Three weekends of festive fun this December

Bedford Borough Council and BedfordBID (Bedford's Business Improvement District) have been working together to bring exciting plans to life for Christmas in Bedford town centre this year.

Every December weekend in the run-up to Christmas will be full of festive fun in Bedford town centre with music, entertainments, markets and more.

On just one weekend, we will see a two-day Artisan Market in partnership with Made in Bedford who have run a number of very successful markets in our town before, and always bring high quality and unique crafts and products. The perfect chance to buy that special gift.

The Christmas lights will be turned on from Monday 22 November across Bedford town centre and Riverside Bedford, bringing that Christmas feeling to town. The usual fireworks display will not take place this year. Instead, the Council and BedfordBID are investing in these three weekends of Christmas markets, free events and entertainment. This is better for businesses, and more COVID-19 safe as we head into the festive season.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "After last year's restrictions, I am really excited that we can get some great outdoor events happening in town centre in the run-up to Christmas this year. Rather than planning one big event, we are planning three whole weekends of fun alongside BedfordBID, and further details will be announced soon. There are plenty of reasons to visit our town centre and, in the run-up to Christmas, there will be even more reasons to come in, get your Christmas shopping done, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Bedford town centre also has a fantastic array of independent shops and businesses, delivering experiences and goods that you won't find online. So please come on in, and support your town centre and its brilliant businesses."