round a corner and there would be a dinosaur just on the side, and I was like, 'how can you not love this place? It has everything and more.'"
Victoria clearly saw the positivity at play here, but of course the new city still can't shake off those lazy 'concrete and roundabouts' mutterings. Victoria had to deal with those, too.
“People would be like, 'In Watford you’re near London. You can get there on the Underground in 10 minutes,' all this kind of stuff.”
But she wasn't swayed: “That means nothing to me. I can walk out of my door and there are trees in front of my house. When I lived in Croxley I opened my door. It was concrete. If I wanted to go and see a tree I’d have to go to a park. If I want to see a tree in Milton Keynes I just open my curtains.”
Our green spaces are a source of pride, and she has bought into that shared joy: “I love Campbell Park with all of its sweeping hills and if you stand where the light pyramid is you can see for miles. That’s why I don’t understand this concrete thing, because standing right there all I see is fields and it’s just green,” she objects.
We have our own mini library of Milton Keynes books, but it seems we have got competition for the page-turners: “I’m getting every book I can possibly find that even has the word Milton Keynes in it,” Victoria said, “I’m reading one that’s about the plans of Milton Keynes and how accessible it was going to be and there was going to be a monorail. It just sounds euphoric and I think somebody really thought about it long and hard, and they’ve made an incredible place here.”
Victoria has been resident in the new city since 2021 now, and as you can tell she bubbles with positivity about it – and she is fully immersing herself in new city living: “I haven’t got a past here. I’ve been here, what, four years. I’ve known about it for 10 years so I don’t have any history here but I want to build a future here. I want to be part of Milton Keynes’s future,” she promised, “I want to get involved in whatever there is to be involved in.
“Where I was before I couldn’t care less. Now I’m like, 'Let’s go to council meetings,' 'Let’s find out what’s gonna happen in the whole infrastructure of things.'
“I just want to be involved in everything and just leave my mark somewhere, even if it’s just a tattoo.”
Because despite all the adoration, Milton Keynes has given her the needle, of sorts!
“I’ve got a tattoo of the coordinates just outside the train station because that’s the first time I fell in love with the place and, obviously, it's in a circle for a roundabout.”
The tattoo might be an ink-redible way to say, 'I heart MK' but it's not the only way: “You should see my house,” she declared, “I’ve got a downstairs toilet that’s just dedicated to the Concrete Cows. My bookshelves are all Milton Keynes’ books. Everything’s just Milton Keynes.
“The artwork will only be from artists that are from Milton Keynes.”
And she's got a special list she is working her way through, too.
“It's a bucket list of things I need to do in Milton Keynes before I die.
“Visiting the Museum was one of them.”
She's not short of other ideas either...
“Take a swan pedalo out on Willen Lake, walk on the MK Dons pitch, see a concert at the MK Bowl. Run the Midday Moo for women's charity. Run the actual MK Marathon, not just the Fun Run, see a film at the Gallery. Go to the darts or snooker at the Marshall Arena. Renew our wedding vows... Yeah, it’s quite a list and it gets added to constantly.”
And she'd like to have her name on a bench too, 'before I die.'
In which case, the engraving will surely read, 'Victoria Butterworth, she absolutely loves this place!'
*Interview: Mel Jeavons/Living Archive
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Your 19-page guide to all things
Christmas from Pulse magazine
Santa Visits | Christmas Lights | Pantos | Competitions | Shopping | Trees and more
15th November to 24th December, centre:mk, Milton Keynes c
Dive into the enchanting tale of Norbert the Reindeer and experience the Magic at Santa’s Grotto where lifelong memories are made!
W
Newport Pagnell’s Christmas lights switch-on will happen on Saturday, November 30 this year, and before the illuminations go live, the town hosts its usual fair and entertainment.
Whether you want to enjoy some festive food, or pick up a gift for someone, the stalls occupying the High Street will have your back.
Chance your luck at the tombolas, and enjoy the seasonal stalls as you take a leisurely stroll – and the shops will be vying for your attention, too.
A procession will run from Market Hill at the bottom end of the town, to the Church of St Peter & St Paul, before the lights get turned on at around 5pm.
In Northampton, the Christmas lights event takes place on Saturday, November 23 in Market Square. Wrap up warm and pay a visit where you will enjoy ‘a stocking-stuffed lineup of free festive fun,’ organisers promise.
Live entertainment, community stalls, festive workshops and activities will pull you in, and you’ll be in great company – with panto stars, the Mayor of Northampton and Father Christmas already confirmed to attend. The fund runs from midday to 6pm with the lights going live at 5pm.
Stony Stratford hosts its lights switch-on and fun day on Saturday, November 30 – and if you have your five year diaries to hand (well, your Smart Phones), you can make a note;
the last Saturday of November will forever be the day the lights go on moving forward. If you’ve been before, you’ll know that thousands of people flock to the seasonal tradition, to immerse themselves in the fun. Join them and you can check out musical talent on the Market Square stage as Watlingfest returns (11.30am-4.20pm), you can listen to bells jingle when the Morris Dancers return with a range of styles and colourful costumes – and the Stony Stratford Mummers might be putting in an appearance, too.
While there, peruse the stalls selling their festive wares and maybe pick up a few pressies.
The funfair will be operational on the High Street and on the aforementioned
Market Square, and Santa is checking his schedule to see if he can take time out from his work at the North Pole to join the happenings.
Then, when darkness falls, the lantern parade returns, with this year’s theme, Puppets on Parade, which will snake a trail from London Road at York House, onto the High Street and into the Market Square ready for the countdown to the lights turn on, at 5pm.
If you’ve still got energy after all of that, let your voices loose with some carol singing.
As we mentioned, it can get very busy indeed, which makes it a bad space for doggies – so let Rover sit this one out at home, while you enjoy yourselves.
> More info at stonylights.org
Northampton’s Delapré Abbey invites you to step into an enchanted illuminating Winter Light Trail this festive season.
The new addition – running from November 22 to December 31 – will wow you with its array of breathtaking light installations which you’ll find as you wander through sparkling tree lines, tunnels of light, soundscapes and larger than life illuminations around Delapré’s beautiful grounds.
Embark on a glittering winter adventure and let enchanting displays, captivating soundscapes and interactive elements wow you.
Sounds good on paper, but just imagine how great it will be when you get amongst it; your visit is guaranteed to be merry and bright!
Delapré is also offering Candlelit Tours – an opportunity to see the Abbey in a whole new light, literally, at this out-of-hours tour.
You’ll experience Christmas through the ages as Delapré guides you on an interactive journey spanning a whopping nine centuries.
You’ll taste the history too, with festive beverages and treats from bygone eras providing a yummy authenticity to the events, which will run on December 5 & 11.
> Light up your season: delapreabbey.org
With festivities at the fore, it can be a difficult time as we remember those no longer with us.
Willen Hospice acknowledges that and invites everyone to its inclusive Lights of Love remembrance ceremony on November 30.
It’s a chance to pause the noise and instead reflect, remember and celebrate those who mean so much, but are no longer with us physically.
Wolverton’s Ridgeway Centre is the hosting venue, and the service will include talks, readings, songs and poetry.
> Willen-hospice.org.uk
A trip to Middleton Hall to view the seasonal lights is a festive must-do, and this year, the flick will be switched on Friday, November 15 – but only when Santa has paraded down the centre and to his Grotto.
The parade will begin at Door 1 at centre:mk – by M&S and Costa – before passing through Sunset Walk and down to Middleton Hall itself, where Santa will set up shop until Christmas Eve.
The Dickens of a Christmas event in Olney is a festive staple on the calendar, and really sets the mood for advent. This year’s seasonal jolly will take over the town on Sunday, December 1.
Stallholders – dressed in period costumewill be selling their wares in Market Place and outside the Maya Restaurant, and the street will be bustling with families soaking up all the cheer.
Those stalls will run the entire length of the town, and craft fairs will be hosted in The Olney Centre.
Street organ entertainers, singers, and the Olney Brass Band will all be delivering on the sound front.
The town will be packed with people, so if you are travelling, make use of the Park and Ride service which will run from Emberton Park and the Yardley Road Industrial Estate –it’s the smart way to journey in.
Anyone for a mulled wine or two? We’ll join you!
The Friday prior to the Dickens delivery, Olney’s retailers will host a special seasonal late night for shoppers; the chance to pop out after work and shop ‘til you drop without needing to race around the superstores!
Olney has a wonderful array of boutiques, craft shops and much more – just perfect for picking up unique, original presents that your nearest and dearest will love.
Stanwick Lakes will present a two day Frost Fair (Nov 23 & 24) giving you the opportunity to put some pennies and pounds in the pockets of artisan makers, and you’ll be taking ownership of some cool crafted pieces for seasonal gifts.
And closer to the big day, you can let your voices loose and stretch your legs with a Lantern Walk & Lakeside Christmas Carols (Dec 21 &22).
For more details of the sparkly sing-a-long visit stanwicklakes.org.uk
Carols at the Cathedral returns for Christmas 2024 in the new city of Milton Keynes, with Newlands’ natural church space providing a festive, and very unique setting.
Pull on your cosy clobber, remembering the scarves and hats, grab your lantern and make tracks (Dec 8 , 2-5pm) for festive nibbles, live music, performances and, of course, traditional sing-a-long carolling. Voices at the ready.
> More info at theparkstrust.com/events
Duston’s Community Centre is hosting a weekend of seasonal stuff (Nov 30 & Dec 1) – flick through our guide for details of their meet and greet with Santa, and their Christmas Tree Festival
The free tree event also includes a market (Sat) with stallholders taking attention with gifts, homemade wares and tasty treats, and there will be festive fare on the Sunday, with a session of Afternoon Tea.
Go on, treat yourselves!
Want to bring your Christmas tree to the event, or pre-book for that tasty tea? Drop an email to events@duston-pc.gov.uk
Olney’s St Peter & St Paul Church is preparing to play host to the Bedford Gallery Quire on Saturday, November 30.
The scene will be set, with the music being aired among the festive trees lined up inside for inspection. The traditional Christmas Concert begins at 7.30pm.
A day later, the town transforms itself for a Dickens of a Christmas - and the holy space will be filled by choirs during the day. You can join in with a good old carol session at 4pm.
In Newport Pagnell, enjoy Carols by Candlelight (Dec 22, 7pm) at St Peter & St Paul, with the church promising ‘a joyful service with readings and carols to rejoice in song and prayer’.
There are other chances to unite in song, too, with carols at All Saints in Lathbury (Dec 15, 6pm) and at St Mary’s in Moulsoe (Dec 22, 5pm).
Stalls, homemade cakes and preserves and school choirs singing for you are just a few of the things to be expected at the Christmas Fair at St Peter & St Paul Church in Newport Pagnell, running alongside the town’s seasonal lights switch-on (Nov 30).
Once that switch has been flicked, town residents and visitors will head into the confines of the church for carol singing and warming mulled wine.
While on the subject of Newport Pagnell, the Churches Together movement presents Finding the Nativity (Dec 21, 10.30am).
Children will be given trail maps and must navigate their way around the town, finding seasonal figures including the wise men, shepherds and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. At each character stop, there will be a little activity to complete, and – eventually –everyone will end up at the United Reform Church/Mead Centre for carols.
Make this Christmas one you’ll never forget at The Blossom Room, right in The Hub, Milton Keynes. Imagine this: stunning Japanese-inspired interiors, an effortlessly chic vibe, and cocktails that’ll make you wonder why you’ve been drinking anything else. Whether you’re planning a cosy catch-up with friends or throwing a big office bash, The Blossom Room has everything to make your Christmas celebrations unforgettable. This year, they’re rolling out special group packages for every party size. You’ll find a festive drinks menu brimming with bespoke Christmas
cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and some seriously good wines. And the food? Think creative small plates and shareable dishes, packed with flavours that’ll have your guests raving long after the night’s over.
Want the place all to yourself?
The Blossom Room offers private hire so you can host an exclusive event, fully personalised with your choice of food and drinks. Combine that with their gorgeous setting and stellar service, and you’ve got the ultimate Christmas celebration destination. So, if you’re ready to celebrate Christmas in style – with a side of sophistication and a dash of sparkle – check out Christmas at The Blossom Room.
Make this Christmas unforgettable with a little help from Maaya! Starting 18th November through to Christmas Eve, Maaya is bringing you an exclusive festive menu packed with bold flavours and exotic spices –perfect for those looking to add a twist to their Christmas celebrations. This isn’t your typical festive fare; it’s an all-you-can-eat feast that’s designed for sharing (and for impressing your guests, no matter how big or small the party).
Ideal for groups of four or more, Maaya’s Christmas Fayre set menus offer an abundant spread where main dishes are replenished at no extra charge – yes, you read that right. Picture it: vibrant, flavourful plates arriving at your table, one after the other, to be enjoyed at your own pace. The feast includes pilau rice and naan, so
everyone can dive into every dish with the perfect accompaniments.
Dietary restrictions? No problem. Maaya’s got you covered with vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free options, so every guest can indulge without a second thought. It’s a Christmas dinner made for everyone, with no one left out. And the best part? Prices for this festive feast start at just £16.95, making it both affordable and unforgettable. For groups under four, you’re free to choose individual mains and still experience Maaya’s incredible flavours. So, why settle for ordinary when you can celebrate Christmas with a deliciously exotic twist?
