The holiday season is fast approaching, and Bedford Borough Council, working in partnership with BedfordBID, is ready to bring you a Christmas packed with joy, excitement, and family-friendly festivities throughout the town centre. With a wide array of events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from dazzling light displays to live music and markets.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning, and Prosperity, said; "This year’s Christmas celebrations in Bedford town centre are going to be truly amazing. With a packed calendar of events, we’re bringing something for everyone—whether it's live music, festive markets, or family fun.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy everything our town has to offer. We can’t wait to see the community come together and celebrate this magical season."
Samantha Laycock, Harpur Centre Manager and Chair of BedfordBID Board of Directors, said, “We're thrilled to be working on behalf of businesses to bring another fantastic Christmas to Bedford. With a packed programme of events, from the dazzling lights switch-on including our additional Christmas lights enhancing the town to live music on our Love Bedford stage, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
“Be sure to capture a festive family photo under the Love Bedford Christmas Wreath in Silver Square courtesy of town centre businesses. We can't wait to see the town centre bustling with festive cheer to support our local businesses during this special time of year.”
What’s On This Christmas
Here’s your guide to all the magical moments happening in Bedford this festive season:
• Bedford Light Switch-On
Saturday 23 November
The Christmas festivities will kick off in Harpur Square at 12 noon with live performances on the Love Bedford stage throughout the afternoon from school choirs, local bands, singers and dancers.
At 4pm, enjoy songstress Lissie Allsopp singing Christmas favourites leading up to the countdown for the lights switch on at 5pm.
The fun continues with a Christmas sing-along, led by Lissie, and then Local Radio host Steven Gordon-Wilson will spin modern Christmas tunes until 6.30pm.
Try your hand at Crazy Golf on Silver Square, free to the public courtesy of Bedford Borough Council, 12 – 7pm.
Have a family photo taken at the free photo booth outside Boots 12 - 7pm.
Local crafters will be showcasing their festive gifts along Silver Street and Harpur Street 10am - 7pm. Be sure to capture a festive family photo under the Love Bedford Christmas Wreath in Silver Square.
Father Christmas himself will make an appearance in the Harpur Centre and refreshments will be available on Harpur Square, with offers and discounts for you to enjoy at our town centre establishments.
This event is Funded by UK Government.
• Bedford Music Service Performances and the Love Bedford Express Land Train
Saturday 30 November, 10am – 4pm and Sunday 1 December, 11am – 4pm
Enjoy performances from local youth music groups organised by the Bedford Music Service alongside fun rides on the Love Bedford Express Land Train. The Land Train is free for everyone, it’s the perfect way to explore the sights in style. Take a festive journey along Silver Street and Midland Road with Christmas music and bubbles too!
The Bedford Music Service performances event is Funded by UK Government.
• Kempston Light Switch-On
Sunday 1 December
The Christmas festivities, thanks to Kempston Town Council and Bedford Borough Council, kick off in the Saxon Centre at 12 noon with local school choirs performing, building up to the grand switch-on at 5pm. Soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides from 12 – 6pm. There is plenty of family fun for everyone. Don’t forget to take a festive family photo under the Christmas Tree at the Saxon Centre!
• Bedford Christmas Markets
Saturday 7 December, 10am - 5pm
Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square. With plenty of free rides, courtesy of Bedford Borough Council, there is plenty of family fun for everyone. Our charter market traders will be bringing their festive collections to St Paul’s Square and along Midland Road and Allhallows. The Love Bedford Team will also be out and about for Small Business Saturday, promoting the wide selection of independent businesses and encouraging people to shop local.
• Bedford Christmas Flea and Bedford Christmas Markets
Sunday 8 December
Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at Harpur Suite and Harpur Square from 10am – 4pm. There will be plenty of free rides courtesy of Bedford Borough Council and lots of family fun for everyone.
St. Paul’s Square will host the exciting Christmas Flea Market with its very own Seeing Eye Rum Stage from 10am – 3.30pm. Enjoy live music, festive performances, and unique flea market finds that are sure to make your Christmas shopping experience one-of-a-kind.
• Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend – Harpur Square
Saturday 14 December, 10am - 5pm, and Sunday 15 December, 11am - 4pm
Celebrate the music of the legendary Glenn Miller with live performances from May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, in Harpur Square, featuring his timeless swing tunes. Take part in free Lindy Hop dance taster sessions, a tea dance, WWII vehicles, talks and tours. An event for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
This event is Funded by UK Government.
• Love Bedford – Have Fun!
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
To celebrate the arrival of the Christmas holidays, Love Bedford invites the young and the young at heart to visit the town centre for some free festive fun! Magical Face painting in the Howard Centre, mesmerising balloon artistry in The Arcade, festive music and more, 10.30am – 3.30pm on both days. Whilst you’re there, it’s a great time to visit Santa in the Harpur Centre Grotto too!
• Family Fun Weekend
Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December
A weekend dedicated to family-friendly fun in Harpur Square. The Council’s Family Fun Day offers games, activities, and entertainment for kids of all ages. Keep your ears open for live music, with bands and choirs throughout the weekend, bringing the Christmas cheer to life.
This event is Funded by UK Government.
Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/Christmas2024 to find even more events and activities for families in Bedford Borough this Christmas.