Dickens of a Christmas- 1 week today!

One of the events which the town of Olney is most famous for is here again! Dickens of a Christmas is an annual event where a taste of Victorian England comes to Olney. Thousands of people come to the event each year, to enjoy a festive day in Olney with something for all the family.

This year's Dickens of a Christmas takes place next Sunday, the 7th December, from 10am-4pm.

There'll be the traditional market on the Market Place, and a Farmers market at Yardley Road. As always, there will be a number of craft fayres, at the Bull Inn, Carlton House Club, Olney Centre and Church Hall.

People will be dressed in outfits from the period, to really make you feel like you've been transported back in time. There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the day, from the brass band, choirs, Punch and Judy at the museum and more.

Santa's grotto is another main attraction of the day, as well as a traditional fair in Silver End. The reindeers will be back at fountain court following their appearance last year, where you can stroke and even feed them.

Parking will be available at Emberton park with a park and ride bus to take you to the main event.

Dickens of a Christmas is a great day out, and is a great opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping from the stalls of unique merchandise as well as support a number of local charities. Come and experience Victorian England at Christmas!

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. 

Emmaus Village Christmas Craft Fair- Saturday 29th November

There seems to be Christmas events, fairs and shopping nights coming out of our ears at the moment, but the more the merrier, so we've got another to share with you today.

Emmaus Village Carlton is a homelessness charity which offers active support to formerly homeless people. They provide a workable alternative to homelessness, where people are offered a home as well as meaningful work in a social enterprise with Emmaus.

The community has a furniture shop, bric-a-brac store, boutique and a bistro, which offers homemade meals, cakes and snacks, and it's a great place to find some unusual and quirky items as well as enjoying a bite to eat.

This Saturday they are holding a Christmas craft fair, with a variety of stalls selling quality, hand-produced gifts. Get in the mood for Christmas (if you haven't already!) with Christmas themed activities for the kids, including a lucky dip and raffle. Delicious seasonal refreshments including mince pies will be available in the Bistro. Proceeds from the raffle will be going to the Kings Arms Nightshelter project.

For more information and directions, visit the Facebook event page.

Macmillan Coffee Morning:

Tomorrow with Jane Smith financial Planning

Come along tomorrow morning to enjoy coffee, cakes, entertainment and shopping, all in aid of Macmillan cancer support.

Held at 7 Osier Way, Olney, MK46 4DT from 9.30am-12.30pm, there are a variety of companies showcasing for you to enjoy. Bring a friend and have some cake and coffee while browsing the stalls, all for a good cause.

Companies on offer will include:

• Jane Sumner from Image matters, offering short taster sessions showing women how the correct colours can help create a younger, taller, slimmer look and help you gain confidence and improve self esteem. 
• Tina Horn from Heart of the Home will have a stall with a selection of handmade products from cushions to wooden signs and bunting.
• Nicky Marchant from Joy Health Coaching will be there to discuss programmes which can help people manage stress levels through a combination of nutrition, meditation, fitness and holistic approaches. 
• Jane Stevens Holistics will be showcasing some of her massaging techniques, including back and shoulder massage and Indian head massage. She will also be showing some Reiki and answering questions, so it's a great opportunity to find out more.