Ten of the best things to do in and around Milton Keynes in the next few days

1 MUSICClassical Christmas Concert, Milton Keynes City Orchestra, Church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport Pagnell, December 2Milton Keynes City Orchestra String Ensemble promise an uplifting and traditional music feast for Christmas, with the talented Polymnia Chamber Choir, under the baton of John Byron. There will be a mix of classical Christmas music for strings, choral pieces from Rutter’s Cradle Song to a comical Twelve Days of Christmas and back to some well-known carols for all to join in with.Details: www.mkco.org

2 MUSICCara Dillon, The Stables, Wavendon, December 1Join the award-winning Cara Dillon for a night of Christmas songs in what promises to be a magical and memorable festive experience. Following the release of her highly anticipated Christmas album Upon A Winter’s Night, Cara and her band will be performing classic carols, Celtic hymns and other Christmas songs to celebrate and share in the Christmas spirit. A tradition in the making.Details: www.stables.org

3 COMEDYEd Byrne: Spoiler Alert, The Stables, Wavendon, December 4The comic, known through numerous shows on TV and radio, wonders whether life really is that bad or if we have good reason to complain about it. “Are we filled with righteous anger at a world gone wrong or are we all just a bunch of whiny little brats? In short, are we spoiled?” he muses.Details: www.stables.org

4 FAMILYStony Lights Switch-on Fun Day, Stony Stratford, December 2Thousands of people are expected to go to Stony Stratford for the big switch-on. It’s an all-day event featuring music, circus skills workshops, morris dancing, funfair rides, a poetry showcase, story walks and a Santa’s grotto. Details: www.stonylights.org

5 THEATRESunset Boulevard, Milton Keynes Theatre, until December 2Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film.Details: atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

6 CRAFT FAIREtsy Made Local, intu Milton Keynes, December 2It’s a showcase of some of the best of the local Etsy creative community and the ideal opportunity to conquer Christmas shopping and connect with the makers and designers behind the perfect gifts. Etsy.com is an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods.Details: www.intu.co.uk/MiltonKeynes/WhatsOn

7 MUSICTransmission, Craufurd Arms, Wolverton, December 2Experience the atmosphere of a live Joy Division gig with Transmission, who emulate the sound of one of the most inventive, evocative and influential groups of their era.Details: thecraufurdarms.com

8MUSICBuddy Holly & the Cricketers, The Stables, Wavendon, November 30Holly at Christmas, the show that is now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies. Holly’s classics, other contemporary favourites and some Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment.Details: www.stables.org

9 THEATRERobin Hood, Stantonbury Theatre, December 1 to 31The wicked Sheriff of Nottingham has seized power all the way from Sherwood Forest to the tiny hamlet of Stanton-on-the-Berry. He hates fun, he’s allergic to laughter, he’s going to roast the town’s prize pig – and he’s fallen in love with Maid Marian. Panto fun aplenty ensues.Details: www. stantonburytheatre.co.uk

10 COMEDY AND MUSICRichard Digance, Ent Shed, Castle Road, Bedford, December 2This year marks 50 years of performing by Richard Digance. With a Bafta nomination as TV Entertainer of the Year and Gold Award recipient from the British Academy of Composers, he turned his back on showbiz for his first love of music and live performance. He’s supported Robin Williams and Steve Martin and has played 4,000 shows – and he’s still going strong.Details; entshed.co.uk