Local businesses are being invited to create Christmassy Gingerbread Sheds to help raise money for good causes across Milton Keynes.

Midsummer Place has officially launched its 2026 Christmas festival and is inviting businesses from across Milton Keynes to get creative, support a charity close to their hearts and help build a magical new festive attraction in the heart of the city.

After the success of the previous year’s Christmas Tree Festival, the concept is having a festive makeover for 2026 with the launch of its Gingerbread Shed Festival.

Local businesses are now being invited to sign up as Sponsors and will each be given their very own Gingerbread Shed to transform into a unique Christmas creation, decorating it both inside and out. Once completed, the sheds will be brought together at Midsummer Place to create a festive trail for visitors to explore throughout the Christmas period.

Local businesses are being invited to create Christmassy Gingerbread Sheds to help raise money for good causes across Milton Keynes.

placeholder image — Local businesses are being invited to create Christmassy Gingerbread Sheds to help raise money for good causes across Milton Keynes.

Businesses are being asked to make a £300 charitable contribution, with 100% of the donation going directly into the festival's charity prize fund.

Visitors to the shopping centre will then be able to vote in-person for their favourite Gingerbread Shed, with the charity prize fund then being shared between the charities who own the top three creations.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Last year we saw just how much creativity, enthusiasm and generosity there is within the Milton Keynes business community, so we wanted to take that idea and make it even bigger and more fun for Christmas 2026.

“The Gingerbread Shed Festival gives businesses a brilliant opportunity to showcase their creativity while supporting a charity or cause that means something to them. We’re hoping to see some imaginative designs and, most importantly, raise a fantastic amount of money for local and worthwhile causes.

“We’d love businesses of all sizes from across Milton Keynes to get involved. Whether you create something traditional, completely outrageous or wonderfully festive, we want each shed to have its own personality.”

The Gingerbread Shed Festival 2026 is being supported by WD-40 and Men in Sheds as Principal Partners, helping Midsummer Place bring the festive community project to life.

The festival runs from November 14 until December 29.

For more information and to sign up, visit Midsummer Place’s Gingerbread Shed Festival 2026 page.