Twas the last weekend before Christmas...

Christmas is looming, and with the last weekend before the big day what are you going to do with it?!

Hopefully you've managed to get most of the Christmas shopping done already, if not, this weekend may be your chance. Prepare yourself for the crowds in advance and get your trainers on. Not one for the faint hearted, but if there are gifts to buy, it has to be done! Maybe the gifts are bought but you've left the turkey to the last minute, and a bit like the old TV show 'supermarket sweep' you'll likely be racing around the various supermarkets searching for that roastable bird. If you've seen the movie, 'Christmas with the Kranks' you'll understand!

If shopping is off limits this weekend, here are a few ideas for you to enjoy over the next few days...

Friday 19th:

'Just another star', the U3A Christmas Concert @ the URC Church, Newport Pagnell, from 7.30pm
Come and enjoy a Christmas concert and readings with the MKU3A choir. Seasonal refreshments will be served and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are available at £6 each by calling 07762178379 or from members of the choir. All proceeds will go to the children's A&E department and Milton Keynes hospital.

The Two Brewers presents their annual live music Christmas event from an Olney band, wear a Chritmas jumper for a free drink, and on Saturday there will be an open Mic night.

Saturday 20th:

Open air nativity @ Newport Pagnell High Street, 10.50am
This morning come and join in with the annual open-air nativity service with the local churches, starting outside the Parish church with Mary and Joseph and a real life donkey, followed by a drama and  finishing outside Boots at around 11am for some carols, where you can enjoy a hot drink at the Dolphin pub to finish it off.

Rock n Roll Christmas Hop with Tartan Ted @ Newport Pagnell Football Club, from 8pm
Entrance costs £5.  Bar and raffle. All proceeds to the Newport Pagnell Christmas lights.

Paraffinalia @ Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, from 7pm
You will have seen our blog earlier in the week about this great free event, with walking characters, illuminations, lanterns and fire, and hot food and drinks available. Starts at the open air theatre in Campbell Park.

Sunday 21st:

Perter Pan workshop for kids @ MK Theatre, 10-11am

For children aged 7-12, a chance to learn what it's like to play the part of Peter Pan in a pantomime. Join Peter Pan himself (George Ure) on a musical theatre journey where children will learn actual scenes from Peter Pan including some musical numbers. Costs £7 per child. Call 01908547651 to book

Carols in the Wood @ Howe Park Wood, 3.30pm

Join for an afternoon of carolling, bring a lantern, wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear as it may be wet underfoot. Singing will be accompanied by MK Youth Brass and Willen Hospice will be selling light refreshments. 

All-age Carol Service @ Newport Pagnell Baptist Church, Lovat Hall, Silver Street, 4-5pm

Come and enjoy an all-age, family friendly community carol service with an informal nativity. Come and really get in the Christmas spirit, and enjoy free mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. 

Christmas special featuring Katherine Ryan @ The Canon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Arrive at 7pm for the start of the show featuring Tom Webb, Adam Rushton, Paul Revill and more, followed by Katherine Ryan. Katherine has appeared as a guest on a number of shows, including Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 cats. A great night of entertainment, tickets £10 on the door.

Carol Services @ The United Reformed Church, Newport Pagnell, @ St Peter & St Paul Parish Church Newport Pagnell and @ Sutcliff Baptist Church Olney, all at 6pm

Come and join in with a traditional carol service, open to all.

Newport Pagnell Lights Switch on- Tomorrow!

The Christmas festivities are getting into full swing this weekend with the Newport Pagnell lights switch on day. As you'll know if you've been before, it's far more than just the lights being switched on, it's a full day of stalls and various entertainment, ending with the lights switch on at 5pm.

The day begins bright and early for all those involved with the stalls being set up at 9am, opening at 10am. There will be a variety of stalls hosting various products, from crafts to foods, to other stalls giving things away and promoting their business or cause. The High Street is set to be buzzing, and we've got a few specific things going on to wet your appetite for the days events...

Visit Santa: The United Reformed Church will be hosting Santa's grotto from 1-5pm, and it costs £3 to visit Santa (gift included). They will also be holding other activities, including bauble decorating, Christmas card making and reindeer food making.

The Parish Church will be hosting their Christmas fair from 10am, with a selection of stalls selling gifts, books, crafts, Christmas cards, hats, scarves and much more. There will also be a raffle, tombola and refreshments served all day. There will be carol singing for all once the lights have been turned on.

Newport Pagnell Baptist Church will have a 'Get in the Picture' stall, where you can come and have your photo taken as part of the Christmas story, either by putting your head in the picture frame or by dressing up as a character from the nativity. You can then download your pictures for free from the website over the following week.

The Methodist Church are asking for volunteers to come and help decorate their three Christmas trees, with your own dedication or wish. Stop by between 2-6pm, tea and coffee will be available.

Brooklands Centre will also be holding their Christmas fair on the day, from 10am-4pm with stalls, hot dogs, chutney tasting, tombola and more. The Historical Society will also have a stall, as well as the Newport Pagnell Town Council, who will be serving mulled wine and Christmas games.

There will be a variety of live entertainment from 1pm, including performances from Diamonds theatre school, singing and more. There will be carol singing around the Christmas tree with Olney brass band at 4pm followed by a parade to the Swan revived hotel at 4.45pm, and then the lights will be switched on. Come along for some great Christmas festivities!

Please note- the High Street will be closed  to traffic for the Christmas Lights Event from 8am-7pm. From the Union Street to Ousebank Street junctions.