Blog

Dec 21, 2023

Christmas lights switch

Celebrating its first festive season as an official city, Milton Keynes

Celebrating its first festive season as an official city, Milton Keynes Christmas lights are set to be switched on in spectacular fashion by MyMiltonKeynes on Saturday November 12.

The stage will be set outside Midsummer Place Shopping Centre from 3pm for an afternoon of free festive fun before the sky above is illuminated with fireworks, lasers and snow along with the official Christmas light switch on.

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From 4pm the crowds will be entertained with a fun-packed schedule of activities, including family competitions, and a parade of the city's

well-loved mascots.

Local dance groups, EM Dance Coaching, Romeo Dance Academy and Dancebox Studios are set to wow the crowds with their live performances, while the voices of local school choir singers will ring through the air.

All of this will take place before the biggest star of the evening takes to the stage – Father Christmas, alongside the City's Mayor, Cllr Amanda Marlow.

Once the crowds have counted down to the big moment, the Mayor will push the button at 5pm and set off a spectacular display to officially start the 2022 festive season for Milton Keynes.

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A trail of Christmas lights will be switched on across the city centre, from the giant parcel outside John Lewis, to the wrapped trees and gift boxes along Midsummer Boulevard and a shooting star above Christ the Cornerstone Church.

For the first time, the city will also see the central reservation, from Midsummer Place to the train station, aligned with light up cone trees, along with a giant Christmas tree at Exchange Square.

The lights and firework extravaganza will conclude with a chorus of ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’.

To coincide with the MyMiltonKeynes Christmas Light Switch On, Midsummer Place will be launching its Community Christmas Tree Festival, with local organisations sponsoring trees to raise funds and awareness of Milton Keynes charities.

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Melanie J Beck MBE, chief executive at MyMiltonKeynes said: "We are immensely proud of our Christmas Light Switch On, and this year's event is set to be the biggest yet... We look forward to seeing people from all across the city come together and kick start Christmas 2022 in fabulous style."