Events
The Holly and the Oak King Lantern Parade
Saturday 20 December 2025, 3.30-5.30pm, FREE
Starting at the Bradwell Platform on Milton Keynes’ Railway Walk
Book via the Bradwell Windmill Project website
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.
Starting at the Bradwell Platform on Milton Keynes’ Railway Walk
Book via the Bradwell Windmill Project website
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.
Community Litter Pick
Meet at New Bradwell Platform on the railway walk
Sunday 14th December | 11am - 1pm
Help us prepare the route for the Lantern Parade by joining our community litter pick along the railway walk, followed by hot chocolate and mince pies at the New Bradwell Community Centre.
Bradwell Windmill Project
MK Arts Centre
New Bradwell Parish Council
MK Community Foundation
Sunday 14th December | 11am - 1pm
Help us prepare the route for the Lantern Parade by joining our community litter pick along the railway walk, followed by hot chocolate and mince pies at the New Bradwell Community Centre.
Bradwell Windmill Project
MK Arts Centre
New Bradwell Parish Council
MK Community Foundation
Saturday Soup
12PM - 1PM
Saturdays in 2025
6th December
Saturdays in 2026
3rd January
7th February
7th March
Adults: £2.00
Children: free
Come along and enjoy a bowl of home-made soup with toast or sometimes home-made bread in the lovely, relaxed atmosphere of St James Church. The church is open from 10AM.
7th February
7th March
Adults: £2.00
Children: free
Come along and enjoy a bowl of home-made soup with toast or sometimes home-made bread in the lovely, relaxed atmosphere of St James Church. The church is open from 10AM.
UPCOMING EVENTS
at St. James Church, New Bradwell
Christmas Band Concert
Saturday 6th December 2025
Starts: 7.30PM
Bradwell Silver Band playing a mixture of Christmas favourites.
TGI Friday Community Choir Concert
Saturday 20th December 2025
Starts: 4PM
2025 Christmas Services
CAFÉ CAROLS on Sunday 7th December at 4PM
Relaxed family carols with refreshments.
OPEN DOOR CHRISTINGLE SERVICE on Sunday 14th December at 9.30AM
Come and make your own Christingle as part of a relaxed family morning service.
CAROL SERVICE on Sunday 21st December at 6PM
A traditional service of candle lit carols and readings, followed by mulled wine and mince pies
CRIB SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE on Wednesday 24th December at 5PM
Take a break from last minute preparations and share the timeless story of the Nativity. Angels, Shepherds and Monarchs especially welcome and the odd Reindeer! Followed by refreshments.
CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY HOLY COMMUNION on Thursday 25th December at 9.30AM
Led by Revd. Peterson Feital.
Bradwell Silver Band Christmas Concert
Saturday 6th December at 7:30PM
St James Church, New Bradwell
Tickets on the door: £8
Family Tickets: £22*
*(2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)
Tel: 01908 616463
press@bradwellband.co.uk
www.bradwellband.co.uk
Supported by our very own, talented Development Band
MK Community Foundation
St James Church, New Bradwell
Tickets on the door: £8
Family Tickets: £22*
*(2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)
Tel: 01908 616463
press@bradwellband.co.uk
www.bradwellband.co.uk
Supported by our very own, talented Development Band
MK Community Foundation
Come and join our Bradwell Windmill Heritage Clubs!
Bradwell Windmill Heritage Project
Do you have an interest in Bradwell Windmill and the surrounding areas?
As part of a project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Living Archive invites you to join one of our free monthly heritage clubs. Help us create an archive of photographs that can be used in future exhibitions and interpretation boards. Help research information for a booklet to share and preserve the history and heritage of the area.
Do you have an interest in Bradwell Windmill and the surrounding areas?
As part of a project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Living Archive invites you to join one of our free monthly heritage clubs. Help us create an archive of photographs that can be used in future exhibitions and interpretation boards. Help research information for a booklet to share and preserve the history and heritage of the area.
Calendar Making Club
Saturday 6th December 10.30 - 12.30
MK Museum
Make the perfect Christmas gift. Combine archive and contemporary images from previous workshops to create a unique calendar celebrating the heritage of the area.
To book your place please contact Living Archive on 01908 322568 or email admin@livingarchive.org.uk.
MK Museum
Make the perfect Christmas gift. Combine archive and contemporary images from previous workshops to create a unique calendar celebrating the heritage of the area.
To book your place please contact Living Archive on 01908 322568 or email admin@livingarchive.org.uk.