Bedford Borough Council has said that the yellow weather warnings surrounding Storm Darragh this weekend have meant that only the indoor markets in the Haropur Suite and some small activities in Harpur Square will be going ahead this weekend.
Yesterday we broke the news that with high winds and rain forecast, there will no longer be stalls and rides in Harpur Square or the Charter Market on Saturday (7 December). This has now extended to cover the Bedford Flea market on Sunday and other activities.
In a statement sent to the Bedford Independent, a spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council said, “This weekend will now be all about the Christmas Market in Harpur Suite.
“Due to Storm Darragh, a Yellow Weather Warning and high winds predicted, outdoor events on St. Paul’s, Harpur Square, Midland Road and Allhallows will no longer be going ahead. This includes Bedford Flea.
“There will now be small rides for free in Harpur Square as part of the Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend and Love Bedford – Have Fun activities.”
Much loved Flea Market also cancelled
In a statement on their social media pages, Laura Holmes who runs Bedford Flea said she was “devastated” and “disappointed to not be able to offer people a chance to trade at one the busiest times of the year”.
She added that the safety of customers and her traders comes first, “gazebos and wind gusts are not friends,” she said, finishing her post with, “Big love and don’t forget to shop small this Christmas.”
Read: Ahead of Small Business Saturday, a love letter to Bedford Indies
In a follow-up statement on their social media pages, Bedford Borough Council added, ‘It’s the final two days of the Christmas Tree Festival in St. Paul’s, do take time to make a visit, it looks wonderful.
‘It’s Small Business Saturday this weekend and a great opportunity to make a visit to your favourite small businesses in Bedford Borough, especially if you’ve not popped in for a while.
‘The Higgins Bedford is open as usual on both days, come and discover the fascinating exhibitions and displays, there’s something for all ages.
‘Visit Santa (sic) at the Harpur Centre… and see the Opus 18 choir performing on Saturday from 2.45pm.
‘Visit the Panacea Museum on Saturday for another chance to meet Father Christmas, there’s a gift waiting while stocks last, Christmas crafts, and refreshments too, they are also accepting donations for Bedford Foodbank.’
Storm Darragh
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind and rain across much of the UK due to Storm Darragh.
This means that strong and gusty winds may cause some disruption and damage and heavy rain could lead to some flooding and disruption.
The yellow warning for rain is currently in place until midday on Saturday, while the warning for wind is in place until 6am on Sunday (8 December).
A rare red weather warning for wind has also been issued for the Welsh coast and parts of the southwest of England. This means damaging winds associated with Storm Darragh are expected to cause significant disruption
