It’s panto season again, how on earth does it come around so quickly, it seems merely moments ago we were talking Peter Pan…but as sure as night follows day, the next festive extravaganza rolls into Milton Keynes Theatre for the festive season.

This year, Goldilocks and the Three Bears has hit the stage, you might think it’s not the most traditional of pantomimes and they have definitely given the story a bit of a glow up.

You cannot mistake that it has a circus theme, right from the lights going up – and there are a lot of lights, we’re told over 7,000 individual bulbs – you are transported to a colourful, playful world filled with acrobats, magicians, dancers, singing and there’s even an elephant!

Star of the show and ringmaster to the circus is Billy Barnum played by the legendary comedian Brian Conley. This is not his first rodeo and he’s on point from the first moment he walks out on stage. Toying with the audience, pushing the comedic boundaries, and physically getting the very most out of every laugh. There’s lots of jokes for the adults and some very funny moments for the whole family, fart jokes feature a lot…but hey, this is panto land!

The title character of Goldilocks is played by Lucy Conley (yep, you read that right…she is Brian’s real-life daughter) and in this story his on stage daughter as well. She has a superb voice and a real warmth on stage. The have a beautiful connection and towards the end there’s a real tearjerker moment, which could only work between a father and daughter.

The rest of the cast are also very good – the Three Bears wobble about on stage and perform an incredible tap dance routine in some very heavy suits, so big kudos to them. Dame Betty Barnum is played by David Robbins, and as a pantomime veteran of over three decades he wears the many incredible ‘designer’ frocks so very well. The inevitable baddie is Baron von Blackheart, played by Gary Milner. He treads that fine line of being just enough evil but always with a touch of comedy. His switching of accents is also something to behold.

There’s some on stage magic from Paul Hitchcock, aka The Magical Mysterioso, and The Timbuktu Tumblers perform a dazzling routine which includes fire and doing some gravity defying limbo!

Overall, there’s everything you want and expect from a pantomime; silliness, songs and something for everyone. You come away feeling happier and mainly very grateful that Britain still keeps up this unique art form that is panto, it doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world, us Brits get it – and we can’t get enough of it, rightly so!

Extra information

The show runs with various performances until 11 January 2026. Tickets available from £15 per person. Run time; 60 minutes, 20 minute interval, 60 minutes. Matinee performances available. For group bookings call 020 7206 1174.

General ticket bookings: CLICK HERE

2025 was another fantastic year for Milton Keynes Theatre, filled with some of the most iconic musicals, plays and productions that have had audiences applauding night after night. Happily, 2026 promises even more of the same!

As always, this season starts with Milton Keynes Theatre’s yearly pantomime, with iconic comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley returning to the city for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. With riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts, Goldilocks and the Three Bears promises to sweep the whole family away with a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

Fans of musicals have a lot to look forward to this season, with a feast of fantastic musical productions coming to Milton Keynes over the next few months. The season kicks off with the hilarious FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, followed by TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, bringing iconic songs to the city as part of the show’s first-ever UK & Ireland tour. The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Amber Davies (Strictly 2025), before Sunny Afternoon reminds audiences of the electrifying true story behind The Kinks, the band that changed rock music forever.

During March and April, Milton Keynes will host three of the hottest musical productions currently touring across the UK. First up, Here & Now – The Steps Musical packages the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps, into a feel-good celebration of love and friendship. Following that, the epic musical Miss Saigon makes its long-awaited return to Milton Keynes, before Mean Girls brings iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs to the stage. How fetch!

As always, there’s a fantastic list of music-based one-night performances, including Northern Live – Do I Love You, Legend: The Music of Bob Marley, Go Your Own Way – The Fleetwood Mac Legacy, Lost In Music – One Night at the Disco, Bowie Experience, and The Best of Tubular Bells I, II & III.

Audiences looking for a dramatic trip to the theatre can look forward to the brilliant plays that will be coming to Milton Keynes over the next few months. Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet by Dear England, which brings a new light to the story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager. Anyone interested in a whodunit will love Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, which marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Single White Female (based on the iconic 90’s psychological thriller) stars Kym Marsh & Lisa Faulkner, and Fawlty Towers – The Play brings the iconic TV show to the stage.