Find out more about the Maaya Christmas Menu and get ready for a memorable, mouth-watering Christmas meal!
Santa Claus is coming to town, and there are plenty of chances to enjoy an audience with the man in red ...
Milton Keynes Museum will be rolling back the years for its traditional Victorian Christmas event, which is truly charming, and a great way to make some fabulous family memories.
Freshly roasted chestnuts and mulled wine (or non-alcoholic alternative) will warm you up, and when you’ve tuned up, step inside the parlour and let your voices out loud with a session of carol singing.
The Museum will be festively dressed, and when you reach the Street of Shops, make a little stop off at the Post Office, which will be selling old-fashioned sweeties.
The history hub will host seasonal craft fun for little folks, and of course the meeting with the man of the moment is the pièce de résistance. Naturally he will have gifts for all the little ‘uns, who will leave his grotto with a goodie each.
Open: November 29, 30 and December 1, 6,7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 Book in: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Rudolph has been in touch with the folks at Northampton BID to confirm that his boss will be bringing his grotto back to the Grosvenor Centre in the town – opening the same day as the lights switch-on event.
Open: From November 23 Book in: discovernorthampton.co.uk/bid-events
At Delapré Abbey in Northampton, the man with the best beard bar none will be set up in his grotto ready to meet and greet kids of all ages.
Each family or group will be given their own private session with Santa, and will receive a special gift personally wrapped by one of his eager elves.
Visitors will also be able to take part in bauble biscuit decorating, and there will be other crafts to get busy with, too.
Open: Every Friday – Sunday, between November 29 & December 22 Book in: delapréabbey.org
Santa will also be showing out at Willen Hospice, where he is setting his grotto up in the gardens.
These ‘meet and greet’ sessions with the busy man won’t just be for kids, but for kids of any age – because we’re all young at heart, right?
“We pride ourselves on being inclusive,” a spokesman said, “And everyone should be able to experience the magic that comes with the season of goodwill.”
Open: December 14 & 15, 21 & 22 Book in: willen-hospice.org.uk
Duston Parish Council had a call from Santa, who had such a good time with the team last year, that he has promised to return to them in Northampton this year – leaving Lapland early to visit believers.
Best of all, a meeting with the man at Duston Community Centre is free!
Open: Saturday, November 30, 11am-3pm
Near Daventry, Whilton Locks Garden Centre will be joined by Santa during weekends in December and over the Christmas holidays.
He will be in his grotto meeting children and presenting those on the nice list with a premium gift.
The garden centre will be running special toddler sessions, while the ‘bigger’ true believers are off at school!
special dog friendly grotto sessions – where ‘good boys’ (and girls) will receive their very own pawsome plush gift from Santa Paws. Guaranteed to make them yappy. Erm, we mean happy!
Open: December 1, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 23 &24
Book in: wigv.co.uk
Inclusive Relaxed Sessions will be available for any families with special needs, with the sessions being adapted to deliver a more relaxed attitude to noise and lighting effects to make sure of an enjoyable visit. To find out more, email questions to tickets@eskimojoevents.co.uk
Open: November 15 – December 24 Book: centremk.com
The Grotto will also be occupied at Stanwick Lakes this Yuletide. Children will enjoy a magical visit with the star of the season, and as part of the offering they will make their own natural Christmas decoration before meeting Santa in his traditional barn. There are sessions available for individuals, groups and quiet Santa opportunities.
Open: From November 30, and every weekend from December 14, then every day until December 23 Book: stanwicklakes.org.uk
A dog most certainly is for life, and not just for Christmas, and at Whilton Locks, our four-legged pals get to enjoy Crimbo too, with
The Grotto experience at centre:mk promising to be more enchanting than before, with visitors being welcomed into Santa’s reindeer stable where they will experience the story of Santa’s newest reindeer, Norbert, in a heartwarming immersive adventure.
Norbert is an adorable reindeer puppet, who communicates through his elf puppeteer, to interact with the children as his special story of Christmas magic unfolds.
As visitors move through the setting for their meeting with the man in red, they will make reindeer food in the craft workshop, before meeting Santa, snapping a photo with him and receiving a gift.
Those behind the Norbert story say it is, ‘one of courage, kindness and the joy of embracing differences.’
Wicksteed Park is offering an outdoor, festive experience which includes the opportunity to have a meet and greet with Santa – the chance to have a natter and share your Christmas wishes with the man in the know. After, children can pop to the Elf Workshop where they can choose their own present. Santa aside, and you can explore all that the Park has to offer; hop aboard the Wicksteed Railway, which boards from the North Pole Station, of course, and pay a visit to Santa's reindeer, in addition to all the usual attractions - from visiting the farm animals to playing a game of Crazy Golf.
Open: November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24 Book in: wicksteedpark.org
If you pop to Willen Lake this December, you might think that the festive spirits are lingering in the system a little bit too long after some seasonal merriment, but nope you’ll not be seeing double, or treble, or quadruple...
Willen Hospice will be hosting its annual Santa Dash on December 15, when 100s of charity supporters don the red suit and beard and run, walk or jog around the North Lake.
All ages are welcome to get involved and complete the circuit and, with this being a charity fundraiser, the hospice asks that each dasher tries to raise £50.
There’s no need to leave Rover at home either – perfectly behaved pooches can put their own festive coats on and get among the action.
> For more event details visit willen-hospice.org.uk
The Stanwick Lakes Santa Run is set for December 1, and you don’t need to be a Mo Farah in training to partake – this works just as well for those of you wanting to don a silly festive hat and enter into the spirit things, as it does for those of you who are established recreational runners,
or competitive sprinters wanting to get an early start on the new year training. The trail tracks are gentle and the nature reserve will be a picturesque feast for your eyes as your legs take you around the course.
Which one will you sign up for - the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon?
> Register at stanwicklakes.org.uk
The year seems to have raced by in a flurry of events and thousands of visitors enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Lamport Hall As we approach our Christmas events, we are really looking forward to welcoming more of you during the most wonderful time of the year.
On Saturday 23rd November we welcome Beckis Cooper for a performance of Unversed – a one-woman Stratford-commissioned solo Shakespeare show. Unversed was commissioned and created for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio for Keats House in Hampstead where it premiered to great reviews and has since toured to Doctor Johnson’s House in Fleet Street, John Clare Cottage and The Painted Room in Oxford and will go to Stratford in 2025. Beckis will be performing both a matinee and evening performance at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Adult tickets are £20 with student and child tickets also available.
Christmas workshops to encourage a more sustainable Christmas. Workshops include glass decorations, wreath making, stocking making, needlefelting, punch needle decorations and linocut Christmas cards; there really is something for everyone, of all skill levels. Tickets start from £35pp and include all materials, tuition and a hot drink and mince pie.
On Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December and Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December our popular Christmas Market returns. We will be opening over two consecutive weekends for the first time from 10am-4pm. The event includes over 100 stalls selling gifts, food and decorations, mulled wine and festive hot food, a local choir, a photobooth, entertainment and facepainting. Adult entry is £5pp and under 16s go free.
gift, entry to the Christmas Market, crafts, a personalised ‘nice’ certificate, a sweet treat, a meet and greet with Father Christmas and his elves by a roaring fire and refreshments for adults. Pre-booking is essential. Entry is £20 per child with an adult and additional adults are £4 per person.
Another new addition for this year is the launch of our Christmas Shop and Café on Thursdays to Sundays from the 28th November to the 22nd December. Explore our special Christmas gift shop selling decorations, gifts and stocking fillers and our café stocked with festive specials including hot drinks, sweet treats and festive toasties. The shop and café will be open 10am-3pm and is free entry and parking (aside from Christmas Market days).
On Tuesdays from the 5th November to the 17th December we are hosting handmade
Alongside our Christmas Market, we will be launching our new for 2024 Father Christmas in the Tudor House experience. The visit includes a personalised, wrapped
> Please visit the website www.lamporthall.co.uk for more information and tickets
The biggest and most lively indoor Christmas shopping fair in the West Midlands is back! fabulous bargains, great musical entertainment and so much choice!
Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the ever-popular 4-day Festive Gift Fair this November. Now in its 28th year, it remains one of the most popular Christmas shopping events in the UK for a good reason.
325 stalls in one hall
As always, this Christmas Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and gift ideas for all ages and tastes. Festive food and drink to try before you buy and great Christmas decorations for your home and garden… plus lots of special show offers!
The Festive Fair atmosphere is always fantastic! While browsing the stalls, finding something exciting around every corner, you’ll quickly get into a Christmassy mood…
Just answer this simple question... How many years has the Festive Gift Fair been taking place?
Email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Subject: MK Gift Fair along with your name, address and contact telephone number.
Closing date: November 7th 2024
welcomed by Father Christmas on his amazing sleigh, The Grinch, up to his usual menancing antics, dinosaurs roaring, Christmas characters roaming and the best line up of live musicians from Retro to Jazz bands and Folk to Choirs.
Over 100 new stalls
Shopping for presents or decorating your home, you won’t be stuck for ideas! So much to buy from pocket money presents to beautiful handcrafted gifts... there truly is something for everyone!
How to buy your tickets and more info
It’s more than just a shopping trip, this is the start of Christmas! Get yourself along with your friends and family for an inspiring, great value, fun-filled day at the fabulous Festive Gift Fair!
Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th November at the NEC, Birmingham. Open daily 9.30am – 5.00pm. Advance adult tickets from £7 (plus transaction fee)
Visit: festivegiftfair.co.uk
For list of stallholders, entertainment programme and visitor info, visit festivegiftfair.co.uk/whats-on
Helping you make memories and keep traditions
Pick your own tree from the field and we'll cut it down for you. A fun, festive, traditional experience
Saturdays & Sundays
24th Nov, 30th Nov, & 1st Dec, 7th & 8th Dec, 14th & 15th Dec, 21st & 22nd Dec
Plus three Friday openings 29th Nov, 6th & 13th Dec
No need to pre-book, just come along 9am - 4pm each day
Norway Spruce & Nordmann Fir Trees Available
All trees are growing in the fields so bring your wellies and enjoy a walk around. Refreshment vans in the farmyard most Saturdays & Sundays, check our website for details. Ample free parking. Our own range of The Fruity Farmer homemade gins, liqueurs and oils for sale. Card payments taken.
Chris & Jenny Letts
Tel: 07770 614364 / 01908 551903
Stoke Lodge Farm, Purse Lane, Stoke Goldington MK16 8LW
www.stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
They are only with us for a short while, but smartly dressed trees bring Christmas alive and deliver a warming glow.
A fabulous fir or sensational spruce is, for many, the best bit of our seasonal decorations, and if you make a trip to Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees you’ll be able to collect all you need to give your abode the wow factor.
Its plantation is rooted with thousands of Nordman Firs and homegrown Norway Spruce, and they’ll have a size to suit – from 2ft teeny’s to 14ft giants.
Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees also help with a small number of potted trees that can be popped into the garden once the tinsel comes down and the boxes of choccies are ditched in favour of New Year resolutions.
If picking a tree is a family tradition, you’ll all be made welcome on site to make the decision – simply make sure to swap your sliders for your wellie boots ready to stroll around and make your choices.
Trees might be at the heart of the business, but they also stock a wonderful range of wreaths, tree stands and logs and kindling.
The log-cabin shop will tempt you too, with its Fruity Farmer homemade gins and liqueurs – they boast 15 fruit infused flavours to choose from, and four more infused rapeseed oils. Perfect for those unexpected gift giving moments, Secret Santas...or just to treat yourselves at the end of another long day!
Apple & Blackberry, Gooseberry and Quince are among the gin liqueurs, or maybe you’d rather a Blackberry Whisky Liqueur, or a Mulberry Vodka Liqueur. The range is full of lip-licking yummy flavours.
Yule be wowed by these tree options Opening: November 24, 29 & 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 21 & 22 ‘Log’ on: stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk
When the festive firs have played their part at the centre of the home and time has been called on their welcome, there is the question of what to do with them.
Willen Hospice to the rescue! The charity has announced that, once again, it will be hosting its Christmas Tree collection between January 3 and 5.
For a suggested donation of £10, volunteers will collect your tree from outside your property.
It will then be taken to be chipped and given a new lease of life – as mulch on both public and Parks Trust land.
> For details and how to book visit willen-hospice.org.uk
Duston Parish Council has a wonderful weekend coinciding with the start of Advent, which promises to bring the festive feels, and cater for all.
As part of that offering, the council is holding A Very Merry Christmas Tree Festival. Duston Community Centre is expecting to have 30 woody plants dressed by community groups and individuals.
When: November 30 & December 1, 11am-3pm
In Newport Pagnell, trees will be standing tall at its annual Christmas Tree Festival, which is hosted in the marvellous setting of St Peter & St Paul Church, between December 6 & 8.
The tradition sees businesses, schools, organisations, charities and individuals dress the trees with their own unique designs. It is free to visit the church and check out the community’s creativity – and with around 50 trees expected, it’ll be quite the spectacle!
When: 10am-4pm on Dec 6 & 7, 11am-4pm on the 8th
Olney’s Christmas Tree Festival will be held over the weekend of the Dickens of a Christmas festival.
There is no charge for visiting the show, or indeed for participating – simply take along your own decorated tree and let it be part of the festivities.
Refreshments will be served and you can make your own decoration, while the church is filled with choir songs.
If you’d like to, you can add to the church’s memory tree, remembering loved ones.
