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.
