COUNTDOWN TO THE ANNUAL FIREWORK SPECTACULAR HAS BEGUN
Milton Keynes is a pretty illuminating place all year round, but one night in every 365 new city is bathed in a light show unlike any other for miles and miles around.
Enjoyed by tens of thousands annually, the fuse was lit for the first time in 1978, and the annual firework display is now a traditional fixture on the calendar.
Keith Emmett Senior (below) was the man who fired-up the new city. He had the vision, and furthermore stumped up the cash to give MK a night to remember.
That inaugural event - supported by stunt star Todd Cody - was housed on the site that would become the Food Centre.
Since that time the fireworks have been sent skywards from the areas now in habited by the Central Police Station, Xscape and along Midsummer Boulevard.
Nowadays, the tradition goes up, up and makes everyone go 'wahey!' from Campbell Park.
Keith Emmett Senior is no longer with us, but that Emmett tradition stays strong.
The family, including Keith Emmett 3rd, are still responsible for the biggest free event the city boasts. And incredibly, 36 years since that first event, it is still solely funded from their generous purse.
"This year the firework display is in memory and honour of Keith Emmett Sr," his grandson told Total MK.
"Granddad summed up perfectly why we as a family continue the annual tradition: 'The smiles on people's faces are our rewards,' he used to say."
The family are now hoping for a pillar at the MK Rose plaza to be dedicated in memory of Keith Emmett Sr.
"It would be a fitting tribute to the benefactor who helped support many causes and charities in his lifetime," his grandson continued.
"It would be a lasting tribute for his year's of hard work and dedication."
And so, it's business as usual for the Emmett family next Sunday, (Nov 2), and while the Emmett work, families across Milton Keynes will play - moving en masse to the centre of town for the firework bonanza that blows others out of the sky.
Live entertainment will precede the annual countdown to the illuminations, at 7.30pm.
"We continue to make the fireworks display bigger and better each year and work closely with our firework suppliers on the setlist of music - to use current material and see what the best tunes are to synchronise the fireworks to - including the triumphant finale."
"Many people say winter is here when the funfair arrives. The fair is iconic itself now," he added.
Grab your coats and mittens, pile into town and enjoy not only the fireworks but that Emmett-driven funfair in Campbell Park.
The fair opens this Thursday evening (Oct 30), and runs nightly through to November 9.
Enjoy reduced price nights on Thursday (Oct 30 & Nov 6) and Sunday (Nov 9) when kids play for a quid, adults £1.50.
That inaugural event - supported by stunt star Todd Cody - was housed on the site that would become the Food Centre.
Since that time the fireworks have been sent skywards from the areas now in habited by the Central Police Station, Xscape and along Midsummer Boulevard.
Nowadays, the tradition goes up, up and makes everyone go 'wahey!' from Campbell Park.
Keith Emmett Senior is no longer with us, but that Emmett tradition stays strong.
The family, including Keith Emmett 3rd, are still responsible for the biggest free event the city boasts. And incredibly, 36 years since that first event, it is still solely funded from their generous purse.
"This year the firework display is in memory and honour of Keith Emmett Sr," his grandson told Total MK.
"Granddad summed up perfectly why we as a family continue the annual tradition: 'The smiles on people's faces are our rewards,' he used to say."
The family are now hoping for a pillar at the MK Rose plaza to be dedicated in memory of Keith Emmett Sr.
"It would be a fitting tribute to the benefactor who helped support many causes and charities in his lifetime," his grandson continued.
"It would be a lasting tribute for his year's of hard work and dedication."
And so, it's business as usual for the Emmett family next Sunday, (Nov 2), and while the Emmett work, families across Milton Keynes will play - moving en masse to the centre of town for the firework bonanza that blows others out of the sky.
Live entertainment will precede the annual countdown to the illuminations, at 7.30pm.
"We continue to make the fireworks display bigger and better each year and work closely with our firework suppliers on the setlist of music - to use current material and see what the best tunes are to synchronise the fireworks to - including the triumphant finale."
"Many people say winter is here when the funfair arrives. The fair is iconic itself now," he added.
Grab your coats and mittens, pile into town and enjoy not only the fireworks but that Emmett-driven funfair in Campbell Park.
The fair opens this Thursday evening (Oct 30), and runs nightly through to November 9.
Enjoy reduced price nights on Thursday (Oct 30 & Nov 6) and Sunday (Nov 9) when kids play for a quid, adults £1.50.