Families will love Horrible Histories – The Concert, which brings your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series on stage for the very first time! For those who are looking for a more mature evening at the theatre, Nigel Havers and Emma Kenny will both be appearing on the Milton Keynes Theatre stage for one night only.

If you’re after some great comedy, check out the theatre’s list of one-night performances, including A-List comedians such as Sara Pascoe, Russell Howard, Bridget Christie, as well as the all-star casts of Austentatious and Dead Ringers.

Dance fans in Milton Keynes will be thrilled by the return of Matthew Bourne’s Production of The Red Shoes, which is an intoxicating drama which will dazzle your senses and break your heart. Following that, the UK’s most successful dance group, Diversity, return to the stage with their new show ‘SOUL’, which is a futuristic show that’s sure to thrill audiences.

As 2026 continues, the year promises even more fantastic productions, including the return of the Welsh National Opera, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Choir of Man, Operation Mincemeat, The Karate Kid The Musical, Annie, and many more.

Find out more and book your tickets at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Milton Keynes Theatre – 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Dog lovers can enjoy a pawsome night out with their furry friends at the magical Land of Lights Lantern Festival this Christmas, and now they can even meet Santa!

Dog-friendly nights take place on Wednesday and Sundays at Land of Lights at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts in Milton Keynes, and on those nights, up to and including 21 December, Santa’s Grotto is also available for our four-legged friends to make a special ‘Santa Paws’ visit.

The Ho-Ho-Ho Glow package is already packed with twinkling lights, magical moments and a visit to Santa’s Grotto where children can receive their own gift but now, for just an additional £9 per dog, our paw-fect pups can meet Santa for festive treats, cuddles and photo opportunities.

The award-winning Land of Lights festival 2025 is a breathtaking spectacle, featuring all new lanterns covering multiple dreamworlds including an array of incredible dinosaurs.  In addition, there will be music and street food with thousands of visitors expected once again.

Darren Hoy, festival manager, said, said: “We’ve introduced the Santa Paws nights so that young and old can bring their lovely dogs and enjoy the thrill of the spectacular lantern festival together and meet Santa for a very special photo moment. We’re all about family here at Gulliver’s and that includes our furry best friends!

“We’ve built on the success of previous years and made Land of Lights bigger and better, with more dazzling displays – it truly is a breathtaking experience to walk the mile-long trail especially at Christmas time.”

There are waste bins and water bowls throughout the Land of Lights trail, with owners asked to keep their faithful friends on a short lead at all times. Dogs will also not be allowed into indoor dining areas or the animal barn, to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests and fluffy residents.

For more details about Land of Lights and to book your tickets, please visit: miltonkeynes.landoflights.co.uk

The Parks Trust is excited to announce its first-ever videography competition, inviting local young people to capture the beauty of the city’s parks and share their unique perspective.

If you’re aged 14 to 19, living or studying in Milton Keynes, and passionate about videography or social media, this is your chance to shine! The Parks Trust want you to create a short video that showcases one of the parks in their care to inspire others to explore the great outdoors.

What’s in it for you? Not only will your video be featured across The Parks Trust’s social media channels and website, but the winner will also receive a £500 MK City Centre Gift Card – redeemable at over 140 venues for shopping, dining, leisure, and fun!

Laura Beechey, Outdoor Learning Leader at The Parks Trust says “Milton Keynes is home to incredible green spaces, and we want young people to help us showcase them in a fresh, creative way. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate nature, creativity, and community – and we can’t wait to see the amazing videos students produce!”

To find out more, and to enter the competition, visit theparkstrust.com/videocomp

Horwood House has launched a competition celebrating the unsung heroes of 2025 – who will be rewarded with a special, luxury spa retreat.

In the true spirit of Christmas, Horwood House, the 4-star hotel and conference venue in Little Horwood, has launched a ‘Christmas Hero Competition’ – highlighting those who have made their communities warmer, kinder and more joyful all year round.

The hotel is calling on the public to nominate people in their lives who have gone above and beyond for others this year. Whether it’s a neighbour who supports vulnerable residents, a volunteer who gives their time selflessly or an unpaid carer who always puts others first, the campaign wants to shine a spotlight on the people who truly embody the spirit of giving.

