Last minute plans for NYE?

With Christmas having been and gone, the next big social event on the calendar is New Year's Eve. If you got a bit carried away with Christmas preparations and haven't made any New Year's Eve plans, we've got a few ideas for a last minute New Year!

1. Tag along to someone else's plans: Your first stop when looking for a last minute New Year's eve arrangement, see what family and friends have planned and see if you can tag along!
2. Hotel party: There are numerous hotel New Year parties across Milton Keynes, and they're always sure to provide great food and entertainment, but usually at a pretty hefty cost. There may still be some tickets about, a simple google search should sort you out if you want to chance it!
3. Find a local 'do': Churches, village halls and community groups often hold New Year's eve parties which are open to the local community. Again, a google search should find you some. In Olney there's a party at Lavendon Village hall with a 7.30pm for 8pm start, with music and a two-course meal for £14. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Also, the Bull Inn Olney are having a New Year's party at £20 a ticket with a buffet, disco and some great drinks prices on the night.
4. House party: Why not invite some friends and family round and have whatever type of party you want! Whether it be a fancy dress party, come dine with me night, games night etc., there's no reason why you can't have a great night in and avoid some of the high drinks prices that are typically enforced on New Year's eve.
5. If all else fails and you're stuck for ideas, head over to any bar or pub and you're sure to find a buzzing atmosphere to see in the New Year! 

The biggest thing about New Year's eve is who you spend it with, so don't get too worried about trying to find that "big event". If you're not the partying type and like to get your beauty sleep, it probably won't be too different to any other day for you, but if you are, with the right people you're sure to have a great night no matter what you do! Whether it's been a good year or you're glad to see the back of it, let's welcome in 2015 and make it a good one from the start! Happy New Year! 

Saturday- Local Christmas events

Yesterday we mentioned the Milton Keynes Museum's Victorian Christmas weekend, and on top of that, today we've got a whole selection of activities that are happening in the area this Saturday for you to enjoy.

All Saints Church Christmas Market and Bazaar: 10.30am-1pm @ Turvey Village Hall.

A great selection of Christmas treats, including preserves, artisan handicrafts, books, raffle, cakes, stationary, toys, plants and bulbs, jewellery, Christmas wreaths, cards and table decorations. There'll be fun for the kids too, with face painting, games and activities for all the family to enjoy. Homemade soup and rustic bread will be served from 11.45am. Admission is 50p for adults and children go free. All proceeds go to All Saints Church, Turvey.

Christmas Cracker: 2-4.30pm @ All Saints' Church, Loughton.

There will be a great variety on offer, including: Gifts and games for Christmas, vintage jewellery and handbags, handmade crafts, raffle, Father Christmas, children's competitions, cakes, books and Fairtrade products. Festive refreshments and mulled wine will be available.

Milton Keynes City Orchestra: 6-7.30pm @ Church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport Pagnell.

A programme of festive music, including classic Christmas favourites and traditional carols. The City orchestra brass will be joined by the Polymnia Choir, fresh from their European engagements, for a glorious musical celebration to mark the start of the Christmas countdown. Tickets cost £12 (no concessions)

Family Christmas Social: 6.45pm of 7pm start @ Lavendon Village Hall. 

There'll be fun for all the family, including an illusionist, fun and games, a two-course meal and a sing-song. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are £14 for adults and £7 for children over 10.

Olney Brass Christmas Concert: 7.30pm @ St Peter and St Paul's church, Olney. 

Come along for some festive tunes and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets are available on the door and cost £6 for adults, £5 for seniors and £2.50 for children.

Cheese and Wine party: 7.30pm @ Westbury Grange, Newport Pagnell.

Tickets cost £6 and include your first drink, butter, quizzes and singalong. All are welcome!

Apocalypse Now North Bucks!

It's that time of year again, where the nights are drawing in and the smell of bonfires fill the air, so don't miss out on a great local event and enjoy the autumn evening. This Saturday 25th October, come along to Hollington Wood Bonfire Party from 5pm. Celebrating fire, the magic of autumn and an extra hour in bed, this year is set to be just as good as the last, with something for all the family to enjoy.

There will be a shuttle bus running from Prospect Place, Newport Road, Emberton MK46 5JQ between 5 and 6pm, and parking spaces are very limited and as such will be charged at £10 per car, and spaces must be booked in advance (email info@hollingtonwood.com to book). Return shuttle will be between 8 and 9pm.

Not one for the faint hearted, but for the reckless and brave with fireworks lighting up the trees, it's an unforgettable experience! In order to cover costs, a donation of £10 per adult and £5 per child will be expected, £25 for families. Refreshments including mulled wine, home-made soup and home-grown sausages will be available.

Hollington wood is a great local wood and hosts some great events, don't miss out on the bonfire party this Saturday evening.

Some photos from last year's event