Our guide to getting the most out of our Christmas Lights Switch-On

This Saturday 18^th November sees the Christmas Lights go on across Central Milton Keynes and we have pulled this guide together so you can make the most of this annual event.

When: Saturday 18^th November 2023

Time: 3pm-5pm

Where: Midsummer Place Shopping Centre

Cost: FREE Event

Hosted by MKFM

Running Order:

3pm – 4pm: DJ Keith Hurley set

4pm – Wes & Trev from MKFM kick off the show.

4.05pm – 4.15pm – The Collaboration Choir

4.15pm – 4.25pm – Dale

4.25pm – 4.35pm – Fun Competition with Wes & Trev

4.35pm – 4.45pm – Dancebox

4.45pm – The Mayor & Mayoress of Milton Keynes and Father Christmas will join the stage

4.50pm – Some of our much-loved MK Mascots with take to the stage

5pm: Switch on with the Mayor & Mayoress of Milton Keynes & Father Christmas

5.10pm – Home time

Location: Outside Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, Midsummer Boulevard turning circle.

Information about the event

• Wes and Trev from MKFM will be hosting the event on stage, alongside them will be a sign language interpreter.
• We have three acts booked this year, The Collaboration Choir, Dale (singer) and Dancebox (who are going to bring the sparkles).
• Towards the end of the show, local mascots, The Mayor & Mayoress of Milton Keynes and of course Father Christmas will take to the stage for the big countdown.
• Just before the firework display starts there will be an announcement for those people who may find the display too loud to move to a quieter more suitable area. We advise for those sensitive to loud music and noises to bring ear plugs and/or headphones to the event.
• 5pm the lights will go on. Please note the lights won’t be visible from this area as they are located at Midsummer Boulevard, Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Exchange Square, and outside the back of centre:mk. Instead, we will have ‘cold’ fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, and snow canons. Included in this year’s display there will be a HUGE Christmas themed projection on the wall above your heads.
• The event will end straight after the fireworks, and we ask that everyone vacates the area via their nearest exit slowly and carefully. Please bear in mind there will be many children and pushchairs in this area and safety is our priority.

Further information

• Parking is available throughout the city, your closest one being in Midsummer Place multi-storey. Please be advised it will be very busy so allow yourself time to park and make your way to the event area.
• If you are making a day of this event in the city, then there are many fun Christmas photo opportunities, activities, twinkly lights and over 350 retailers to enjoy. We also have restaurants and family fun activities in Xscape, on 12^th Street and The Hub, all within walking distance to our event.
• We are not having a charity collecting money this year; however, we would like to encourage people to ‘Tap to Donate’ at our office window to support Action4Youth and their fight against knife and gang crime.

We look forward to welcoming you to our annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event and encourage everyone to dress ‘festive’ and have fun!