Last year, this event attracted more than 70 trees from community groups, and 2000 people checked out the results, raising a pretty penny for charity. Help them raise even more this year.
To register a tree, or if you might like to perform, drop an email to olneychristmastreefestival@gmail.com
When: Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 11am-4pm
Strictly Come Dancing champion and musical theatre star Joanne Clifton and CBeebies favourite Andy Day will be heading up the cast in Royal & Derngate’s family pantomime this Christmas. This spectacular show takes to the Derngate stage from Friday 6 to Tuesday 31 December.
Rising to fame as a professional dancer on Strictly, where she lifted the glitterball with her partner Ore Oduba in 2016, the world champion ballroom dancer Joanne Clifton has more recently been seen in top musical theatre productions, including The Addams Family and The Rocky Horror Show. Most recently touring as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical, Joanne will be casting her magic as the Fairy in Cinderella this Christmas.
Taking the role of Dandini is one of CBeebies’ most popular personalities, Andy Day. His many shows for the channel include the BAFTA-nominated Andy’s Wild Adventures and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures, and he even has his own pop band Andy and the Oddsocks. He has appeared for many years in CBeebies’ annual televised pantomime in addition to starring in panto at theatres around the country.
Joining the cast as Ugly Sisters are Gordon Cooper and Matt Daines, both seasoned pantomime performers, most recently appearing together at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil last Christmas. The wonderfully talented Marcavia McCarthy takes the role
of Cinderella, with award-winning comedian Dave Bibby as Buttons and Marcellus Whyte (seen on television in Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream) as Prince Charming.
Building on the success of last year’s smash hit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and 2022’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Royal & Derngate are pleased to be continuing their partnership with awardwinning pantomime producers Evolution Productions. A family business, run by husband and wife Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, Evolution are four-time winners of Pantomime of The Year in the Great British Pantomime Awards.
Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Emily Wood, Cinderella promises to be spectacular, top-quality entertainment, with lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family.
Emily Wood added: “We’re so excited to be producing the most magical of all the pantomimes, Cinderella, with Royal & Derngate this Christmas, especially with this incredible, top-quality cast. Joanne has not only won Strictly but has also starred in numerous musicals, many of which have toured to Northampton. Andy Day is a hero to every family who has watched CBeebies in the last decade! He is a wonderful pantomime performer and we know he’ll be a huge hit with Northamptonshire audiences Joining them are two of the very best Uglies in the business, Gordon Cooper and Matt Daines, the hilarious Dave Bibby, and the wonderfully talented young actors Marcellus Whyte and Marcavia McCarthy as Prince Charming and Cinderella. We are sure to have the very best festive offering this year and we can’t wait to see you all at the ball!”
We have two separate family tickets (4 seats) up for grabs for two lucky winners. Scan the QR code below to enter.
Closing date: Friday, November 29
> Cinderella will run from Friday 6 to Tuesday, December 31 2024. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01604 624811.
Genie-us shows, performances to hook you and nights out where pumpkins take you home... it can only be panto!
Peter Pan
Craig Revel Horwood will encourage the boos in the role of Captain Hook, with comedian/ventriloquist Max Fulham
starring as Smee
Milton Keynes Theatre
Friday, December 6, 2024 –
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Book: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
A Christmas Tail
Dizzy O’ Dare visit Milton Keynes with this delivery
The Stables at Wavendon
Tuesday, December 17 –
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Book: stables.org
Aladdin
Rare Pantomimes will lead the seasonal charge
Stantonbury Theatre
Tuesday, December 17 –
Sunday, December 29
Book: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Aladdin
Starring members of the Abbey Community Theatre group
The Abbey Centre, Northampton
Thursday, December 5 -
Saturday, December 7
Peter Pan
Colin Ridgewell returns, but not as the Dame – this time he is playing Captain Hook, Chris Wills is also back, starring as Peter Pan
The Old Savoy, Northampton
Friday, December 6 –
Sunday, December 29
Book: theoldsavoy.co.uk
The Jolly Christmas Postman
No ‘names’, just plenty of talent will deliver this first class production
Northampton Royal
Saturday, December 7 –
Sunday, December 29
Book: royalandderngate.co.uk
Jack and the Beanstalk Little Wolf Entertainment returns with a panto that just grows and grows!
The Core at Corby
Friday, December 13 –Sunday, December 29
Book: thecorecorby.com
Book: abbeycommunitytheatre.co.uk
The Snowman Live! with The Gus Band Gus is one of the world’s best leading brass bands, who just happen to be based in Northampton – they will play live alongside an airing of the classic film
The Royal, Northampton
Sunday, December 1
Book: royalandderngate.co.uk
Cinderella
Strictly champion Joanne Clifton tops the billing, with Cbeebies’ favourite Andy Day alongside Northampton Derngate
Friday, December 6 –
Tuesday, 31 December
Book: royalandderngate.co.uk
Snow White CATS – responsible for last year’s seasonal show at the venue – are back with this new year delivery
The Core at Corby
Friday, January 3 –
Saturday, January 5
Book: thecorecorby.com
Tickets for The Stables’ Christmas show are now on sale. Touching, funny and utterly original, A Christmas Tail, created and performed by leading theatre company Dizzy O’Dare, promises to be the perfect festive treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Having got lost in a snow-storm, a mischievous but lovable puppy faces an epic journey to get home in time for Christmas. Featuring a series of hair-raising escapades along the way, including chaotic snowball fights and side-splitting sledging antics, the show offers a whirlwind of laughter, surprises and heartwarming moments. Can our young but brave puppy make it back home safely in time? All will be revealed in this pawsome adventure for everyone over 4 years old.
Fusing comedy, circus and puppetry, and interwoven with music and songs, the action will be fast-paced, with lots of visual humour, music and song – and plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
Dizzy O’Dare have been creating unique interactive circus and theatre productions
for 15 years and are regarded as one of the UK’s most imaginative and playful companies making theatre for young people.
The company appeared to great acclaim at IF: Milton Keynes International Festival in 2021 and 2023.
A Christmas Tail is proudly supported by Neves Solicitors.
> Performances run from Tuesday 17 December through to Tuesday 24 December. Tickets for the show are on sale from The Stables box office, 01908 280800 or online at stables.org
Just answer the following question and you could win a family ticket to a see a performance of this year’s Christmas show at The Stables.
What is the date of the first performance of A Christmas Tail at The Stables?
Email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Subject: A Christmas Tail along with your name, address and a contact telephone number.
The closing date for entries is: Friday 29th November
The pantomime at The Old Savoy this year is a take on the classic tale of ‘Peter Pan’ but with added seasonal sparkle!
Captain Hook and Peter Pan will be played by Savoy favourites Colin Ridgewell and Chris Wills. They will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent Winners Ashleigh and Sully, as Mrs Darling & Nana.
Northampton’s Fern Roach & Ellie Matthews join the cast, playing the roles of Wendy and Liza.
Children’s comedian Mark Jones will play Smee, and Scott Dingwall will return as Starky.
A group of fantastic young local performers will also be on stage on stage as Tinkerbell, John, Michael and the ensemble!
The show runs from 6th – 29th December, tickets start from £16.50. Make a date with The Old Savoy this Christmas – we promise you’ll be hooked!
> Book now at www.theoldsavoy.co.uk Call 01604 491005
all of the festivities, but for less of the green!
It’s supposed to be a time for togetherness, but it’s difficult to forget the commercialism that accompanies Christmas – and if you are struggling with rising costs throughout the year, the season of goodwill will only exacerbate the worries.
But Christmas need not cost the earth –you really can do it on a tight budget. Here are some tips to get you started...
For many, a resplendently dressed tree is the centre point of the home, but you don’t need the biggest tree in the plantation. Consider downsizing a little, or perhaps opt for a fake tree – which can be used year on year and will save you cash time and again.
Pop to the charity stores and you’ll likely find a large number of plastic alternatives; shops save donated trees all year ready for now.
The charity benefits, you benefit, and landfill is eased. It’s a win, win, win!
Tree decorations can be picked up in second hand shops, at car boot sales and even at the local pound store, so step away from those overpriced superstores –although they are great to visit in the January sales when prices get slashed by up to 90% for a quick clearance – purchase then, and tuck away until next Christmas. Much more savvy!
Presents
It’s lovely to splash a heap of cash on gifts, but it’s not worth going into the red for –
you’ll be paying off long into 2025, when those presents will have been discarded and recipients are once again glued to their phones.
It’s simple; if you can’t afford it, don’t let credit deals make you think you can. The best gift you can give yourself is staying away from store cards.
Perhaps issue IOUs for presents in lieu, or make fun gift cards of your own for your nearest and dearest – you could offer to mow the lawn, babysit...let your imaginations loose.
Honesty is the best policy, and being short of pennies is nothing to be ashamed about. If you can’t afford Christmas this year, say so.
Don’t shop brands, shop smart. We all eat with our eyes to some extent, but fancy packaging only goes in the bin, and we all overbuy. Think smart, buy what you need, and a few special treats in the supermarket basket is plenty. No-one eats dates and Christmas cake long in January, and half eaten tubs of choccies hang around for ages. Keep an eye open for offers – there are lots to be had, and even more if you bulk buy and split the cost and goods with friends, family or neighbours. This works especially well for those cases of bubbly and wine!
environmentally friendly. Many people have switched from giving cards to making charitable donations – and there is no shortage of local charities who could use a few more pennies.
Don’t fancy any of that? Then use your free minutes to make that quick call you keep promising yourself you’ll get around to. Showing someone you care with a call, a text or a Whatsapp is convenient and great for your purse!
Some of us still love getting a physical card in the mail, but we also know that the cost of a stamp is approaching astronomical – nearly as much as buying the card itself. How did the happen?!
If you are so inclined, e-cards are a much better bet, and they are definitely more
The saying goes that ‘it’s not the giving but the receiving’ that brings about the most joy, and if you do have a little extra, please think of those less well off than yourselves – and that really doesn’t need to be shedding cash; a smile and a conversation can cheer someone enormously, so go ahead – make their day!
Get your skates on and go glide in style with a trip to Whilton Locks Skating Rink
“It’s bigger, better and icy-er than ever before,” they promise, “Our real ice rink can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. We have a team of trained ice stewards who ensure that our rink is safe and well maintained at all times.”
If you are less Torvill and Dean and more terrible on the ice, don’t worry –you can book a push-along penguin, and there are whales and seals that you can sit on, making ice stars out of us all!
If you are looking to make a really special Christmas memory, want to entertain colleagues, or maybe celebrate a special anniversary, why not consider hiring the rink exclusively?
Whilton really is catering for all, and its Parent and Toddler ice skate is part of the offering.
These events are suitable for little folks aged four and under, and it is advisable to have one adult per child.
You can choose to pull on the traditional skates or twin bladed for added stability, and you can even take pushchairs onto the ice during these sessions!
SEN-sations Skating is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy all the fun of the skate, but with low levels of music and minimal queuing, and when you book online you can make staff aware of any ‘do’s and don’ts’ so that your children feel at ease and relaxed during their time on site.
A brilliant initiative!
Don’t forget that Northampton’s Christmas in Becket’s Park event (Dec 7) also gives you the chance to hit the ice with a magical rink in place as part of the day.
In Milton Keynes, Willen on Ice returns (Nov 7- Jan 5), and in 2024 it is promising ‘double the size and quadruple the fun!’
Thousands of twinkling lights, snow-covered spruces and the 800sqm real ice-skating rink will entice those steady on their feet onto the cold stuff.
Skate your way to Woburn Sands
Emporium and glide your way to a fun day. Now open, the emporium – on Newport Road, Woburn Sands – delivers day time sessions with additional evening events. Participants get skate hire and 45 minutes of skating time included in the ticket price, and if you are feeling a bit wibbly wobbly (we made a show of ourselves in Central Park one time!), skating aids are available to hire.
SEN and toddler sessions – where under 4s go free – will both offer reduced rink capacity.
Forget the spice of life, this month it’s all about the ice of life!
> Ice see you: wsemporiumevents.co.uk
If slip-sliding isn’t your way, the fairground will be a safe bet for some seasonal fun. Feeling peckish? Festive street foods will stave off hunger pangs, and the Apres Ski Par will serve winter warmers. Pumpkin spice for us, thanks.
> Grin and blade it: willenonice.co.uk
Win a family ice skating ticket for 2 adults and 2 children
For your chance to win a family ticket for ice skating at Woburn Sands Emporium, answer this question. Which road is Woburn Sands Emporium on?
(a) Bletchley Road, (b) Loughton Road or (c) Newport Road
Email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Subject: Woburn Sands Emporium along with your name, address and contact telephone number.
Normal T&Cs apply.
Deadline: 30th November.
Whilton Locks will host wreath making sessions (November 28 & 29), and you’ll be greeted with a talk and demo from the centre’s own horticultural experts before you get busy and let your inner florist flourish.
All the materials necessary to create the seasonal garlands will be provided, and of course you get to take your handiwork home, and make your neighbours green with wreath envy!
Homemade soup of the day, a warm half baguette and tea or coffee will be provided.
> Seasonal weaving: wlgv.co.uk
Delapré Abbey is hosting its Christmas Wreath Making Workshop sessions (December 4, 8, 12 &14), again using natural materials sourced from its grounds.
You’ll use buff willow as your base, and decorate with natural foliage and spring flowers, with expert guidance to ensure you leave with the perfect creation.
