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Milton Keynes National Trust Association Thursday, December 1, 2pm Meeting at the Oak Tree Centre, Shenley Brook End for a Christmas social event. Find out more: sue-davedee@talktalk.net

The Night Before Christmas Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, December 31 For more than 200 years this festive poem has enchanted children, and now it’s coming off the page and bursting into life at Northampton Underground. Perfect for under 7s and their families. Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse: royalandderngate.co.uk

Talk: Wildlife in the Parks Thursday, December 1, 7.15pm-8.45pm Enjoy photography from across the parks in Milton Keynes, together with the opportunity to learn about the wide range of animal species who live in the new city - from rare butterflies to the common fox. The Parks Trust event is being hosted at Howe Park Wood. Coffee and biscuits will be provided. Animal magic: theparkstrust.com

The Comedy Cow Friday, December 2, 8pm Belly laughs aplenty with comedy-makers Matt Richardson, Jo Caulfield, Paul Revill, Ian Crawford and Natalie Durkin at MK: The Venue, Walnut Tree. Magic Moo-ments: thevenuemk.com Make your way over to Rushden Lakes for a Handmade and Vintage Fair on December 3 and 4

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza Saturday December 3 Visit Waterstones in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes and enjoy music and free food samples while you shop for this year’s essential page-turners. Book ended: FB @mkwaterstones

Christmas Tree Festival Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4, 11am-4pm Make your own decoration, hear the choirs sing and the organ play, and add a loved one to the Memory Tree. Enjoy storytelling (11.15am-3pm, Sat) and carol singing (4pm). Refreshments will be available and visitors can vote for their favourite tree, at St Peter & St Paul Church in Olney. ‘Branch’ out: christmastree@olney.church

Christmas Fair Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4 Purchase unique, handmade gifts from a variety of carefully selected stalls in the surroundings of Delapré Abbey. Please also bring an item of non-perishable food to donate to the Northampton Hope Centre and Food Aid Far Cotton. Hourly timed entry between 10am and 4pm. Book your visit: delapreabbey.org

XSLF Saturday, December 3 Julie’s Dead present a seasonal Furious Thirty session with original Stiff Little Fingers member Henry Cluney and Dropping Like Flies at The Lab in Northampton. Tickets: wegottickets.com/furiousthirty John Corabi Saturday, December 3 In a career decades long, John has fronted Motley Crüe, The Scream and The Dead Daisies, and has collaborated extensively. The Craufurd Arms date is a chance to catch him on his own terms. Underpass promotion: thecraufurdarms.com

Dickens of a Christmas Sunday, December 4, 10am-4pm Enjoy the old fashioned fair, street organ entertainers, singers and the Olney Brass Band as you sample a taste of Victorian England in 2022. There will be plenty of stalls selling Christmas gifts and more opportunities to support local charities. Entry is free, and the town is always busy – be smart and use the park and ride service from Emberton Park and the Yardley Road Industrial Estate.

Handmade and Vintage Fair Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4 Your chance to shop a selection of designer-makers, artists, artisans, antique dealers and small local businesses on the Central Boulevard, Rushden Lakes. Entry, and parking, is free. Original and ace: mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk

Mediaeval Baebes Tuesday, December 6 The classic chart-topping choir will weave its storytelling magic once again this Christmas – and they will be accompanied by a dazzling array of exotic and period instruments. The Stables show will include new arrangements from their new seasonal album. Marvellous and Mediaeval: stables.org

Win a family ticket to see The Adventures of The Little Red Hen at The Stables Theatre

Runs from Monday 19 until Saturday December 24 at The Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU.

Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand! This ingenious adaptation of a much-loved story features a host of animal puppets, singalong songs and madcap comic routines. It’s a real treat for the whole family with no scary bits whatsoever!

Performed by Stuff and Nonsense who are leaders in family theatre and Director Niki McCretton has children’s boundless curiosity in her heart and family connection as her mission. Invest in your children’s imaginations and take playfulness home with you!

Question: what’s the date of the first performance of the show? Email your answer to:

mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Subject: Little Red Hen Competition along with your name, address and contact telephone number.

