Bedford’s award-winning Christmas Tree Festival is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this December, transforming St Paul’s Church into a festive wonderland of light, music and community spirit.
This year’s theme, ‘Christmas Past, Present and Future’, will see 70 trees decorated by local schools, community groups and businesses, alongside performances from 39 choirs and eight instrumental ensembles across five days.
St Paul’s bells will ring out to open the festival at 10.30am on Wednesday, 3 December, followed by a procession led by the Bedford Pipe Band and the official opening by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mrs Camilla King.
Children visiting the festival will also have the chance to take part in a tree-spotting competition, with book tokens to be won.
Festive events
The celebrations begin on Wednesday evening with ‘Fizz at the Festival’, where visitors can enjoy drinks, canapés and the chance to vote for their favourite tree.
Tickets cost £12 and are available from fizzatthefestival@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or the church office.
On Friday, 5 December, the annual Festival Concert will feature Amici Music – a 25-piece ensemble performing works by Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi, alongside seasonal favourites.
Tickets are £25, including a glass of wine and a mince pie, and can be booked via peoplesfundraising.com/concert-tickets or by emailing festivalconcert@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk.
A lasting legacy
Over the past 25 years, the Christmas Tree Festival has raised more than £250,000 for Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and St Paul’s Church.
Earlier this year, it was named Fundraiser of the Year (Team) at the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2024 – recognising the dedication of over 300 volunteers who help make the festival possible.
Read: A night to remember with Borough’s Everyday Heroes recognised as the “spirit of Bedford”
Festival organisers have thanked main sponsor Jayne Beard Associates and the many local businesses and individuals who continue to support the event.
Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments, raffles and competitions as part of this much-loved celebration, which marks the start of Bedford’s Christmas season.
The festival runs from Wednesday, 3 December to Sunday, 7 December at St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 12pm–4pm.
Entry: £4 for adults, free for under 16s.
To find out more, head to Bedford Christmas Tree Festival’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