> Leafy and lovely: delapreabbey.org Wreath making sessions are also on the creative menu at Stanwick Lakes (Dec 2-5).
> Twiggy and terrific: stanwicklakes.org.uk
How do you fancy making an eco-friendly festive wreath with The Parks Trust in Milton Keynes (Dec 4-7)?
‘Yule’ use natural materials gathered from the city’s parkland and then you can let your creative juices flow – with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to help you on your way.
> Booking is essential – head to theparkstrust.com/events
Children big and small are invited to partake in the Christingle event at St Peter & St Paul Church in Newport Pagnell on Sunday, December 8 (from 4pm).
You’ll learn about the orange, candle, ribbon and sweeties that make up the symbolic object, before making your own that you can take away with you.
The Christingle will support the Children’s Society. Support if you are able to.
Saturday 23rd November 12 - 6pm, Market Square, Northampton
Join Northampton Town Council for a stockingstuffed line up of free festive fun on Saturday 23rd November for Northampton’s Annual Christmas Lights Switch On. This year, the event returns to the newly opened Market Square in the heart of Northampton town centre.
Saturday 7th December 12 - 6pm, Becket’s Park Northampton
Panto Stars from the Royal & Derngate’s ‘Cinderella’ and The Deco Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan’ will be joined onstage by Santa, the Mayor of Northampton and some very special guests at 5pm to start the countdown to the most magical time of the year.
The live stage will feature a packed schedule of entertainment and performances alongside community stalls, festive workshops and activities. Boombastic Events’ Christmas Silent Disco will be in full swing to get everyone in the party spirit and Lemonpop Workshops will be providing participatory makes throughout the afternoon. Facepainting and Balloon modelling will be underway with Santa’s elves providing lots of festive cheer and cheekiness!
Get ready for a bumper festive family event as the beautiful surroundings of Becket’s Park turn into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas. Join us for live performances on the Christmas bandstand featuring children’s entertainers, brass bands, local dance and musical group performances. Get into the party spirit at Boombastic Events’ Christmas Silent Disco, sing along to Christmas Karaoke, or have a go on the magical ice rink and children’s fun fair rides. There will be plenty of Christmas crafts and festive workshops to get involved with including make and take projects, facepainting, balloon modelling and much more. ‘Sleigh bells ring, are you listening’the magical Christmas horse and carriage rides return to the park, not to be missed! Browse stands featuring seasonal produce and gifts, local community groups, businesses and organisations inside the Christmas Cheer Marquee then relax in the festive bar and with a variety of food and drink on offer.
With Northampton Town Council and The Old Savoy, ‘Home of The Deco Theatre’ Frosty the Snowman and his friends are hiding in the pages of this magazine. Simply tell us how many snowmen you can find to enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning Family Tickets for The Deco Theatre’s 2024 Christmas Panto – Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (4 tickets in total).
Scan the QR code to enter now or submit your answers by visiting: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/ nnpulsecompetition Competition closes 30th November. Winner announced 2nd December – good luck!
> Keep your eyes peeled as more will be revealed! Follow the town council’s social media channels for event updates: Facebook: @NorthamptonTC Instagram: @northampton_tc www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas2024
Brought to you by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID)
Northampton BID’s Golden Ticket Prize Draw returns for 2024, launching Saturday 2nd November at Northampton Town Council’s Fireworks Spectacular! The everpopular competition will see four lucky recipients win £500 by hand-posting their entry ticket into special post boxes found in shops and businesses in the town centre.
Santa’s Grotto – From 23rd November, Grosvenor Shopping Northampton –Hosted by Northampton BID, sponsored by Northampton Town Council. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the big man himself! Families will be able to meet Santa in his Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping; launching at the Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 23rd November; then open from 10.30am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday in December, as well as Monday, 23rd December.
NLive Radio will broadcast a 24-hour Northampton Christmas radio station, playing back-to-back festive tracks, while an interactive song lyrics trail will be held around the town centre throughout December.
Don’t forget to visit the town’s brilliant shops for your Christmas gifts and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars.
Follow the BID’s social media channels for event updates:
Facebook: @NorthamptonBID
Instagram: northamptonbid
www.discovernorthampton.co.uk
12 - 6PM MARKET SQUARE, NORTHAMPTON 23 NOV
Amazing illuminations, terrible flooding, panto shenanigans and a prestigious business award. Here are this month’s Pulse Pics...
It rained, it poured and sadly, many areas were susceptible to flooding locally as rivers burst their banks, devastating some households. This image, with Tyringham Hall in the distance, shows the extent of land flooding, with moody skies suggesting more inclement weather was nigh.
The best light shows are the ones that nature provides, and when The Northern Lights turned our night skies all shades of pink, red and green, Milton Keynes residents dashed for their cameras to record the aurora borealis, lighting up social media with their images.
In Newport Pagnell, Mike Rollison captured these striking shots from the town’s old cemetery.
Pulse’s Sammy Jones grabbed these pics of the spectacle near Wolverton
Niftylift’s apprentice team, Elevate Elite, won the prestigious IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge 2024, with their innovative SelfMeasuring Ingredient Device. The equipment, designed for use in kitchens, is an automated scale that helps users measure ingredients quickly, reducing both time spent and the mess created. Pictured are Team Elevate Elite with IMechE President Clive Hickman OBE.
The cast of this year’s Milton Keynes Theatre panto extravaganza had lots of fun when they visited Gulliver’s Land to launch Peter Pan Strictly star Craig Revel Horwood tops the billing for the show that promises to bring the sparkle and glitter this December!
Looking for the best beauty buys for that someone special in your life this yuletide?
Take a look below and then click to connect with your choices. You’re welcome!
Christmas will go with a Glow-Oh-Oh if you shop RMS which will make puckering up under the mistletoe even more attractive!
The RMS Legends to Love Kit is a three-piece set to light up your look this festive season. Each box contains a trio of winning serum lipsticks, in Miranda, Eve and the exclusive shade, Josephine.
Get it: spacenk.com
RRP: £53
Allies of Skin Daily Firming Trio is a three step kit to hydrate, brighten and firm, making clever skincare simple.
This handy set of pocket-sized products unites its Hydrating Cleanser, 20% Vitamin C Serum and new Advance Daily Treatment. It’s a onestop shop for an essential skincare routine, that is all about anti-aging.
Get it: spacenk.com
RRP: £63
RMS has bundled up three of its most popular shades for its Lip2Cheek Kit, a limited edition selection offering the shades Spell (nude dusty rose), Beloved (True red with just a hint of poppy) and Illusive (Matte burnt berry nude with a hint of plum). Makes multitasking a breeze, with blendable colours to enhance lips and cheeks.
Get it: spacenk.com RRP: £32
If the long, cold British winter is making you feel dull and down, you need to embrace a Rio state of mind, and Sol De Janeiro makes that easy-peasy. For the full brand sensation, splash out on the Sol Ultimate Body Escape –a 12-piece set which includes four body creams, five best-selling perfume mists, a hydrating leave-in conditioner, shower gel-cream and body oil. Keep the lot, or split and spread the festive cheer.
Get it: Harrods Beauty in centre:mk
RRP: £220 (worth £294)
is a holiday gift that delivers a glow-up for all skin types, and with highquality natural ingredients as standard, this classy little package is an ace for any skincare enthusiast. You want to know what’s inside? Okay, spoiler alert!
There are five full-sized products to enjoy; The Bare Balm, The Rich Cream, The Smoothing Serum, The Miracle Mask and The Eye De-Puffer which will make ‘facing’ the new year a total
mantleskin.com
(worth £297)
If you are intending on having a decidedly jolly festive season, the stream of parties and get-togethers might take their toll, but not if you have Artah’s Cellular Hydration ready to come to the rescue!
An electrolyte powder blended with botanical powerhouses, it’s perfect for energy, focus and emotional wellbeing, and it reduces tiredness and hydrates the skin. Actually, why wait ‘til Christmas?
Get it: artah.co
RRP: £32
By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH
As we approach the thick of Winter, and all the excitement for Christmas, it’s time to get your woollies out. But not one’s average set of jumpers–pull out your Balmoral-worthy woollens, as spied on the catwalks for this season.
Think plaid, tweed, and herringbone wool coats; decadent moss stitch and cable knit sweaters; and pleated, patterned skirts that meet the knee or ankle. All to be worn with kitten heels, buckled ballet flats, or leather, heeled riding boots.
It was foresty tones at Burberry and Fendi, greys at Ganni, and sand at Tommy Hilfigur and Brandon Maxwell. At Moschino and JW Anderson, earthy hues came with a fiery flash of red, while Anna Sui sent models out in a clash of kitsch Autumnal orange checks and argyle diamonds.
To get the look, trot down to M&S for their new collection of cardis; dig out the best cherry red plaid on the rails at Mango; or shoot for John Lewis’ green, checkered maxi coat -- a double of the one spotted on the catwalk at Chloe.
Of course, the best hunting ground for this trend is your local charity shop, where Nanna’s button-ups and knee length kilts want unearthing. Simply bring them up-to-date with a touch of metallic (or sequins, if you’re feeling festive), this season’s obsession with buckles, leather and studs. Else find yourself a knitted hood - the accessory to keep warm this Winter, whether you’re off walking moors like one of Bronte’s It Girls, catching the bus, or sitting fireside somewhere in your imagination.
By Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
Nestled in the charming corner of Stanley Court, NAGA Tandoori in Olney is the hidden gem you didn’t know you were looking for. This cosy spot has it all—friendly faces, warm lighting, and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling spices that greets you the second you walk through the door. It’s the kind of place that instantly feels like home… with better food!
We kicked things off with the Naga Special Mix, a feast of tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, sheekh kebab, and a golden, crispy onion bhaji. Each bite was packed with that rich, smoky goodness that only a proper tandoor can deliver, and the marination? Perfection. It’s a sampler that does more than just satisfy—it leaves you practically cheering for the mains to arrive.
And, oh, those mains. We both went for the Chicken Shashlik, which arrived on a sizzling hot plate loaded with chunky onions and peppers. The chicken, with its slightly charred edges, was everything you want—tender, flavourful, and aromatic. Honestly, the sizzle and the smell alone could make your mouth water, but the taste? That’s what seals the deal.
Being a lover of all things saucy, I couldn’t resist adding a side of Dhansak to the table. This thick, lentil-based sauce was a wonderful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy—a flavour journey all on its own. Perfect for drizzling, dunking, or just spooning directly onto your plate (or into your mouth—no judgment here), it’s a must for anyone who loves a good sauce with their meal.
We also tried the Saag Bhaji, a simple but delicious side of spinach seasoned just right. It’s light, fresh, and makes a lovely contrast to the richness of the curry, adding a refreshing break between bites of bold spices. Then came the finishing touches: a fluffy pilau rice and a chilli garlic keema naan. That naan—oh wow. Soft, packed with spicy minced meat, and with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. It’s got a bit of a kick, sure, but if you like your meal with a bit of fire, this one’s calling your name.
NAGA Tandoori isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s a full-on experience for Indian food enthusiasts. They’re all about bringing authentic flavours to Olney, using fresh, local ingredients and keeping
everything hygienic and top-notch. Plus, they’ve got the whole takeaway game sorted through ChefOnline, making it easy to get your fix at home.
But here’s the real treat—right now, NAGA Tandoori is offering 20% off on all online orders. So if you want to bring these amazing flavours to your own dining table (or, let’s be honest, your sofa), just order online and snag that sweet discount.
We’ve put together a little video of our visit, too, so you can see the full NAGA experience. Just scan the QR code and take a peek behind the scenes. You’ll get a taste of the food, the atmosphere, and maybe even a craving that only a NAGA takeaway can fix. So if you’re around Olney and looking for something spicy, flavourful, and unforgettable, NAGA Tandoori is calling your name.
> Scan the code to see how great our visit was or visit www.nagatandooriolney.co.uk to claim your 20% discount.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3 (or 2 with leftovers)
1-2 tbsp olive oil
6 Waitrose Toulouse-Style or Lincolnshire Pork Sausages
1 onion, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 rosemary sprigs
100ml white wine or cider (optional)
250ml fresh Cooks’ Ingredients Chicken Stock
1 heaped tsp wholegrain mustard, plus extra to serve
400g can cannellini beans
200g pack baby leaf greens, thick stalks removed and leaves shredded
Crusty bread, to serve (optional)
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large sauté pan or shallow casserole over a medium heat. Add the sausages and fry, turning regularly, for about 10 minutes until golden all over. Remove from the pan and add the onion, garlic and rosemary (plus a splash more oil if needed). Season and cook gently for 6-8 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in the wine or cider, if using, and allow to bubble until almost evaporated, then add the stock, mustard and beans. Bring to a simmer, return the sausages with the greens to the pan and cook gently for a final 5 minutes until the greens are tender and the sausages are completely cooked through with no pink meat remaining. Serve immediately with crusty bread, if liked, and extra mustard on the side.
If you prefer not to use alcohol, add a splash of red or white wine vinegar for acidity and make up the rest of the quantity with extra chicken stock.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.
www.furniturechoice.co.uk www.theradiatorcentre.com
www.mindtheg.com
When it comes to designing a home, colour plays an essential role in setting the tone, mood, and personality of a space. Bright and colourful paint, wallpapers, art and accessories have the power to transform an ordinary home into a vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic place to live. Colour can affect the ambiance of a room, evoke emotions, and reflect personal style. In recent years, many homeowners have embraced the use of bold hues and patterns in interior design, moving away from neutral tones and minimalist aesthetics. Interesting colourful accents can elevate the mood of a home’s occupants, impacting on self-expression and creativity.
