Mayor's Rallying Cry - Shop Local and Enjoy Bedford Town Centre this Christmas!
With a free parking option available every day, markets running every day until Christmas and a fun fair and amusements for children, there is every reason to enjoy Christmas shopping in Bedford. And on the eve of the last Christmas shopping weekend before the big day, Mayor Dave Hodgson has issued a rallying cry, encouraging people to shop local this Christmas, both in the town and with local traders across the Borough.
Commenting, Mayor Dave said: "Bedford Town Centre is the place to be in the run-up to Christmas, with lots of family-orientated fun on offer as well as markets and shops to meet your Christmas shopping needs.'
"This a crucial time of year for our local traders, and I would encourage everyone to enjoy Bedford town centre and all it has to offer this festive season, as well as our excellent retailers right across the Borough."
Reasons to visit and enjoy Bedford town centre in the run-up to Christmas include:
- The Mayor's Free Parking Deal: Your first two hours are free in all town centre council-owned car parks on Saturdays, and in Queen Street multi-storey throughout the week. Sundays are free all day in the council's town centre car parks
- Markets: Markets will be running in the town centre every day from today, Friday 16 December, right through to Christmas Eve. Stalls will be stocking a range of seasonal supplies. The market is a fantastic place to pick up your Christmas gifts, too
The Handmade in Bedford Market will be visiting the town centre on the 17th December and on Sunday 18th, when they will be situated in the Harpur Suite. A huge array of locally made, interesting and unusual gifts will be on offer.
Children's entertainment: There will be entertainment for children on offer throughout the school holidays in Harpur Square (outside Boots), with Gumble's Fun Fair in town with a range of rides and stalls from today right through to Christmas Eve
Late-night shopping: Shops will be open till 8pm on the 19th, 22nd and 23rd December.