It might be 333 days away, but the 2023 Christmas Tree Festival theme has been announced
With just 333 days until Christmas, the organisers of one of the town’s most popular festivals have announced the theme for this year’s event.
The Bedford Christmas Tree Festival attracts thousands of visitors to St Paul’s Church with dozens of schools, organisations and charities taking part and decorating a tree.
Following the huge success of the 2022 festival – which celebrated ‘musicals’ – the theme for 2023 is ‘Kings and Queens’.
Some participants – particularly the award-winning Aragon Lacemakers – need more time than others to painstakingly create their decorations, so today’s announcement will be eagerly anticipated.
The lacemaking group recently accepted their trophy for the ‘People’s Choice Best Adults’ decorated tree from the festival chair, Margaret Oakley.
“I am sure the Aragon Lacemakers will be one of the first groups to start working early on how to interpret this year’s theme so that they can continue the long tradition of lacemaking in Bedfordshire,” said Margaret.
“Following a magnificent final record of £20,269.82 raised at last year’s festival, ‘Kings & Queens’ is to be the theme of the 2023 Festival, a subject that gives plenty of scope for imagination, from the forthcoming Coronation to the King of Rock & Roll.”
To help continue the success of the festival, the committee is looking for more volunteers to get involved and secure the future of the event.
“The Festival has become so successful that we are looking for a Vice Chair to share the work and enjoyment of holding this annual community event at St Paul’s church,” said Margaret.
“Anyone interested, please email treefestival@
One of the new volunteers at the 2022 event said: “Thank you for making me feel so welcome so that I too could enjoy stewarding at this wonderful event, not just the trees but also all the performers.”
