Bedford town centre is set to sparkle this winter, with a season of festive entertainment and family activities announced by Bedford Borough Council.
The celebrations begin with the Bedford Christmas Light Switch-On in Harpur Square on Saturday, 22 November, from midday to 6pm.
The annual event will feature live music, choirs, dance performances, food stalls and family activities, culminating in the official switch-on of the Christmas lights at 4pm by the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative).
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The afternoon will also include performances from local schools and community groups, plus a sneak preview of this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. The day ends with a Christmas Disco from Bedford Radio between 5pm and 6pm.
Family activities and festive markets
Alongside the Harpur Square performances, the Harpur Suite will host free children’s activities from 2pm, including face-painting and colouring.
Cllr Andrea Spice (Wixams, Conservative), 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 celebrations continue with the Bedford Music Service stage on the weekend of 29 and 30 November, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More than 200 young performers will take to the stage with a mix of rock and jazz bands, choirs, DJs, steel pans, dhol drummers and orchestras.
Harpur Square will then host the Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, with around 30 local craft stalls in the Harpur Suite offering handmade gifts, jewellery and festive treats.
A large screen will show Christmas films from 10am to 8pm, and there will be a bar and food stalls throughout the day.
Community spirit
A Christmas singalong led by Grace Community Church will take place in Harpur Square on Saturday, 20 December, with sessions at midday and 3.30pm.
Throughout December, Bedford Central Library will run Christmas-themed craft sessions for children every Saturday, alongside the regular Sunday Funday activities.
The Higgins Bedford museum remains free to explore, with exhibitions, storytelling and a family Crafternoon on Sunday, 14 December, where children can make festive 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. This year’s pantomime, Aladdin, is expected to be a highlight for many families.
Mayor Tom Wootton 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.”
Kempston celebrations
Kempston’s Christmas lights will be switched on Sunday, 30 November at the Saxon Centre, with the event running from midday to 6pm. The Mayor of Kempston Town Council will perform the switch-on at 4pm.
The event will also feature local craft stalls, children’s rides and food trailers.
For full event details and schedules, visit bedford.gov.uk/christmas.
Christmas activities in Bedford town centre are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