The closing date for entries is: December 9, 2022

Spikedrivers Tuesday, December 6, doors at 6.30pm, music from 7.30pm The Spikedrivers return to the Bletchley Blues Club with their combination of gutsy slide guitar, rock solid bass, infectious grooves and highly distinctive vocals. Rich Miller will support. Get more bluesy business: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Candelit Tours Wednesday, December 7 & Thursday, December 8 Experience Delapré Abbey by candlelight on a festive, out-of-hours tour. Learn about the Abbey’s history and its people while exploring its nooks and crannies. Pre-booking essential, and other dates are available. Tours at 5pm, 6pm & 7pm. Illuminating: delapreabbey.org Potted Panto Wednesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 11 Enjoy a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from seven classic pantomimes – delivered in just 70 minutes. It’s what you get when you bring together Cinders, Aladdin and Dick Whittington. Enjoy at The Core in Corby. Fe-fi-fo-fum: thecorecorby.com

Walk & Talk: Discover Great Linford Manor Park Friday, December 9, 10.30am Learn about the origins of the park, all the way through to the modern era – and discover gems including the veteran lime tree, Doric Seat and the Ha-Ha. Meet at the MK Art Centre car park and dress in hard-wearing footwear and outdoor clothing. Book: theparkstrust.com

December Highlights

The Dankworth Family Christmas Show Friday 9 & Saturday 10 December, 8pm Started by the legendary Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo more than 50 years ago, this seasonal celebration led by Alec Dankworth features a host of family, friends and special guests.

Dillie Keane & Barb Jungr:

Two Turtle Doves Thursday 15 December, 8pm Join two of international cabaret’s Grandest of Dames, Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr, as they jump giblets first into the festive season.

Albion Band Christmas Show Thursday 22 December, 8pm Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and Ashley Hutchings MBE, this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

The Adventures of The Little Red Hen Monday 19 – Saturday 24 December This ingenious adaptation of a muchloved story features a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and madcap comic routines. It’s a real treat for the whole family with no scary bits whatsoever!

The Stables, Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

Sweet Friday, December 9, 7.30pm Join the rock and roll institution when the glam titans return with a seasonal slice of hard rock. They’ll cut loose all of their smash-hit singles, showing off the sounds that have seen the band rolling on for more than half a century! Blockbuster: theroadmender.com

The Dankworth Family Christmas Show Friday, December 9 & Saturday, December 10 Started by Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine more than 50 years ago, this seasonal special will feature some special guests as family and friends raise Christmas cheer, with Alec and Jacqui Dankworth steering the musical ship. Jazz it up: stables.org

Jack And The Beanstalk Friday, December 9 – Monday, January 2, 2023 Northampton Derngate’s panto includes vocal powerhouse and star of The Greatest Showman Keala Settle, Horrible Histories’ Richard David-Caine and Bob Golding. A giant of a show: royalandderngate.co.uk

InMe & Raging Speedhorn Friday, December 9 Bring the noise with this festive double-bill from a pair of British guitar aces who return to Wolverton venue The Craufurd Arms. Book up, rock out: thecraufurdarms.com

Towcester Choral Society Christmas Concert Saturday, December 10, 7.30pm Christmas cheer with a ceremony of carols at St Lawrence Church, featuring Lizzie Peacock on harp. ‘Sounds’ like you need a ticket: Call 01908 542815 or email tickets@ towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk

Handmade and Vintage Fair Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11 Another opportunity to shop for truly original gifts this Christmas; from clothing and homewares to accessories, treats, art and so much more. Entry, and parking, is free. They’ve got what you want: mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, January 8, 2022 Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Paul Chuckle lead the panto shenanigans at Milton Keynes Theatre – side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and festive magic is promised. He’s behind you: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Sunday Roasts Sunday, December 11, midday-5pm Options aplenty at The Picturedrome with a platter, roast and yummy dessert. Don’t forget the roasties!: thepicturedrome.com

Carols at the Cathedral Sunday, December 11, 3.30-5.30pm A free festive event beginning at Willen Lake car park following a lantern lit trail led by the Parks Trust elves, who lead you to the main event at the Tree Cathedral. Suitable for all ages. In tune, on song: theparkstrust.com

Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain® Monday, December 12, 2-3.45pm Sessions in MK using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating way. Contact before attending by calling 01908 232612 or by emailing chelsea.gadd@alzheimers.org.uk

Milton Keynes Aviation Society

13th December 2022 8.00pm: Kevin Patience – The Air France DC-4 Disasters In June 1950 two DC-4 aircraft en-route to Paris from the Far East crashed into the sea at night off Bahrain, two days apart. A unique occurrence in aviation annals that was blamed on the two pilots. The remains of one aircraft were rediscovered in 1994 by tonight’s speaker, author Kevin Patience, who researched the truth behind the cover up by the aviation authorities and found some surprising results.

10th January 2023 8.00pm: Graham Smith – Imperial Airways – National Asset or National Joke? Tonight we look at the state of the British commercial airline industry after WW1 and how it compared unfavourably to state owned and funded airlines in other countries. Imperial Airways started trading on April 1st 1924, and was treated as an April’s fool joke by the British press in the face of superior competitors. Graham Smith explains how they tried to dispel that myth.

