Bedford's Big High Street Showcase is Back - This Saturday!

Bedford's Big High Street Showcase is back tomorrow, Saturday 4 June, offering an array of entertainment and activities and celebrating Bedford's historic High Street and surrounding area.

In an economic landscape for UK town centres which has seen many high streets elsewhere declining alarmingly in recent years, the Big High Street Showcase is one of many actions being taken locally in support of a vibrant, successful town centre.

The annual event is organised by Bedford Borough Council and will feature entertainment and activities provided by a large number of volunteers, community groups and businesses as the High Street becomes temporarily pedestrianised. It's intended that the day will help to promote Bedford's town centre retailers, particularly the fantastic wealth of independent businesses, many of which are located in and around the High Street.

Over 30 businesses will be trading outside on the day, demonstrating their products and services, with many at special event prices alongside the Handmade in Bedfordshire Craft Market. Further attractions include children's entertainment; face painting, craft and cultural activities and funfair rides; the Owls from The Raptor Foundation will be back and the live Lady K music and dance stage will be showcasing local talent.

There will also be the opportunity to practice your golf swing on the inflatable golf shot or to try your hand at kayaking, table tennis or tennis. Children can have a go at egg and spoon races on the sports day track or even try the climbing wall. This year will also see the Army Reserves in attendance with some of their vehicles on show for you to take a sneak peek.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The Big High Street Showcase brings in huge numbers of additional visitors to the town centre. We want as many people as possible to come and enjoy the fun this year, too, with an array of activities, stalls, entertainment and more on offer. We're looking forward to a great atmosphere once again, as people take the opportunity to enjoy and support their town centre and local businesses at this community event."

The event will take place on the High Street and Mill Street from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Bedford High Street will be closed to traffic from the junction with St. Peter's Street to the north of St. Paul's Square and from Duke Street on Mill Street, from 6am to 7pm, on 4 June.

For further information, please go to www.bedford.gov.uk/highstreetshowcase