Get Down to the Victorian Fair this weekend and Buy in Bedford!

The Victorian Christmas Fair is underway, with stalls in Harpur Square, Midland Road and, for the first time ever, along a temporarily pedestrianised High Street! The Fair runs until Sunday, and I would encourage everyone to get along and experience it. There is a huge range of stalls, some great entertainment and lots to do for all the family. I am hoping lots of people come in to experience the fair this weekend and do their Christmas shopping in town, as we continue our campaign to encourage people to 'Buy in Bedford!'

The traffic situation, in light of the closure of the High Street, is obviously being monitored very closely. We have taken action to adjust the timings on some of the traffic lights on one of the alternative routes, which has helped to smooth things. We will keep a close eye on things over the weekend, in order that we can act swiftly to ease any problems. As for the temporarily-pedestrianised High Street itself, we have talked to the traders and asked them to open towards the road, as there have been some difficulties today with the size of the crowds on the pavements. Some of them are not able to do so due to their set-ups (e.g. cooking units etc.), but most are and this will hopefully help make the shopping experience along the High Street even better tomorrow.