Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights Volunteers have announced that their annual Christmas Light Switch On has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.
The event normally takes place at the end of November and is a chance for the whole town to celebrate the start of the festive season.
However, additional risk assessments, new coronavirus control measures and the possibility of a last minute cancellation in the event of a local lockdown mean organisers will not be holding the annual gathering this year.
Scot Haynes, Chair of the Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights Volunteers, said: "Based on all of this guidance the team have decided that we will sadly not be able to hold a switch on day this year."
"This was not an easy decision, and I personally feel upset that we cannot welcome the festive season in the high street with you all this year."
"Our number one priority is protecting you and our volunteers health in this extremely difficult time. I hope therefore that you all understand our decision."
"From the team and myself, thank you for your continued support during these difficult times. We hope that you are staying safe and well and that you understand the difficult decision we have had to make."
But it's not all bad news - as the group have confirmed that the lights themselves will still be going up as normal.
Teams will work in smaller groups to enable safe social distancing, with the only possible change being that the erection of a tree may not be possible.
It is one of the first Christmas events in Milton Keynes which have had a cancellation announced due to the pandemic.
