Our markets boast an eclectic mix of stalls including fresh foods, world cuisine, baked goods, clothing, fabrics and homewares, which are all situated in the buzzing town centres of Bedford and Kempston.

Our traditional Charter Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday in Bedford with an additional general market held on Fridays.

Every Thursday in Kempston is a local traditional town market held at the Saxon Centre.

We welcome new businesses to trade at our markets – please see below for more information about becoming a stallholder and the application form.

The Markets Team offers a number of other services within our town centres and wider Borough. These include:

• Events in Bedford and Kempston town centres
• Commercial space lettings in the town centres
• Car boot sale licences within the defined Charter boundaries

For further information, please contact: markets@bedford.gov.uk

Apply to be a market trader

Download the Bedford market trader registration form (PDF)

We will keep your registration form on file for six months. If you have not heard from us within six months you will need to resubmit your registration form.

Market hours

Bedford Charter Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays in Bedford Town Centre from 8.30am to 4pm.

Bedford Non-charter Market: Fridays in Bedford Town Centre from 8.30am to 4pm.

Kempston Market: Thursdays in Kempston at the Saxon Centre from 8.30am to 4pm.

Market trader fees and charges 2024

There is an extra depth charge of £6.75 applicable to all stallholders who have more than 10ft depth on their stall, each charge is accumulated at 10ft linear increments.

Casual trading licences are issued daily, and fees are to be paid on the day to the Markets Officer. Payments are by debit or credit card only.

Permanent stallholders are invoiced monthly. Please see the full Market Regulations (PDF) for payment methods.

Equipment

Stallholders at Bedford and Kempston’s markets provide all their own equipment – including stalls, tables and coverings. Electricity is available for certain pitches, this must be agreed in advance.

Parking

Parking for stallholders is available at a designated parking areas, and is not permitted on the market site without prior consent from a member of the markets team.

Insurance

All stallholders must provide confirmation of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) before trading can commence.

Stallholders operating food stalls must comply with the provisions of Food Hygiene and Food Labelling Regulations and any other statutory legislation. Please see the full market regulations for more details.

Terms and conditions

Please read our Market Regulations (PDF) before trading.