One of the primary reasons for incorporating bright colours into a home is their profound psychological impact. Colour has been shown to affect mood and energy levels, making it a powerful tool in interior design. For example, yellow is often associated with happiness and optimism, making it a perfect choice for a kitchen or dining room where socialising and conversation happen frequently. Similarly, vibrant shades of orange can evoke energy and excitement, ideal for spaces like home gyms or living rooms where activity and interaction occur.
Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com
www.tatty-to-natty.squarespace.com
Conversely, cool tones such as bright blues and greens promote relaxation and create a feeling of tranquillity. Bright blue can make a bathroom feel like a refreshing oasis, while a vibrant green can turn a bedroom into a restful sanctuary. The overall effect of these colours helps to create a harmonious living environment that supports various activities and emotional needs, making the home a more enjoyable space for its inhabitants.
Vibrant paints, wallpapers, and accessories allow homeowners to express their individuality. Unlike neutral tones, which can sometimes feel generic or impersonal, bold colours provide an opportunity to showcase unique tastes and preferences. For example, choosing a vibrant floral wallpaper for a
living room can create a focal point and convey a sense of playfulness, while deep reds or purples in a study might suggest sophistication and luxury. When used thoughtfully, bright colours can elevate a room from mundane to memorable, making it not just a place to live, but a space that tells a story. Bold accent walls, for example, can define a room’s purpose or create a visual separation between different areas in an open-plan home. For instance, a rich teal accent wall behind a bed can make a statement in an otherwise minimalist bedroom, while a colourful geometric wallpaper in a hallway can turn a transitional space into an area of interest.
Bright colours also allow homeowners to highlight architectural features or favourite pieces of furniture. Painting a staircase in a bold shade or using brightly patterned wallpaper on a feature wall draws attention to these areas, adding a sense of drama and flair. The intentional use of colour can make the space feel curated and designed with care, leaving a lasting impression on guests.
Additionally, the versatility of colourful accessories allows for frequent changes in the aesthetic of a room without requiring major renovations. Colourful curtains, rugs, and artwork can be switched out seasonally or whenever a homeowner wants to refresh a room’s look. This flexibility ensures that the space remains dynamic and can reflect changes in your evolving personal style.
The growing trend for this kind of euphoric decorating signifies a shift away from traditional, monochromatic interior design schemes. For decades, many homeowners have relied heavily on neutral palettes –beiges, whites, and greys – to create clean,
sophisticated spaces. While such designs have their appeal, a lack of layering and textural interest can result in a space with none of the warmth, energy, and dynamism that bright colour can bring. By embracing bold hues, homeowners can break free from these conventions and inject personality into their surroundings. Rooms no longer need to adhere to strict colour rules; mixing and matching bright accessories with colourful walls can result in an eclectic and joyful space. Furthermore, incorporating different textures and patterns through wallpaper, rugs, and fabrics adds depth and richness to the design, ensuring that the home feels layered and interesting.
Incorporating these vivacious colours into your home is more than just a design choice – it is a way to infuse a space with energy, creativity, and personality, and foster a more enjoyable and memorable living experience.
www.audenza.com
We’re always excited to see the latest works by the innovative portrait artist Christian Hook. Having been named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014, his career has soared with his work now gracing prestigious galleries and private collections.
His artistic journey began much earlier, however. Originally from Gibraltar, Hook's creativity took him from studying at Middlesex University to working for Disney, a testament to his diverse artistic influences and skills.
With experimentation his work is constantly developing, the pieces we have displayed in the gallery are regularly admired and often remarked upon. Christian Hook certainly isn't your typical portraitist.
Yes, he captures the essence of his subjects, whether film legends like Sir Ian McKellen and Judy Dench, royalty including Queen Elizabeth, or everyday people. There is always something more to the piece however, the exploration of a different perspective which has captured Hook’s imagination. Within these pieces, you'll discover a world where time plays tricks causing past and present to collide.
His paintings are like vibrant puzzles, demonstrating worlds hidden behind or
within the apparent subject of the piece. Using layer upon layer of transparent paint, Hook builds a visual history that brings us glimpses of different moments to peek through. He says:
“I believe that people are always waiting for something. We wait for something that lasts a minute, and then we’re waiting for the next thing. Everything happens in between, and this is an idea I develop in my painting.”
It’s a technique which creates a fascinating tension, with the subject appearing both familiar and fragmented, constantly in flux. With his unique approach, Hook seems to be inviting us to consider the passage of time and the evolving nature of identity.
If you’d like to find out more about Christian Hook and his works which continue to gain such high acclaim, get in touch.
Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent
www.therosegallery.co.uk
You can pretend no more; summer is but a fading memory. Right now, the nights are long and dark, and the days can be just as grey and gloomy.
Along with the clocks going back, the patio furniture gets put away and the falling leaves make for a stark and bleak picture.
But gardeners know better than to turn their backs on their outdoor spaces.
“That’s not a consideration,” says Pulse’s adopted allotment ace, Jean Cocker (right), “November is quite a busy month, with lots to get tidied and sorted.
and dried them out, they will be ready for sorting and labelling now. It’s a job that might seem a chore, but is really important. Organisation is key, so don’t delay.”
Jean works a large plot and inevitably, things will be damaged; by weather, by wildlife, and just the simple wear and tear that occurs over time; now that summer isn’t in bloom, any outstanding jobs can be tackled in lieu of having to splash the cash on expensive replacements later on.
“You might need to wrap up that little bit warmer while you are working outside, but there’s nothing to really hinder your work. The last of the crops need to be cleared away and those beds need to be made ready for spring, so I’ll be doing lots of that in the coming weeks,” she said, “I’ll also be prepping to make sure that when the new year does come, we have a gorgeous pop of colour in the flower beds – it’s time to plant up the tulip bulbs.
“I love these perennials, and they deliver early in the year which is a treat after the depressive winter.
“Tulip leaves are very hardy too, but it is worth thinking about your planting space – battering winds can bring those flowers down before their time.”
Seed work – mentioned last issue –continues too: “If you gathered your seeds
And, while we can’t click the switch and turn on the central heating in our gardens, many of our plants and trees like to feel cosy too – and you can help them get hunkered down before the biting temperatures come in.
“Anything delicate needs to be covered with fleece to protect it over the winter – my lemon trees will certainly be getting that treatment to ensure they provide me with great fruits next year.”
One job which is unavoidable is the continued collection of fallen leaves.
“It takes minimum effort, but ensures the garden stays tidy, and the compost heap will benefit enormously from them,” Jean said. “If, like me, you have a pond, make sure that dead leaves aren’t clogging the space, and also look to get rid of some of the plant growth, if it has been extensive during the summer.
“Perhaps leave half of the surface free from cover, but remember, it’s a balancing act, because the pond is also home to many creatures, and they won’t appreciate a rapid overhaul of their abode!”
lthough the days are getting shorter, there’s still plenty to do in the garden. Clear up the remaining fallen leaves and compost them either in a wire cage or in a black bag. Some people advise leaving those that have fallen on the soil of the border, (to be pulled down into the soil by worms and decompose), while others say it is better to clear them away as they provide cover for slugs and snails.
Once borders have been tidied and weeded, fork over the compacted surface, to improve aeration and drainage. I scatter a balanced fertiliser, and then spread a mulch of spent compost over the surface for the worms to work in.
The soil is possibly still warm enough for turf laying, to repair a damaged area or create a new lawn.
The pond will benefit from having pond weed and any overabundant water lily roots removed. The fountain pump should be removed and cleaned for the winter and any loose kerb edging secured.
The greenhouse should be cleaned inside and out. The roof glass may be cleaned with a pressure-hose or a garden hose and a yard broom. Heaters should have a thermostat set at between 4º C and 7ºC, depending on the situation and exposure of your greenhouse. Insulation of the greenhouse may be improved by lining the inside with sheets of bubble wrap, secured by drawing pins in a wooden greenhouse, or special clips in an aluminium one.
Pelargoniums and tender fuchsias should be brought in and kept in a light, frost-free area. If plain green shoots are seen on variegated shrubs, these should be pruned out to prevent them becoming dominant, as these reverted shoots grow more strongly and outgrow the weaker variegated shoots.
Trim long, thin shoots on bush and standard roses to reduce wind-rock during winter storms which may loosen the roots.
Emptied plant pots will be accumulating and need stacking neatly for next year’s use. Wash them in warm soapy water to ensure pests and diseases are not passed on.
Finally, don’t forget to check under a bonfire before lighting it, as this is a favourite spot for hedgehogs to make a nest for the winter, thinking it is safe and protected.
Ralph Westmoreland
24th Nov, 30th Nov, & 1st Dec, 7th & 8th Dec, 14th & 15th Dec, 21st & 22nd Dec
29th Nov, 6th & 13th Dec
Based in Stony Stratford, we pride ourselves on our excellent garden landscaping, provided at the most competitive prices. Our specialist services include:
• Full garden makeovers
• Artificial grass
• Patios and decking
• Water features
• Sleeper work and brick work
com
A Classic Christmas is all about embracing the season with a warmth that feels like a big, nostalgic hug. It’s that timeless, everelegant style that wraps you in tradition—think deep reds, forest greens, gold accents, and lush wreaths that bring a sense of cosy grandeur to your home. Picture scenes straight out of A Christmas Carol: majestic trees dripping with baubles, twinkling lights casting a warm glow, and natural garlands draped just so. It’s festive and opulent, yet somehow it feels like home.
This style is perfect if you’re looking to capture that magical, oldworld charm of Christmases gone by, without dipping into anything too gimmicky. Whether you’re decking the halls or hunting for the perfect gift, this collection has everything you need to create a truly classic Christmas—one that sparkles with nostalgia and sophistication.
Rufus & Ted Rocking Horse, £149.95 littlebirdtoldme.com
It was a place that pulled people from all over the country, and it was on our doorstep. Now, its story is being put to the screen with the new Living Archive documentary, The Pitz, One Day Like This. Pitz club devotee Sammy Jones spoke with the man who made the music happen, promoter Chris Kemp.
For those of us who were waiting stage front to devour the sounds, The Pitz was a magical place that took the buzz bands from the pages of the magazines and placed them within spitting distance.
More often than not they rocked our world and, over time, those shows provided us with a bank of memories that we still pull from with alarming regularity, when you consider some of those Pitz highlights were more than 30 years ago.
Perhaps rather oddly, The Pitz music club was housed at the Woughton Centre, and what served as the gig venue by night was, by day, a rather more sedate school hall.
Chris Kemp was the man at the helm, the promoter responsible for bringing more than 3000 acts to its stage during his time holding the reins.
Now, a new documentary, The Pitz –One Day Like This, shines a light on those rowdy, lively and brilliantly expressive days. It’s been a long time coming.
“The idea for it first came to me when I was leaving the Pitz,” Chris told me.
He had been headhunted for a role which would have put him firmly in the mix as a big promoter nationally: “I had been scouted to become the agent for Pearl Jam, Tori Amos and other bands for Rod MacSween at ITB booking agency.
“On being asked, I took a step back and thought about the great opportunity this afforded but then reconsidered my future. After giving it some thought, I decided to go into education to give back to the industry what it had given me.
“It was a major crossroads in my life as it meant starting again in an alien world.
“After 30 years working in education, but still alongside the music industry, I started my own successful business in the events industry again and worked a lot from home in Milton Keynes, which reignited the spark for the film.
“I decided the story still needed telling before the memory of the amazing venue just became lost in time.”
The Pitz was a 400 capacity hall, but one that delivered the crème de la crème of metal and thrash bands. The Pitz crew wore t-shirts which accurately called the venue ‘the little club with the big reputation.’ Among 100s of shows this young rock fan attended, was a date in the company of the mighty Iron Maiden, when they played under the not-verycryptic name of The Holy Smokers, in a nod to their single release at that time.
That Maiden show – which saw the band bring their iconic mascot Eddie to the stage - was a highlight for Chris, understandably, but there were many more: “Standing at the side of the stage when Babes in Toyland caused an incredible moshing mayhem was something else,” he remembered, “For the first time I thought, ‘I did that.’
“Meeting Mike Keneally from Frank Zappa’s Band backstage during the Z show was another highlight; I rarely set foot in the greenroom and chatting with him about literature and film was a really great time.”
Thrash-metallers Acid Reign were a regular favourite who would park up the bus at the venue on their UK tours, and always played to an avid crowd.
Frontman H recalled: “The Pitz was just kind of special, also the irony of the title is the that most of the places we played were the f***ing Pitz … ramshackle venues which we loved, but then you’d get to The Pitz and it was a modern venue...”
We’ve had an early peek at the documentary, which pulls open the curtain and the memory box on those many hot, sweaty, noisy nights. It’s a warm trip down memory lane.
“It has to be now or it will never come out and no one will know what it was and what they missed,” Chris believes, “With so many venues struggling we have to show that it can be done, but also that it takes blood, sweat and tears.
“This film is for those who were there and who saw the most incredible venue and club become such a key place to play on the major touring circuit – and saw it happen in such a short amount of time.
“I have found so much out recently from those interviewed for the film that I didn’t know before; like how bands would reduce their fee for us because every band wanted to play our venue. Stories like that are amazing.
