Bedford Borough Council, with regret, announces the postponement of the highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On event scheduled for Saturday 23 November, due to predicted high winds and other adverse weather conditions. The event will now take place on Saturday 30 November.
“We are incredibly disappointed to have to make this decision,” said Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the start of the festive season. However, the safety of our residents and participants is our top priority. Given the current weather forecast, it would be irresponsible to proceed with an outdoor event that could potentially be unsafe.”
Cllr Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning & Prosperity, said; “Whilst saddened at the change of plans, we are looking forward to an even bigger event next weekend with the stage open from 10am and the Harpur Square lights being switched on at 5pm. Mark it in your diaries, it’s going to be fantastic!”
The Council understands this news may be upsetting, especially for families who were looking forward to the event. However, they assure the public that the Christmas spirit will still shine bright in Bedford.
Festive cheer continues in Bedford town centre:
- While the official switch-on ceremony is postponed, the Christmas lights in the town centre (excluding those in Harpur Square) will be illuminated on Saturday evening
- Local businesses throughout the town centre will remain open, offering festive shopping experiences
- Father Christmas will still be making his appearance at the Harpur Centre throughout the day as Santa’s Grotto opens for this year
- There is a Victorian Christmas Fayre in St. Paul’s Church, 11am – 4pm.
Stay updated:
For further information about festive events in Bedford this December, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/your-council/about-council/christmas-and-new-year-bedford-2024.
Looking ahead to a Merry Christmas in Bedford
While we can't celebrate the official switch-on together this weekend, there are still plenty of festive events happening throughout December in Bedford to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Here are some highlights:
- Bedford Music Service Performances and Land Train: Now part of the official Christmas Lights Switch on Event! Enjoy performances by local youth music groups and take a ride on the festive Land Train on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December
- Kempston Light Switch-On: Celebrate the festive season with local stalls, rides, and the official light switch-on in Kempston on Sunday 1 December
- Bedford Christmas Tree Festival: Experience the Magic of Christmas in St. Paul’s Church from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 December
- Christmas Markets: Explore the Bedford Christmas Markets for festive gifts, delicious food, and fun rides on Saturday 7 and Sunday December. Discover unique Christmas gifts at the additional Bedford Flea market on the Sunday
- Crown Ballet - Nutcracker: Witness the classic Christmas tale come to life with a performance of the Nutcracker at the Bedford Corn Exchange on Sunday 1 December
- Family Fun Weekend: Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly activities, games, and entertainment on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December
- Snow White Pantomime: Join Snow White on her adventure in this magical pantomime at the Bedford Corn Exchange from Saturday 21 December to Tuesday 31 December.
This is just a small selection of the many festive events happening in Bedford this December. For a full list of events, please visit the Bedford Borough Council website at the link above.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!