Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th December -Saturday is Small Business Saturday- the perfect time to get some Christmas shopping done with our fantastic independents. The traditional Charter Market will be on, and in Harpur Square Lingers Butchers will have a hog roast, alongside the Salvation Army Band bringing that festive feeling to town.
Then on Sunday 5 December the Cairngorm Reindeer are coming to Harpur Square. Santa will also be coming to say a brief hello to his four-legged friends, and there will be live performances to enjoy from Bedford Town Band and Kempston Hammers Community Choir in the Square. If you’re feeling peckish, Lingers Butchers will be running a Hog Roast, and Dessert Boss will be bringing the sweet treats.
After seeing the reindeer, enjoy some free face painting and balloon artistry in the Howard Centre. No booking is required.
As we move into the afternoon, head over to Riverside, for EAT Feast – A Christmas Special! This free event goes on into the evening, so grab your family and friends and get ready to share some gorgeous food – and a cheeky Christmas tipple! With plenty of vegan/veggie and gluten free options on offer, EAT Feast will have an array of international flavours from established food trucks and caterers, coming together to celebrate good food and great company.
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th December - The Christmas Makers Market will be a highlight of the festive season this December, brought to Bedford Town Centre in collaboration with Made In Bedford. With a wealth of artisan crafts, handmade decorations, and quality confectionery on offer, you can be sure to find perfect Christmas gifts for all your loved ones. Free face painting and balloon artistry will also be available both Saturday and Sunday, in and around the market, and inside in the Old Arcade. Rock Choir will be performing at lunchtime in Harpur Square on 12th December, with Bedford Town Band and other live acts performing a medley of Christmas songs and traditional carols across the weekend.
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th December - As Christmas draws near, join us for some festive cheer in Harpur Square. With hot drinks and festive treats on sale, seating in the square and music to set the mood, come and relax a few moments before the Big Day gets underway!
Mayor Dave Hodgson said "These events are sure to bring some Christmas cheer to our town centre in the run-up to the big day. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a hog roast, trying some new food at EAT Feast, finding that perfect gift at the Made In Bedford market, or just taking a breath and listening to some festive music on that final weekend- there is something for everyone.”
From 1 December and throughout the month, the Festive Christmas Trail will also be up with Christmas characters to find in Bedford shop windows. Explore our town centre with the kids during the school holidays, or maybe just make Christmas shopping a bit more fun for the whole family. You can pick up a copy of the Trail from Bedford Central Library or download from the Love Bedford Christmas Hub at www.lovebedford.co.uk/Christmas.php
With all this, and more, including the Christmas Window Competition, Love Bedford and Bedford Borough Council are delighted to welcome you to join us in Bedford Town Centre this December. For more information, and updates, please visit: www.lovebedford.co.uk/Christmas.php
Keep yourself, your loved ones and our community safe during the run up to Christmas. Boost your immunity with a COVID-19 vaccine/booster jab and take a lateral flow test before you meet up with friends and family. Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport.
