Christmas Fun 2011

The 2011 Christmas event on Sunday 27 November attracted a record breaking number of families who enjoyed two hours of great entertainment and lots of traditional Christmas fun.

Highlights of the Light Switch On included the MKPK freerunners, who had the crowds mesmerised whilst they did their acrobatics, rolls, jumps and generally defied gravity.  If you are interested in joining their training sessions have a look at their website mkpk.co.uk .  They were followed by  Daniel Cutting, three times world record holder and professional freestyle footballer, who was incredible.  Daniel then went out and about around the District doing little individual shows, and if you are keen to have him at your event or a birthday party check out his website danielcutting.com .  Even the mascots had a go at the activities, which caused much hilarity, and Father Christmas was on hand to make sure all the children were being good! 

MK Rock Choir led the crowds in traditional carols as well as providing a great performance earlier in the event.  If you would like to find out about joining this friendly group everyone is welcome and you don't have to have an audition.  For more info check out rockchoir.com .  For the second year running we have been joined by MK Brass who kicked off the festivities and kept the Christmas spirit going with their wonderful brass band, more information can be found about them at miltonkeynesbrass.org .  Keith Emmett’s free children’s funfair rides were as popular as ever and raised lots of money for the charity.

This year AYME, Association of Young People with ME, were selected to benefit from the event and their tombola and refreshment stalls were sold out, though bucket collections haven’t been counted as yet.  Maryjane, Chief Executive of the charity said, ‘We were so pleased to have this opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating illness that so many don’t realise affects young people as well as adults.  We were also proud that local lad Dru, aged 12, who turned on the Christmas lights and has ME himself, has been nominated as a Child of Courage this year’.  If you would like to find out more about the charity have a look at their website - ayme.org.uk .

The beautiful 28ft plus Christmas Tree was donated by last year’s Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Debbie Brock, Cllr Peter Geary & their daughter.  The tree was growing alongside the family’s home and had to be removed as it was causing issues.  After Debbie was the guest of honour last year at the Theatre District light switch on she thought it would be wonderful to give such a beautiful tree its final moment of glory. Debbie  said, ‘There were a few tentative moments when felling the tree that it would come down intact, but it looks fantastic on the District and it was a great moment when the lights were turned on’. 

Sara Mills, Marketing Manager on the Theatre District said, ‘it was our most successful Christmas event to date and our tree looks absolutely stunning.  It is a pleasure to be able to support a local charity like AYME and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave their time to help make this event the triumph it was’.

MKFM were out taking photos throughout the event so have a look on their website to see if you were spotted - MKFM .  More photos will be added to this page soon.