Decided internally by a panel of judges, the winner will receive a luxurious New Year treat — a Rural Retreat Spa Package for two, designed to relax, spoil and say ‘thank you’ in a meaningful way. The overnight stay includes a welcome drink, afternoon tea, £30 per person dinner allowance, 50-minute beauty treatment with a £10 per person credit to spend, full breakfast and spa access from 12 noon.
A hotel in Milton Keynes has launched a competition celebrating local heroes of 2025 – offering a luxury prize.

Caroline Morrone, General Manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “At Horwood, we believe Christmas is a time to reflect and celebrate. We are privileged to work alongside so many local businesses, charities and community organisations throughout the year.

“This competition is our way of giving back and recognising the real heroes – the people who quietly make life better for others without asking for anything in return.”

You can nominate a ‘Christmas Hero’, by completing a simple form on the Horwood House website. Entries are open until midday on 20th December, with the winner being announced on 22nd December.

The contest supports Horwood House’s wider commitment to community and social responsibility. In recent years, the hotel has worked closely with organisations such as Willen Hospice and Urban Bee-lievers, while regularly supporting local schools and charities through volunteering, partnerships and fundraising events.

Caroline added: “Horwood House is more than a hotel. We see ourselves as a hub for the local community and this competition is a chance to honour those who make a real difference and, of course, spread some well-earned Christmas cheer.”

Join Milton Keynes Arts Centre and local residents for a magical lantern parade celebrating the Winter Solstice at Bradwell Windmill on Saturday 20 December.

Co-created by Milton Keynes Arts Centre, residents of Bradville and New Bradwell, artists and local schools, The Holly and the Oak King Lantern Parade is a community celebration of the Winter Solstice.

The Holly King and the Oak King are personifications of winter and summer. During the warm days of midsummer, the Oak King is at the height of his powers; during the winter it is the Holly King who is the stronger. Sunday 21 December will be the shortest day in 2025, after which the days become longer. In folklore, this is the time the Oak King and Holly King (light and dark) do battle. Only if the Oak King wins will winter end and the light of summer begin.

In November, children from Stanton and New Bradwell schools, residents of Bradville and New Bradwell worked with Milton Keynes artists Roisin Callaghan and Sarah Hunt in creating a series of unique lanterns and two impressive head pieces, which will form the Holly and Oak Kings.

The lantern parade starts at 3.30pm at the now disused Bradwell Platform on Milton Keynes’ Railway Walk. From here, the Holly and Oak Kings will lead residents – joined by two Arctic Hares, created by artist Alice Boland-Rhodes – towards the historic Bradwell Windmill. The parade is due to arrive at the Mill at 4pm, at which time visitors will hear the story of The Holly and the Oak King as narrated by children through working with Milton Keynes artist and writer, Deborah Fielding. Bradwell Silver Band will be performing and hot refreshments will be provided by Coco’s Coffee House. The event is due to end at 5.30pm, after which time visitors are invited to The New Inn in New Bradwell for mulled wine and cider.

The Holly and the Oak King Lantern Parade has been organised by Milton Keynes Arts Centre with grant support from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, New Bradwell Parish Council and Stantonbury Parish Council. The event forms part of The Bradwell Windmill Project, led by Milton Keynes City Council. This project involves the restoration of Bradwell Windmill as a key heritage and community attraction for Milton Keynes, as well as a programme of events designed to engage local residents with the area’s history, the natural environment and food heritage.

Photography (c) Dina Tse 2025.

Stadium MK Group, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, will bring SMK Live – a brand-new multi-artist live music spectacular to Stadium MK in June 2026.

Designed to become a major annual moment in the UK live entertainment calendar, SMK Live will bring some of the world’s most exciting artists to Milton Keynes for an unforgettable summer celebration filled with iconic hits, electric performances, and an atmosphere like no other.

Neil Hart, Group CEO of Stadium MK, said:

“We are incredibly excited to announce our inaugural SMK Live headliners. This first-class line up, performing in this extraordinary stadium, promises to be an unforgettable experience. With standing, seated and also VIP hospitality tickets available soon, festival-goers will have a host of options for how they choose to enjoy the day. What a way to kick-off the summer here in Milton Keynes!” 