Santa’s Christmas Rescue! Monday, December 12 - Saturday, December 24 Ellie, Izzy and Rudolf must embark on a mission to rescue Santa who is stuck in the snow in this interactive show for ages 6 and under, and their families. Enjoy at the Core in Corby. Icy good fun: thecorecorby.com

The Cinelli Brothers Tuesday, December 13, doors at 6.30pm, music from 7.30pm The Cinelli Brothers champion a new generation of passionate musicians sharing in the love of blues, soul and R&B and the true authentic sounds that have made the blues a cornerstone of music history. They’ve been voted the ‘Best UK Blues Band’ and this show is likely to sell-out, so be warned! Support comes from Big Nose Thomas. Get those tickets: bletchleybluesclub.uk 14th February 2023 7.30pm: MKAS AGM & Photo Competition (via Zoom)

December and January lectures will be held at: Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Crescent, Milton Keynes, MK7 6HQ For further information please visit www.mkas.co.uk

Get all festive at the Parks Trust Carols at the Cathedral event on Sunday December 11

Blues Jam Night Wednesday, December 14, 6.30pm A masterclass will start at 7pm, the jam starts soon after – and we don’t mean the strawberry type! Amps and backline are provided, just bring your sticks, guitars and basses. Show us what you’ve got: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Ukrainian Food & Song Thursday, December 15, 6.30pm A celebration of Ukrainian culture through food and sacred and secular songs sung a cappella, and to pay recognition and thank sponsors for opening their homes and creating a new community, at St Laud’s Church in Sherington. Entry is free, and donations will go to local Ukrainian support groups. Get involved: sherington15122022@gmail.com

Roy Holding Studio & Gallery December 2022 Exhibition & Open Studio

17-18th December 2022 Old Towcester Town Hall 10am to 5pm The Roy Holding Studio and Gallery will be holding their annual Exhibition event in the old Towcester Town Hall on Watling Street Towcester 17-18th December Available to buy is a wide range of stunning original art in oil, water colour and mixed media including landscapes, seascapes, maritime and boats, Welsh and Scottish Mountains, villages of Tuscany. In addition to the exhibition weekend the studio is open throughout December so do please come and visit. Suite 4, The Town Hall, Watling Street, Towcester, NN12 6BS www.royholdinggallery.com www.paulwhartonartist.com

Boombastic’s Christmas Silent Disco Saturday, December 17, 9pm-1am Silent screaming with the headphone extravaganza as three Dj’s deliver three channels of the greatest songs of all time through your headphones; choose from Christmas Party, Indie/Alternative Anthems or Club Classics. Listen in: thepicturedrome.com

Barb Jungr & Dillie Keane: Two Turtle Doves Thursday, December 15, 8pm Join two of international cabaret’s Grandest of Dames, Dillie Keane & Barb Jungr as they jump giblets first into the festive season. And a partridge in a pear tree: stables.org Trevor Nelson’s Soul Nation Saturday, December 17, 9pm-1am If soul and RnB club classics are your bag, you’ll want to be inside the Roadmender for his return visit – if it’s like previous nights in his company, you want to book in advance, too.Soul-ed out: theroadmender.com The Big Christmas Dog Walk Sunday, December 18, 10am arrival, 10.30am start Raising much-needed money for the Animals in Need charity at Bradlaugh Fields in Northampton. Entry is free, and donations will be welcomed. 150 pooches are expected! Yappety-yap: animals-in-need.org

Santa Dash Sunday, December 18, 10am for 10.30am start Don the red suit and run or walk around Willen North Lake with 100s of other Santa’s all raising money for Willen Hospice. Dashers will enjoy a fun-filled morning with music, festive treats and refreshments. Is Rover a good boy? Well behaved pooches are welcome. Ho-ho-ho: willen-hospice.org.uk

The Adventures of The Little Red Hen Monday, December 19 – Saturday, December 24 Take a seat at The Stables for an ingenious adaptation of a much-loved story featuring a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and comic routines. Feathered fun: stables.org

Brackley & District Band Christmas Concert Monday, December 19, 7.30pm Taking place at St Peter’s Church, refreshments will be available and don’t forget to try your luck with the raffle. Retiring collection. Entry is free.

Jazz Colossus – Big Band Christmas (Evening) Wednesday, December 21, 8pm All of your Christmas classics delivered in a big band fashion, featuring a sensational selection of special guest singers backed by a 20-piece collective. Huge sounds: thepicturedrome.com

Christmas with Nerdvana Friday, December 23 A Nirvana tribute faithfully recreating the raw energy and power of the Seattle trio’s legendary live performances as the MK-based players host the Craufurd Arms’ festive bash. Come As You Are: thecraufurdarms.com

Breakfast At The Drome Saturday, December 31, 9am-midday Set yourself up the right way with the new breakfast menu at The Picturedrome in Northampton – available to sit-in or takeaway. We’ll have the vegan option, please. Nom-nom: thepicturedrome.com