Bedford Borough Council is announcing a season packed with festive family entertainment in Bedford town centre, starting with the Bedford Christmas Light Switch-On on Saturday, 22 November, midday-6pm in Harpur Square. This beloved event officially ushers in the festive season with a spectacular display of Christmas lights, live music, carols, delicious food, and a range of free family activities.
Local choirs, dance groups and a sneak peek at the upcoming Aladdin Pantomime will all be on the stage throughout the afternoon. At 4pm, the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, will perform the highly anticipated switch-on of the Christmas lights in Harpur Square at 4pm, marking the start of the holiday celebrations for the whole community to enjoy. This is followed by another local choir and then Bedford Radio will be bringing a Christmas Disco to the square, 5-6pm.
Alongside activities on Harpur Square, the festive spirit will light up the Harpur Suite from 2pm with free face-painting and colouring-in for children.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Planning and Prosperity, said, “We are delighted to welcome everyone to Bedford’s Christmas Light Switch-On. This event is a wonderful way to bring our community together, launch the festive season, and support local shops and entertainment venues. We hope the lights and festivities spark joy for all ages and help create lasting memories.”
The festive fun continues with the Bedford Music Service stage in Harpur Square on the weekend of 29 and 30 November, showcasing live performances by over 200 young local students. There’ll be rock and jazz bands, choirs, steel pans, DJs, orchestras, dhol drummers and more. This is supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, Harpur Square will host Bedford Flea and Affordable Art and Local Produce, while the Harpur Suite offers a variety of around 30 local crafters with unique, handcrafted gifts perfect for Christmas presents, from artisanal decorations to bespoke jewellery and festive treats. There will also be a large screen showing Christmas films from 10am-8pm, a bar, and food available to purchase.
A Christmas Sing-a-long, led by Grace Community Church, is planned for Harpur Square on Saturday, 20 December, at midday and 3.30pm, everyone is welcome along.
Throughout December, Bedford town centre will offer plenty of free activities for families. Bedford Central Library will run Christmas themed crafts each Saturday, such as letters to Santa and making Christmas cards, and Sunday Funday will continue each week. The Higgins Bedford is free to explore, with all sorts of exhibitions and displays. Alongside storytelling sessions and other activities, there is the monthly family Crafternoon on Sunday, 14 December, where children can make Christmas cards and decorations.
Festive shows at Bedford Corn Exchange include ABBA-Merry Christmas, Step into Christmas, Aurie Styla’s Christmas Crackup, and the Bedford Choral Society Christmas Concert. The highlight for many families will be this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, with tickets now available.
Tom Wootton, directly-elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, added, “The festive season is a special time here in Bedford Borough, and we are proud to offer such a rich programme of events that bring families and friends together. From light displays to music and theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our vibrant town centre.”
The Kempston Town Council Christmas lights will be switched on Sunday 30 November at the Saxon Centre. The event runs from midday through to 6pm, with the Mayor of Kempston Town Council turning on the lights at 4pm. It’s a perfect community event for Kempston with Local Christmas art and craft stalls, kids rides, and food trailers.
For full event details and schedules, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/christmas and follow The Bedford Borough Council social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Christmas activities in Bedford town centre are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.