“This documentary is also for those who were part of it after I left and those who heard about it but were never lucky enough to sample its brilliance. It was never about me,” he says, generously, “It was about the community - especially the rock and heavy metal community, you came along and you belonged.”
Those of us who were there in any guise; as audience members, bands, security, centre workers, roadies...we all knew about the pull of The Pitz. But how do you explain its
allure to those who weren’t lucky enough to experience it first hand?
“It was fun, full of people like myself who others thought were misfits,” Chris thinks, “We weren’t misfits, we just loved music, and especially metal. The anticipation before the show, the camaraderie, the looks of astonishment. The reaction of the bands, the pieces written about it in the music press. It was the perfect storm and we were all part of it,” Chris says, with his passion for the place clearly intact, “For some it defined their childhoods, others relived their childhoods and mainly it was about a good time which was cheap and amazing.”
Running the venue came with many trials and tribulations too, and for Chris that involved ‘fighting against authority, and fighting against the stigma of rock and metal in a new town,’ and “convincing people it would work and going against the powers that be to constantly prove them wrong.”
Chris did prove them wrong, while creating a venue that could hold its own as one of the leading national venues of the type.
A place where rock and roll dreams came true just a few hours after the school bell signalled the end of the learning day.
“The best thing about running the venue? Meeting so many amazing but ordinary people and getting to play five-a-side with bands I never thought I would see, let alone play on the pitch with, and of course working with the faithful crew.”
There were plenty of crazy moments too: a band allegedly defecating in the showers after a squabble about payment, and another band tipping chilli con carne into the resident piano, and that’s just for starters.
Blur were banned after launching a guitar into the crowd – which promptly connected with the head of one punter, and when PJ Harvey played, she was superb, although her set was just 18 minutes long!
Frank Zappa’s sons had received death threats and took no chances – employing an armed guard with a submachine gun to keep watch outside the green room, and Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan ran onstage in his slippers, before realising his error and heading backstage to pop his boots on!
But the worst part of running the venue?
“That’ll be the egos of the pop and indie stars,” Chris smiled, remembering the dramas, “What a bunch of arses we sometimes had to deal with - especially fallen 70s and 80s pop stars who believed they were still megastars but were just spoilt brats making life hard for us.
“Anyone who demands one brand of water and won’t go on stage unless they get it needs their head examining!”
> The Pitz - One Day Like This will air in early 2025.
2024 has been quite the year for MK’s Southern Rock fueled quartet, Ramblin’ Preachers. The release of their warmly received debut album, Sins & Virtues, making inroads into Europe, and some nice festivals have helped cement their standing as ‘ones to watch,’ and not here in the new city where that secret was given up a while ago, but further afield.
“2024 has been truly mind-blowing,” picks up frontman Ross Connor, “We have played some amazing festivals and venues this year, including the stunning Blackpool Winter Gardens, and a massive high point was our recent trip to Germany. It was the first time we played in Europe and we loved it.
“We have done some great support slots too, we’ve recently played with the incredible Greg Koch, The Cold Stares and Jared James Nichols...”
Pulse was among a keen audience who caught Ramblin’ guitarist James stage sharing with JJN on a great cover of the Mountain track, Mississippi Queen Let’s step back a little to that album release though. Seeing that issued must have been a ‘pinch me’ moment?
“Absolutely,” Ross agrees, “We had so many obstacles testing us during the whole recording process that when we were finally over the line it was like a weight had been lifted, and we had some fantastic reviews...”
An album release show at The Craufurd Arms was a bit special too – and put the band before a sell-out crowd.
“That was something we never dreamed of happening and from a personal perspective, having the album on vinyl and seeing that with our own eyes was one of the most satisfying things.”
Ramblin’ Preachers have worked hard and fast throughout the year. Every last morsel of positivity has been earned legitimately. Toil pays dividends, but what has the band learned along the way?
“We work relentlessly and honestly never really switch off and we are always trying to think of new things to do or something different to try.
“I think a lesson we have learned, which we have implemented and also not implemented at the same time, is to just follow our gut feeling.
“There are a lot of things we hesitated on which hindered us a little. But there are things that we just did and it worked out,” he reflects, “Obviously what works for one band might not work for another.
don’t always offer the opportunity to just have a laugh and relax.
“I think we hit most of our expectations but we also know what we can do differently next time and we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved to this point.
“If you are into guitar music and Southern Rock vibes which ebbs and flows the lines of blues, rock and a touch of country rock with gritty vocals, lethal guitar solos and a stomping tight rhythm section, we’re probably your bag!” Ross reckons, explaining what you might have missed.
And if you haven’t yet met their acquaintance, you get another chance imminently.
Before the Preachers stop for a seasonal ‘put your feet up’ moment, they’ll be live at The Crown in Stony Stratford on Friday, November 29.
What’s on the musical menu?
“We’ve had such a year of playing shows where we’ve had fast turnarounds, hours and hours in the van, early starts and super late finishes which have all been great but equally
“We’re gonna blow the roof off, no doubt! It’s going to be a night of pure rock n roll music and we plan on just having a bit of fun with it and having a laugh at the same time. Call it a celebratory end of year blow out!”
And with the new year fast approaching, the band already has one eye on 2025.
“We plan on much of the same next year but even more!” Ross promises, “We’re heading to the Czech Republic where we’ll play 11 shows in 12 days in March, which is going to be epic.
“We’re playing Minehead Bootleg Ball in January, as well as another trip to Winter Gardens for the Love Live festival.”
And the band will be back in the studio early in the year to begin work on the follow up to Sins & Virtues
It’s too early to shed any details on that yet, as writing has yet to begin, but Ross promises that, much like its predecessor, it will be “incredible.”
> Check in at ramblinpreachers.com
Fierce and fragile songs will be the calling at St Peter and St Paul Church in Newport Pagnell on November 16, when one woman and her guitar combine to deliver hauntingly beautiful songs in a venue to match.
London's Bryde, aka Sarah Howells, has cut loose her creativity on a trio of albums to date, and she has stage-shared with the likes of Rufus Wainwright, and shown out at festivals including Green Man and Latitude.
This date is the latest from the Where Two Rivers Meet promotion: 'In a town where two rivers meet, a group of artistically curious friends are creating
Tone-off events where cultures and ideas meet, to enrich the lives of locals.'
More of that so-called enrichment will be delivered at the event by Chilcraft, which is Rachel Chilcraft at the mic with her sibling Andrew on the cello, together they bring 'folk, prog, rock and indie influences that have got lost in the wilderness.' Ernest Herb will also poerform for you, making for an all-round taut billing.
> For more information and to book your seat at the show, click to wheretworiversmeet.info
Torus are riding a wave at the moment, with their self-titled debut album collecting great reviews in the music press, and radio airplay propelling 'em further.
Fresh from supporting Fu Manchu, the band continue to make friends and influence more with their live set. Here's where to see the MK trio next:
November 2 –
02 Academy, Oxford (Supporting Skindred)
November 8 – Firebug, Leicester
November 29 –
Paper Dress Vintage, London
November 30 –
The Black Prince, Northampton (supporting Entitled Sons)
December 13 –
The Lab, Northampton
here's no doubt about it, the National Bowl still rocks it when it comes to stadium-sized venues, and this year it has been able to showcase itself again with a number of dates bringing audiences flocking to the new city.
Drone Over MK was on hand, and in the air, to capture the action - this striking shot shows a birds-eye view of the Chase & Status date at the venue.
You can read the full history of The Bowl, and hear venue recollections from past headliners including Foo Fighters, Queen and Status Quo, in the pages of Milton Keynes - Wired For Sound which delivers a deep dive into the whole of the Milton Keynes music scene.
Visit FB miltonkeyneswiredforsound for more musical memories, and to order your copy of the 350 page book.
> For more smart imagery click to droneovermk.com
Choice pickings at the Wolverton haunt this month include Laura Jane Grace and the Trauma Tropes (Nov 16).
As a major figure in today’s rock scene both as a solo artist and the front person of Against Me!, which she founded in the late 1990s, Laura has released four solo offerings and seven albums with Against Me!, and in 2012 went public with her gender transition in the pages of music bible Rolling Stone
Detailing her journey in her music, she remains true to her earlier themes of outspoken political critique –environmentalism along with personal and social liberation – with a base in American music including country and folk-rock, but with a penchant for noise and anarchy.
Eight years since landing on Earth, Henge (Nov 23) continue to delight with their music, which they say is 'Cosmic Dross,' and occupies the space between rave and prog rock that no-one even realised existed.
They've had plenty of practice at bringing the good stuff, too - last year they cut loose their third long-player, Alpha Test 4 which was produced by Jim Spencer, who has sat at the helm of releases by artists including New Order and Black Grape.
Energetic, subversive and invigoratingly playful, a trip to a Henge show leaves the audience member in that sweet spot where
they feel amused and uplifted in equal part. Try it, and then beg to differ.
Wildhearts frontman Ginger is back at the venue (Nov 29) playing the music of the band he has headed up for decades.
His deft ability at delivering delicious rock and punk numbers coloured up with harmony-laden pop served him, and the Wildies, well and that talent, aided by some headline grabbing turns ensured an avid audience was always in place – and remains keen to devour all he has to offer today.
He launched a proper solo career nearly two decades ago. The 2018 opus, Ghost in the Tanglewood, left aside the raucous rock he was most famed for, while he instead drew inspiration from folk and country, and used the disc to share his thoughts following a suicide attempt the year prior.
There have been subsequent releases, and the Wildhearts returned in 2020, sating the appetites of fans with two new albums before disbanding again.
Last year and into this, Ginger has delivered 42 sell-out Ginger Plays The Wildhearts dates, and pulled together a new Wildhearts line-up, who played live for the first time at the Shepherds Bush Empire in June.
Looking to 2025 and things are on the up with a new major label deal inked and 'the best album of his career' on the way.
Also at the venue in November:
Evil Scarecrow – November 1
DZ Deathrays – November 2
Wargasm – November 8 (sold out)
Spunge – November 13
Lifesigns – November 22
For his Craufurd return though, Ginger will deliver an acoustic set, revisiting the back catalogue of the band he has fronted for so long. A masterclass in the art of songwriting.
Polar (Nov 30) underwent a major line-up switch-up of their own last year, which left founder member, frontman Adam Woodford having to rebuild the band from scratch, which he has done – the band now has its sixth album, Five Arrows, in the can.
A release date of late November is slated, so you might just get your mitts on it prior to this Wolverton visit.
> For tickets, visit thecraufurdarms.com
If you like a good night out in the company of a group of imposters, you are in for a marvellous month at MK11, with tribute mobs en masse!
A power-packed trio of trouble starts the month (Nov 1) with Rhyme & Reason 2024 bringing the best in edgy noise courtesy of Beast Decoys (Beastie Boys), Cy-prish Hill and The Machine Rages On It's a Sure Shot for those of you who want to Take The Power Back!
On the 'other' stage, the first of the month is Band-E-Oke time – your chance to grab the mic and let your voice boom with the backing of MK11's house band.
There's a real Dead Ringer for Love, or at least a dead soundalike for Meatloaf (Nov 2), and Red Hot Chili Peppers UK (Nov 8) will take the MK11 assembly to a Higher Ground and the same evening, Just Radiohead will air tracks from the explosive post-grunge debut of Pablo Honey through to their most recent art-rock album release.
The Retro Electro quintet (Nov 9) will delve deep and deliver a tribute to the 80s with music from artists including Depeche Mode, ABC, Kraftwerk, Ultravox, Bowie and more.
Punk Rock Factory delivers the Stick to the Covers tour (Nov 12), and say, 'This is going to be 1.21 gigawatts of PRF like you've never seen before...When this baby hits 88mph, you're going to see some serious sh*t.' Promises, promises...
The UB40 Experience (Nov 15) will take you to the golden age of reggae music – and they are bringing the horn with them!
Nashville at Heart (Nov 21) bring the best in modern country hits to the fore – think Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, The Zac Brown Band and Keith Urban for references.
Hells Bells will Shake Your Foundations (Nov 22) and leave you Thunderstruck, while 2 Rude (Nov 23) will be a joy for fans of ska and 2 Tone.
If you've got an Appetite for Destruction, Guns 2 Roses (Nov 29) will satisfy you, with a two set show of classics from the rock icons.
The same night, but in the bar, house band Francis get busy with the 'Requests Night Live Jukebox.'
You give 'em the ideas, and they'll bring the music.
Covers and tributes aren't the only things to keep you warm during the chill-some month: Edinburgh's High Fade (Nov 13) are making a return visit to the venue the week before they issue their highly anticipated debut album, Life's Too Fast
Teasing the release, they promise it oozes with the same raw energy that has turned their shows into the stuff of legend.
Laying the album down was more than a bit special too: “We recorded in RAK Studios, with the desk built for the Rolling Stones in ‘76, with the same cigarette burns still on the faders. It instantly had a vibe of raw energy and liveliness to it that matched the way we wanted to record – live,” said Calvin.
The result? A blistering 10-track disc that delivers the same tight, groove-laden funk rock that has seen them accumulate a fanbase of cool; Jack Black, Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk and Cypress Hill are all partial to a bit of High Fade.
Go see 'em and you'll add your name to that club.
Crash Test Dummies were everywhere in the early 90s, and their Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm track is incredibly evocative of a moment in our time. What a song, and it wasn't their only hit.