Oli Bartlam, Managing Director at Full Fat 360, added:

“Stadium MK already has an incredible legacy of hosting unforgettable concerts, and SMK Live is the next exciting step in that journey. Milton Keynes is a city bursting with energy and ambition, and with a world-class stadium and arena at its heart, the appetite for more live music here is undeniable. We’re genuinely thrilled to be partnering with Stadium MK to launch SMK Live and to help create a landmark music moment the region can truly be proud of. Best of all, 2026 is just the beginning.”

With a population of over 300,000 and home to MK Dons, Milton Keynes sits just 35 minutes from London and lies at the heart of major expansion plans for the region. Positioned at the centre of the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor, the city is also only 25 minutes from the forthcoming Universal Studios UK development, further cementing its future as a major leisure and entertainment destination.

SMK Live is the first event in what will become a packed programme of year-round live music, from stadium-scale concerts to intimate arena shows, taking place at Stadium MK from 2026 onwards.

Buy tickets for SMK Live now: www.smklive.com

Exciting hospitality options will be available soon. 

Step into a world of winter wonder as an all new VR & AR Arctic Adventure Experience arrives at Xscape Milton Keynes this Christmas!

Created in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Antarctic Heritage Trust, this unique experience comes from The Spectrum Place and blends festive fun with discovery and immersive exploration.

The all-new experience is open now until 11 January 2026 and brings the frozen North to life like never before.

Willen Hospice is set to bring festive joy to families across the city as it takes over Willen On Ice for one special evening of charity fundraising on Monday 1 December.

The much-loved winter attraction will transform into a heart-warming celebration of community, Christmas spirit and charitable giving. For every ticket purchased, £5 will be donated directly to Willen Hospice, helping to fund vital care for local people living with life-limiting illness.

Families will be welcomed by Santa himself, who will be greeting guests throughout the event – and giving out special festive gifts for children to take home. Guests can also enjoy a range of festive food and drink, while the fairground rides alongside the rink will be open for extra fun.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting this special takeover of Willen On Ice,” said Rob Wood, Executive Director at Willen Lake. “It’s a wonderful chance for families to enjoy a magical festive evening together, while helping us continue to provide compassionate, essential care to our community.”

Nikki Poole, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at Willen Hospice, said: “We are so thankful to Willen Lake and the Parks Trust for this opportunity. It’s a great way for families to help other families this Christmas while spending precious time together. Every ticket sold will help us to raise the £9.6 million we need each year to continue caring for local people affected by life-limiting illness, both at the Hospice, overlooking Willen Lake, and in the community through our Willen at Home team.”

Tickets are selling fast, and families are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred time slot.

Event Details
Date: Monday 1 December
Venue: Willen On Ice, Willen Lake
Tickets: From £10 (includes £5 donation to Willen Hospice)

Willen Hospice provides free expert care and support to help improve the lives of local people coping with the devastating impact of a life-limiting illness. As a registered charity, the vast majority of their work is funded by charitable donations. Through the kindness and generosity of local supporters, the Hospice is working towards a future where anyone in the community can experience the best possible quality of life, for however long their life may be.

For more information and bookings, visit: www.willenonice.co.uk

Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, as Goldilocks and the Three Bears flies into Milton Keynes Theatre for plenty of festive fun from 6 December 2025 – 11 January 2026.

Milton Keynes Theatre announced earlier this year that pantomime legend Brian Conley will return as Billy Barnum to lead this year’s cast in the magical circus-themed Goldilocks and the Three Bears from Sat 6 Dec – Sun 11 Jan 2026. He’s joined by Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Gary Milner as Baron Von Blackheart, magician Phil Hitchcock as The Magical Mysterioso, and (direct from Zippo’s Circus) The Timbuktu Tumblers.

For five weeks only, Milton Keynes Theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. This festive extravaganza will be packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, and awe-inspiring circus acts!

Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, said:

“Two years ago, audiences adored the on-stage chemistry and comedy banter between panto legend Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy, so we are beyond thrilled to be once again welcoming back not one but two members of the Conley family for this year’s festive season!

