Major Boost for Town Centre as Victorian Fair Brings Stunning 77% rise in Footfall
This year’s extended Victorian Christmas Fair saw a staggering
77% increase in footfall in Bedford town centre compared to the
weekend of last year’s event. The High Street was temporarily
pedestrianised for the event for the first time, with nearly 200
metres of Christmas market stalls adding to the Fair’s usual area
of Harpur Square and Midland Road.
In addition to the extended market selling an array of seasonal
gifts, food and treats, the fair featured Victorian fun fair rides
and live entertainment for children of all ages.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “The stunning footfall figures indicate
that the Victorian Fair was a great success in bringing people into
Bedford for Christmas shopping and the festive fun on offer. With
many other towns cutting back on Christmas in the current climate,
I am pleased that we have been able to put on a series of events to
help make Bedford an enjoyable and attractive place to come at this
time of year for local residents and visitors alike. It was
the first time the High Street was closed to traffic for the event,
and while inevitably there were elements that could be improved if
it is to be repeated, overall it was fantastic to see so many
people of all ages out enjoying their town in the run up to
Christmas.
With Christmas now approaching fast, we are continuing to
encourage people to do their Christmas shopping both in the town
centre and at retailers across the Borough, as we step up our ‘Buy
in Bedford’ campaign at this crucial time of year for our local
traders.”
Vic Warner, proprietor of Goldings (in High Street) said: “Our
tills were rolling and it was a thundering success financially for
our shop. The benefit to my business was overwhelming, particularly
on the Saturday.
Shoppers were both local and from surrounding towns and they
really appreciated seeing an old fashioned ironmongers. Two
lady shoppers had come from Luton, only their second visit to
Bedford, and they thought it was wonderful. They had used the
Park & Ride and had no transport problems.”
Since the event, Bedford Borough Council has received positive
feedback from High Street businesses and a range of groups, with
many now looking forward to next year’s event!