But then towards the end of the same decade they went on hiatus, and that break ended up being an absence of two decades, which was only broken in 2018 when they reunited to toast their most successful elpee, God Shuffled His Feet, on a two week tour.
The overwhelming response they were met with persuaded them to continue.
“Touring again was not something we'd planned on, but surprisingly – at least to me – there are lots of people who many years later, still want to come and hear us,” said lead singer and principle songwriter Brad Roberts, “It's humbling, being in the confidence of so many people.”
And so the band is back in the UK this month – and they'll be on MK soil on November 17.
When they are done with these shows, they'll kickstart the new year by heading down under, and there is a Greatest Hits release planned too, with two new songs set to feature. Ask Santa to bring you some music tokens in readiness of that!
> Tickets for all shows can be gotten at mkllkilnfarm.com
The Magic of Motown
Friday, November 1, 7.30pm
The biggest Motown party of the year is back in Northampton for a breathtaking concert spectacular. Reach Out: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Mark Thomas Friday, November 1
Often referred to as the ‘godfather of political comedy’, Mark has been performing for nearly 40 years. He is back to his finest stand-up form and anti-Tory sentiment in Gaffa Tapes. Old Title, New Show: stables.org
Dom Joly – The Conspiracy Tour
Sunday, November 3
Dom has been off travelling the globe, looking into some of the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence. Now, he’s on the road again on tour, providing a hilarious, fascinating, and slightly anarchic guide to the wacky world of conspiracies. Is the earth flat?: royalandderngate.co.uk
Singing for the Brain
Monday, November 4
Using singing to bring people with dementia
Free Weekly Bootcamp Session
Monday, November 4 (and every Monday), 7.30pm-8.30pm
Designed to encourage health and wellness for people of all fitness levels. Sessions are entirely volunteer-led and open to everyone, held at Delaprė Park.
Step up: FB BootcampMutual
Dr Louise Newson: Hormones and Menopause
Tuesday, November 5, 7.30pm
The leading medical expert heads out on her debut UK tour to educate and challenge misconceptions about menopause. Knowledge is power: royalandderngate.co.uk
US Jazz Saxophone Legend Plays Olney Jazz Club
Tuesday, November 5
8pm-10.30pm
Voted world no 2 Saxophonist by Down Beat magazine in 2022, Greg Abate polished his musical virtuosity working with all-time great bands such as Artie Shaw and Ray Charles. So hearing Greg at Olney Jazz Club on Fireworks Night will be a highlight for lovers of live Jazz.
Backing Greg are popular favourites
Tad Newton’s Jazz friends, featuring club regulars Richard Exall (clarinet/ sax), Gary Wood (trumpet), Tad Newton (trombone), Tomas Pedersen (Bass), Ronnie Fenn (drums) and Richard Hughes (piano).
Entrance only £15.00 and drinks at
Elf The Musical
Wednesday, November 6 –
Sunday, November 10
A modern day classic to help everyone embrace their inner elf, and spread plenty of Christmas cheer!
Buddy brilliance: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Wolverton Gilbert & Sullivan Society at 50
Thursday, November 7 & Friday, November 8
Celebrating half a century of performance from their favourite G&S operas and some of the other shows they have performed. 50, not out: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Red Hot Chilli Peppers UK
Friday, November 8, 7.30pm
A tribute playing the tunes of Kiedis and co, and there are more than a few to choose from!
Can’t Stop: mkllkilnfarm.com
Kiri Pritchard-Mclean
Friday, November 8
In her new show, Peacock, Kiri lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube.
Strut like a...: royalandderngate.co.uk
Rays of Sunshine
Saturday, November 9, 7-9.30pm
Ukraine Appeal Charity and Musica Charity Choir MK invite you to join them at a fundraising concert at Milton Keynes City Church in aid of the victims of war in Ukraine. Finding sun: eventbrite.co.uk
Blackpit Bonfire & Fireworks
Saturday, November 9
Blackpit Brewery’s annual bonfire & firework display - held between Silverstone & Stowe - returns with impressive bonfire sculptures, show-stopping fireworks and a light show. There will also be roaming entertainers and fairground rides for attendees to enjoy. Eyes to the sky: blackpitbrewery.co.uk
Alina Orchestra
Sunday, November 10, 7.30pm
Hilary Davan Wetton conducts, and your soloist is Craig Greene for works by Haydn, Finzi, Arnold and Mozart – his symphony No29 will wrap up this event on a bright and optimistic note.
Autumn Serenade: stables.org
Newport Pagnell Remembrance Parade
Sunday, November 10, 10am-11am
Meeting at Queens Avenue car park before
Lights of Love, 30 November
The Ridgeway Centre
This annual service offers a dedicated time and space to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us at Christmas time.
Santa Dash 15 December
Willen Hospice
Run for a good ‘Claus’ and join hundreds of Santa’s for a ‘dash’, walk or jog around Willen’s North Lake.
Christmas Grotto Willen Hospice 13-15 & 20-22
December
Meet Santa in his festive grotto in the tranquil Hospice gardens. Ideal for any christmas lovers looking for a quieter experience. Open to all ages.
Christmas Tree Collection, 3 – 5
January 2025
Save the date for the Willen Hospice Christmas Tree Collection.
Scan the QR code for more details >> willen-hospice.org.uk
Follow us on Socials: willen-hospice
Denton & District Gardening Club
Monday, November 11, 7.30pm
A talk by Robin Pearce, Gardening for Late Summer. There will be a raffle and home-made refreshments. Entry is free to members but visitors are welcome for £5. A friendly welcome is guaranteed. Digging deep: 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk
The Vicar of Dibley
Tuesday, November 12 –Saturday, November 16
Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy places the small screen classic on the stage at Stantonbury Theatre. A Holy Wholly Happy Ending: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
High Fade & Blunden
Wednesday, November 13, 8pm
Edinburgh’s High Fade make their MK11 return, and they come with the thumbs up from Cypress Hill and Deep Purple! Razor sharp funk:
The Monsters & GoGo Loco
Wednesday, November 13
The Swiss Enfant Terrible of garage trash primitive Rock’n’Roll and one riff trash rock play the only Midlands show of their UK tour, for SBD Promotions
The Black Prince awaits: skiddle.com
Genesis Connected
Friday, November 15, 7.30pm
Celebrate the music of Genesis, Peter Gabriel and Mike & the Mechanics. Hit after hit after another.
Over My Shoulder: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Bryde
Saturday, November 16
Where Two Rivers Meet brings Londonbased songstress Bryde to Newport Pagnell. Chilcraft will support, and St Peter & St Paul’s Church makes for a wonderful setting. wheretworiversmeet.info
Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special
Saturday, November 16, 7.30pm
Rhythm of the Dance, which has brought audiences around the world to their feet for over 25 years, is back in the UK with a brand new 2024 Christmas production.
Feet tappingly tremendous: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Strictly Northampton
Saturday, November 16
Local dancers take to the stage in the Ballroom and Latin extravaganza. Contestants have been paired up with students from Step by Step Dance School for eight weeks to raise money for charity. You dancin’? You askin?: royalandderngate.co.uk
Stray
Sunday, November 17, 8pm
Del Bromham’s mob return for a night of perfect rock, doubtless spliced with a little between song cheekiness!
About Time: stables.org
Singing for the Brain
Monday, November 18
Using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, at Heron’s Lodge Centre, Loughton Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
For info or to book a space: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@ alzheimers.org.uk
Sarah Keyworth: My Eyes Are Up Here
Monday, November 18
Sarah – star of Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown - returns with a new show about family, acceptance and a pair of big losses.
Achingly funny: stables.org
Here You Come Again
Tuesday, November 19 –Saturday, November 23
A rollicking new musical comedy telling the story of a diehard Dolly fan makes its first visit to Milton Keynes. Islands in the Stream: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Queer AF
Thursday, November 21 –Saturday, November 23
Queer Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary event; speculating, investigating and celebrating queer, black and women led artworks and experiences. Black Sheep Collective: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to join our choir?
Musica Charity Choir MK is a friendly and accomplished chamber choir where every voice matters. Your contribution makes a real difference – not just to our performances but also to the fundraising concerts we sing at for important community causes. Our varied repertoire offers something for everyone, from Mozart to show tunes. We’re serious about music but always keep things fun. As one audience member said: “What a wonderful evening. What music! What voices! What joy!” Rehearsals are fortnightly on Thursdays in Stony Stratford. If you’re an experienced singer, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch now: Visit www.musicamk.uk Facebook: MusicaCCMK Email: contact@musicamk.uk
world class music & entertainment
The Watch Plays Genesis
Wednesday 20
November, 8pm
The Watch are back with a new show celebrating the 50th anniversary of Genesis’s 1974 masterpiece The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. Every song from this iconic double concept album will be performed live.
Calling Planet Earth
Friday 22
November, 8pm
Calling Planet Earth recreates the electrifying 1980s and takes you on a musical journey right back to the nightclub dance floor! Sing, dance and party to many of the best songs ever written from artists such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox and Tears For Fears.
Eliza Carthy & The Restitution
Tuesday 26
November, 8pm
Folk legend Eliza and her band are delighted to announce new dates to coincide with the re-release of Through That Sound (My Secret Was Made Known), Eliza’s highly acclaimed ‘lost in lockdown’ album.
Clare Teal
Saturday 30
November, 8pm
Expect exhilarating swing from award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 and Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal and her band, who return with a fabulous new show celebrating the hits and hidden gems of the Great American and British Songbooks.
The Stables Wavendon
Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org
Tom Korni
Friday, November 22, 8.45pm
Award-winning musician and songwriter Tom returns to The Stables after eight years to debut his new project, Slowfade.
A five piece band – from one man: stables.org
23rd & 24th November 10am-3pm Turvey House, Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8EL
Come along and enjoy all things vintage and handmade this Christmas at My Little Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair at Turvey House, Turvey, Bedfordshire. Over 50 stalls of handmade gifts and Christmas decorations, vintage finds from Christmas days gone by. Vintage decorations, gifts and more. Sure to be a wonderful Christmas event. Enjoy delicious festive food from The Christmas Pantry £4 entry fee.
Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm
St Mary & St Giles Church, Stony Stratford
Celebrate with MK Chorale, guest soloists and the wonderful Alina Orchestra, as they perform Benjamin Britten’s St Nicolas, first sung by Chorale at their inaugural concert 50 years ago.
In a fitting tribute to its origins, the choir’s founder, renowned conductor Hilary Davan Wetton, will return to lead the performance, creating what is sure to be a stirring and emotionally charged evening of music.
Tickets £20, under 25s just £10, from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mkchorale
Henge
Saturday, November 23
Their music escapes definition, but occupies a space between rave and prog rock that nobody knew existed – go and check in at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton. Music from distant planets: thecraufurdarms.com
Rob Newman
Wednesday, November 27, 7.30pm
An epic new stand-up that goes from cave paintings to car-free cities, by way of Imperial Rome’s chariot ban, Rapper’s Remorse, and the dance steps of Homo Ergaster. Where The Wild Things Were: royalandderngate.co.uk
Amy - A Tribute
Friday, November 29
Remembering the late, great lady whose music helped to shape a generation. Back to black: stables.org
Santa visits Milton Keynes Museum Friday, November 29 (and various dates through to December 15)
Santa is back at the history hub as part of the Museum’s Victorian Christmas event. Step back in time with a ho-ho-ho: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Free Weekly Bootcamp Session
Friday, November 29 (and every Friday), 6.30pm-7.30pm Designed to encourage health and wellness for people of all fitness levels. Sessions are entirely volunteer-led and open to everyone, held at Delaprė Park.
Step up: FB BootcampMutual
Or scan the QR code to the Ticketsource MK Chorale page
Rise Bailey Rise
Saturday, November 30, 8pm
The popular local musician is in play with a full band show, and support from Nick Byrne and Chilcraft, at MK11. Tuning up: Free entry
Thursday 28th & Friday 29th
November 4pm - 8pm
Over 40 local traders will be here selling their handmade gifts and crafts. Mulled wine, mince pies and other hot food will be available to purchase.
Only 50p entry, children are free.
For more info email administrator@rhts.co.uk
Rushden Goods Shed, John Clark Way, Rushden, Northants, NN10 0AW
Registered Charity No. 285535
Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
Come and enjoy a ride on our diesel train followed by a visit to Mr & Mrs Claus in their grotto. Children will be given a good quality present from Santa. Tickets: Adult: £8, Child: £13.50, Babies under 12 months £6 or free without a present. Tickets also include a complimentary juice drink and biscuits for children and for adults tea or coffee with a mince pie.
Book online at ticketsource.co.uk/rhts
For more info email administrator@rhts.co.uk
Rushden Railway Station, John Clark Way, Rushden, Northants, NN10 0AW
Registered Charity No. 285535
by Jordan Adcock
Amidst the film and TV industries’ handwringing in recent years over how to properly ‘represent’ people with disabilities and other conditions, A Different Man presents a unique take by telling a funny, dark and sad story with a strong meta aspect. Actor Sebastian Stan adopts heavy makeup at first to play Edward, a lonely man with neurofibromatosis having deformed his face. He undergoes experimental treatment which works perfectly, restoring the actor’s regular face. But this is no inspirational tale of “overcoming” or living with the condition—at least not conventionally so. Edward is so desperate to leave his former life of rejection and isolation behind that he fakes his death. Edward’s friendly former neighbour writes a play based on the old him, but he discovers there’s someone better suited to playing his own life.