David Robbins, Gary Milner, Phil Hitchcock, and the rest of this fantastic cast will ensure there is a perfect mix of speciality circus acts and traditional panto fun: all the ingredients we need for Goldilocks and the Three Bears to be the greatest panto on earth!”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Sat 6 Dec 2025 until Sun 11 Jan 2026. Full casting is to be announced later in the year. There will be a range of Audio Described, Captioned, BSL interpreted and relaxed performances throughout the season.

The official charity partner for this year’s pantomime is the Milton Keynes Community Foundation (MKCF), which means that the generous donations made during the panto season will go directly into MKCF’s Community Fund, ensuring that local charities and community groups across Milton Keynes benefit through vital grant opportunities.

Book your tickets today at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

LISTINGS
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Performances: Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 11 Jan 2026
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

The festive season has officially arrived at Midsummer Place as its much-loved Christmas Tree Festival launched on 14 November, bringing together local businesses, creativity, and community spirit in one of Milton Keynes’ most heart-warming traditions.

Running until 24 December 2025, the annual festival sees 13 beautifully decorated Christmas trees line the mall, each one uniquely designed and sponsored by a local business in support of a chosen charity.

Shoppers are invited to admire the dazzling displays and vote for their favourite, helping raise awareness and funds for important local causes.

This year’s participating businesses and their supported charities include:

Søstrene Grene Limited – supporting Milton Keynes University Hospital

Warner Planning – supporting St Mark’s Meals

Plumbing and Gas Solutions Ltd – supporting YMCA

Ridgeway Centre – supporting UnityMK

Franklins Solicitors – supporting Arthur Ellis: Mental Health

Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) – supporting UnityMK

Tikford Security Systems – supporting Hazard Alley

Slimming World by Jane – supporting Alzheimer’s Research

Blossom Room – supporting Medical Detection Dogs

WD-40 Company Limited – supporting Men in Sheds

Abbey Hill Golf Centre – supporting Samaritans

Makewell / ECG – supporting YMCA

Pennings Group – supporting The Shelter MK

Each sponsor has paid a donation, with 100% of the proceeds contributing to a collective prize fund that will be distributed among the three trees with the highest number of public votes — 50% to first place, 30% to second, and 20% to third.

“We’re thrilled to see the Christmas Tree Festival return this year, bigger and brighter than ever,” said Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season — uniting businesses, charities, and our local community in a truly festive display of creativity and generosity.”

Visitors can vote for their favourite tree by scanning the QR codes displayed beside each tree between 14 November and 24 December, and winners will be announced on Christmas Eve.

On Sunday 14 December, Milton Keynes’ unique Cathedral of Trees will be abuzz with merriment when The Parks Trust’s much-loved carolling event returns. Packed with festive spirit, Carols at the Cathedral brings joy to the barky nave and spires with live performances, storytelling, seasonal treats, and a chance to support local charities.

Head to the Tree Cathedral from 2pm to lap up the santa-sational entertainment by MK Brass Band, DD Powers Trio, Music Makers of Milton Keynes, and Red Phoenix Storytelling.

Tuck into tasty treats to support local charities, with pastries and cakes baked by Camphill MK Communities and a host of hot drinks available at the Willen Hospice stall.

Warm up your vocal cords and light-up your lanterns (or torches) to Come all ye Faithful for a sing-a-long to family-favourites from Jingle Bells to Deck the Halls.

Yule (seriously) not want to miss this free to attend event, for a memorable family afternoon outing. Everyone’s invited, and to make the event more accessible there’ll also be a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter during the carols.

Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust, says “It’s one of my absolute favourite events in MK’s parks. There’s always such a great festive feeling, and I love seeing our communities come together for open-air carolling in such a special (and unique) place. We welcome everyone to come along and share the joy!”.

As it’s the traditional season for giving, MK Food Bank will also have a donation point collecting tinned and dry goods to distribute across the local community through the winter season. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to support this cause and can find guidance about suitable donations on the website.

Those wishing to join for the carols only, please note that these start at 4:15pm. A full schedule and further information can be found on theparkstrust.com/carols