The winners of the Christmas Tree Festival at Midsummer Place have received prizes from the Milton Keynes based shopping centre.

The winning charities were awarded their prizes on Thursday 9 January to celebrate the efforts of all participants.

In all, 4,444 unique votes and 12,132 overall votes cast, representing a 47% increase compared to last year’s event.

Slimming World Milton Keynes with Jane, supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, were the competition winners with 1,845 votes, winning the grand prize of £1,750 for their charity.

Probadge Limited, supporting Medical Detection Dogs, were runners up with 1,350 votes, earning a £1,050 prize.

Samaritans Milton Keynes, supporting Samaritans Milton Keynes, came third with 1,078 votes, taking a £700 prize.

In all, 14 trees decorated by local businesses were in Midsummer Place for the Christmas season. The shopping centre have confirmed the event will return for 2025.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said, “The response to this year’s Christmas Tree Festival has been extraordinary. Not only did we see a significant increase in votes, but we also heard so many heartwarming comments from shoppers who were inspired by the creativity and causes represented. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the local sponsors, participants, and visitors who came together to make this festival a highlight of the season. Your support truly reflects the spirit of Christmas.”

Jane Hammonds from Slimming World Milton Keynes, added, “We’ve been delighted to take part in the tree festival again this year and are so thankful to have won for our charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, to support further research to find a cure for this dreadful disease.”

Kathy Lewis, from Probadge supporting Medical Detection Dogs, said, “This has been a wonderful community event to be part of and has helped to raise our profile to a new audience in one of busiest times of the year. We’re delighted to have placed 2nd and would like to congratulate all entries for their amazing and festive spirit.”

Clair Roberts from Samaritans Milton Keynes, added, “It’s been amazing to be a part of this brilliant competition. It’s great exposure for our branch of Samaritans and lets people know we are always there. This will help us save lives and support people in their darkest time.”