Star Rating: 3/5
James McAvoy earns immense praise for once again giving his all in a villainous role, holding together a thriller whose story sometimes stretches credulity. McAvoy plays the boisterous Paddy, courting an American family whom he meets on holiday to stay at his and partner Ciara’s West Country house. Things get weird, then they of course get sinister. There are some worthwhile observations about how we aren’t completely honest with each other, especially with other families as the main characters try to avoid trouble with their hosts. However, a couple of convenient plot turns, one involving a child’s plush bunny, arguably blunt the threat posed by Paddy and Ciara altogether. Still, while the film’s destination is predictable and it takes too long to reach it, the home-invasion endgame is tense, violent and dangerous. ✪
Here’s where the meta comes in: casting Adam Pearson in this film, an actor who actually has neurofibromatosis, was a canny move. He steals the show in more ways than one as Oswald, the paragon of kindness and generosity compared to Edward, whom withdraws into bitterness and jealousy at what he could have had. Or could he? A point the film makes is that Edward isn’t actually changing—who he is after the treatment is what his former condition really only restrained him from realising previously. In terms of portraying people with disabilities beyond stereotypes and A Different Man’s, well, different perspective isn’t completely reassuring thanks to Edward’s downfall. Yet that story plus casting Adam Pearson in a role that isn’t stereotypical are what distinguish this film from more forgettable stories and some of the public discourse. ✪
Star Rating: 3/5 Star Rating: 1.5/5
Compared to Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon’s other output, such as Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers, this adaptation of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s children’s book lacks their distinctive characters or worldbuilding depth while remaining solid children’s entertainment. Streaming on Netflix, the film’s highlights are Jacob Tremblay’s emotional voiceover performance as Elmer, the boy who runs away to a magical island to free a young dragon, and the colourful animation that’s both gentle and expressive. It’s a shame that the dragon himself is a little too motormouth to be fully endearing, plus the story makes less convincing leaps of logic and character development in between his antics and the island’s less memorable animals, undermining its epic finale. ✪
Never Let Go might be a hard vow for audience members to keep given how inertia rather than dread fills this would-be horror thriller’s length. Halle Berry plays a mother determined to protect her two boys from ‘The Evil’ surrounding them in a forest, convincing them they only have each other left. A boring and generic premise (yes, the evil force is called ‘The Evil’) delivered with too much voiceover narration leaves an oppressively dreary film in its wake, with too little going on and neither compelling characters nor atmosphere to liven proceedings. And don’t expect many scares, either – one moment of extreme violence aside, it’s got a jump scare at the start, a house fire at the end and cheap sequel bait before the credits roll. ✪
Star Rating: 1/5
The conceit of Jerry Seinfeld’s film, exclusively on Netflix, about 1960s cereal rivals Kellogg’s and Post racing to develop the Pop-Tart appears to be, ‘isn’t it hilarious how competitive these guys are over cereal?’ Except it’s not at all funny – the film crams in stars like Melissa McCarthy, James Marsden, Amy Schumer and Jon Hamm while struggling to include a single laugh. Nearly every gag reaches for an obvious and/or disposable payoff or punchline, while Seinfeld sugar-coats everything with a saccharine, un-charming absurdity, like a bad Simpsons episode without its lovable cast. This is perhaps no truer than when it tries parodying the January 6th US Capitol attack with Hugh Grant dressed as a Tony the Tiger variant of the QAnon Shaman (what a sentence!). ✪
Looking for something to take you away from the humdrum and into theatre heaven? Pulse’s Sammy Jones takes a whistle-stop tour through November’s shows heading your way.
Christmas is edging closer (sorry, but it is), and MK Theatre has a preCrimbo festive show in town which is a real cracker!
Elf The Musical (Nov 6-10) is based on the cinematic hit from the early noughties, and it will charm the whole family.
When orphan Buddy crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts, he ends up in the North Pole, and the would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human – until his size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth!
Santa allows him to visit NYC to find his father and learn his true identity. But then he discovers that his dad is on the naughty list...
The World’s Biggest Productions company –run by father and son Jon and Jordan Conway - is bringing this to our stage, and Jordan is taking on the role of Buddy.
Can Buddy charm his new family and help New York to remember the true meaning of Christmas?
As we told you a couple of issues ago, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical (Nov 12-16) is a celebration of four decades worth of the charttopping compilation albums. It’ll pop like no other show!
EastEnders star Nina Wadia will star, alongside theatre ace Melissa Jacques.
‘It’s Birmingham, 1989. Gemma and April, two school friends, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley! Fast forward to Birmingham 2009, and they’re confronted with their worst nightmare: the school reunion...!’
Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood has taken care of the choreography, and the show will be further bolstered by special guest Sonia, who will belt out her smash hit, Better The Devil You Know!
Here You Come Again (Nov 19-23) is a brand new Dolly Parton musical, which of course means 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and Jolene are all guaranteed to make a connection with your ears.
This is the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of icon Dolly gets him through trying times, as she teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps... even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones!
Come From Away (Nov 26-30) has bagged four Olivier Awards and a Tony, and the modern day musical shares the real-life story of more than 7000 air passengers from across the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of the 9/11 horror.
Spirited locals from the small Newfoundland community and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever. It was a moment in time that changed the course of history and the stories
which were shared contributed to a muchneeded celebration of hope, humanity and unity during a terribly dark period.
If you want a giggle, The Stables has just the fella for you – Mark Thomas (Nov 1) promises jokes, rants, politics, play and a little sing song.
The owner of many awards (he says the current total is now ‘f**kloads) has also forced a politician to resign, changed laws on tax and protest, and become the Guinness Book of Records world record holder for number of protests in 24 hours.
He’s also taken the police to court three times. And won!
Across town, Stantonbury Theatre will host Wolverton’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society (Nov 7 & 8) who are celebrating a remarkable 50 years in play with the cunningly titled, Wolverton G&S at 50!
Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy (MKTOC) are back in play with the Vicar of Dibley (Nov 12-16).
Vicar Geraldine Granger is approaching a milestone birthday and the parishioners gift her an evening at a speed dating event to find love. While she is unsuccessful in her search there, a new arrival in the village soon catches her attention. Is there a mutual spark of attraction?
Will Geraldine finally get to walk down the aisle, or will the other quirky inhabitants of Dibley mess things up for her? Will there be a holy wholly happy ending?
MKTOC pays attention to every detail and delivers above and beyond. Tickets are worth every penny. Secure your pews, pronto!
Given the title this month, the name I am looking for is:
Lenny McLean Who dat?
Lenny was the chap who played the character of Barry the Baptist in the 1998 film, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Capable of delivering a foul-mouthed tirade, he certainly looked and sounded the part. But then, that is what acting is about. Sir Ben Kingsley played a rather nasty chap, Don Logan, who had an incredible potty-mouth in the 2000 film, Sexy Beast. Yes, that Sir Ben Kingsley – the actor who played Gandhi in the 1982 film, er, Gandhi, and the character Itzhak Stern in the 1993 film, Schindler’s List
However, Lenny McLean had more claim to the title than mere actors. He was an English unlicensed boxer, bouncer, bodyguard, and businessman. As well as being an unlicensed boxer, McLean was an enforcer in London’s criminal underworld. If you failed to fulfil an agreement with a shady business associate, then you might have faced being ‘visited’ by Mr McLean to possibly ‘collect’ or seek to ‘persuade’ you to conform to the relevant terms of an agreement.
As a feared figure, he associated with infamous criminals such as the Kray twins, Ronnie Biggs and Charles Bronson (not the actor but the Luton-born thug, Michael Gordon Peterson). When he was four, he lost his father, and his then mother married a chap called Jim Irwin, who was a persistent petty criminal. He was also an alcoholic who thrashed him and his infant brother Raymond. Finally,
McLean’s great-uncle Jimmy Spinks, a local gangster, badly beat Irwin, nearly killing him, and threatened to cut his throat should he ever need to ‘speak’ with him again. McLean looked up to his great-uncle thereafter.
He was joint owner of a pub in the East End of London with Charlie Kray, elder brother of the Kray twins. McLean certainly mixed with a crowd of a certain repute and doing so he developed that fearsome reputation, backed as it was by being, 6’3” and more than 20st with a terrifying tendency to pummel and tramp rather than punch and jab.
Perhaps an unkind observation? Might Mr McLean wish to meet with me and ‘discuss’ my words? Unlikely as he succumbed to cancer in July 1998, aged only 49, just ahead of the release of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Such is the world of words compared to that of hard knocks, the dead cannot be slandered, libelled or generally upset.
Dark humour aside – a deeper reading of the life of Lenny McLean cannot do anything other than confirm his right to be labelled as Britain’s Hard Man, during his lifetime, and it was a genius selection, on the part of Guy Ritchie, when McLean was cast as Barry the Baptist.
Many might wish to dispute such a label, but I know for certain that I wouldn’t have wanted to meet him down a dark alley, even during any of his later years. But then, I’m barely taller than Tom Cruise.
Phil O’Hara
Freshwater
Flavour of the Times - The new moon in Scorpio on 1st November brings an intense, mystical vibe. Traditionally, Halloween’s pagan roots, which focused on honouring the dead, were repurposed by Christianity into All Hallows Day. Yet, pagan elements remain strong, especially now. Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival, marks winter’s start and a time when the veil between worlds thins, allowing spirits to cross over. Today, it’s all about zombies! But we still reflect on our earthly existence’s deeper meanings.
October 24 – November 22
How deep will you dive during this intense phase, Scorpio? You’re brave enough to explore realms others avoid. This month, let your imagination soar, leaving the mundane behind. Arm yourself to defeat inner demons, and venture into the recesses of your passion. There, you’ll discover what truly drives you.
November 23 – December 22
This may not be the month for grand adventures, Sagittarius, but it’s perfect for planning them. Reflect on where your passion leads and what horizons you want to expand. Now’s the time to explore new knowledge and delve into what fascinates you—perhaps even the mysteries of ancient civilisations?
December 23 – January 20
Pluto exits your sign this month, not to return until 2255. Since 2008, you’ve gained maturity, responsibility, and control. Now, reflect—what have you truly learned? Ready or not, it’s time to move on from this transformative phase. Even if you’re hesitant, trust that you’ve grown stronger through it all.
January 21 – February 19
This month, you may feel pulled between your need for independence and growing demands from others. While it’s tempting to detach, now is the time to engage with those around you. Embrace collaboration without losing your unique vision. By balancing personal freedom and teamwork, you’ll find new opportunities to advance your goals.
February 20 – March 20
Struggling with health issues, Pisces? That’s Saturn in your sign! But the good news is, things are shifting. The stability you’ve been craving is starting to appear, offering much-needed support. Though the journey ahead isn’t without challenges, you’re finding new ways to navigate through them. Trust in steady progress.
March 21 – April 20
Mars moves into Leo, leaving behind its emotional Cancer phase. Early in the month, unresolved family matters may resurface, leaving you feeling torn or wounded. While it won’t resolve quickly, trust that you’ll emerge stronger. This emotional turbulence is temporary, so be patient as you navigate these feelings.
April 21 – May 21
This new moon in Scorpio brings an intensity to daily events, which you may find unsettling. Partners could disrupt your plans, and sticking to what you know might worsen things. Instead, take the time to understand the root of the issue. By digging deeper, you’ll find a more effective way forward.
May 22 – June 21
You may be struggling with extravagance, feeling the need for rescue. The real issue is your growing dependence on others for motivation and direction, leaving you unsure of your own strength. The key lesson here is moderation and finding contentment in what you’ve achieved through your own efforts. Trust yourself more.
You are bound to be affected personally by some, if not all, of the massive changes taking place this year. Not everyone will be equally affected on a personal level, but you will certainly feel it if you are an Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, or Taurus.
An astrological reading of your birth chart can help you understand how these changes might affect you. To really understand what they mean for you during 2024, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation with me. This is completely specific to
June 22 – July 23
The month starts with a powerful Mars-Pluto opposition, stirring intense emotions and a protective instinct. While your feelings may cloud your actions, they can also guide you with compassion. As Mars moves into Leo, the intensity eases, but unresolved issues may return unless addressed now. Trust your intuition to take meaningful action.
July 24 – August 23
Your energy levels improve around the 5th after a sluggish, emotional start. While you’ll feel more energised, don’t dismiss the underlying emotional intensity. It comes from a deep place within you and deserves serious attention. By addressing it, you’ll better understand yourself and move forward with clarity and purpose.
August 24 – September 23
Virgo, you may feel out of place this month as the new moon’s intensity disrupts your practical nature. Things start to improve after Saturn changes direction on the 17th, allowing you to regain order. However, don’t expect immediate results—tangible progress may not come until the new year or even springtime.
September 24 – October 23
This month, indecision and procrastination may stem from trying too hard to please others, leaving your own priorities unclear. Scorpio’s emotional intensity highlights this, urging you to take notice. Once you learn to assert yourself and focus on what truly matters, you’ll move more decisively forward on your own life’s path.
you and your life. It will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now, and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year.
My prices for chart readings remain the same as they have been for the past five years: starting at £67 for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please visit www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.
Small class sizes, inspirational extra-curricular activities and extensive facilities set in 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside.
For children 3-13 Years
Near Milton Keynes | Bus routes available