This Saturday (19 November) officially marks the start of the festive season in Bedford as the town centre lights up for Christmas.
Throughout the day on Saturday, Harpur Square and Midland Road will host live music, festive food and drink stalls and a seasonal Charter Market.
There will also be free children’s fairground rides all day, thanks to Gumble’s Amusements.
The light switch-on will take place at 4.30pm in Harpur Square, with Mayor Dave Hodgson illuminating Bedford town centre, officially kicking off Christmas.
The switch-on will light up five Christmas trees in Bedford town centre, as well as illuminations on Midland Road, Horne Lane, Bedford High Street and Tavistock Street.
Trees on St Peter’s Street and Howard Street (by Lurke Street car park) will once again be lit up with fairy lights and Riverside Square trees have some added sparkle too.
Live music will be performed in Harpur Square and the line-up is as follows:
10am: Song Squad
11am and noon: May Blossom Vintage Songbird
1.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm: Bedford Town Band
4pm and 5pm: Castle Newnham School
If you’re driving, parking is free for two hours in all council-owned car parks and you can find out where they all are here.
“Despite some areas having to cancel their switch-on events this year, we’ve managed to keep the Christmas Lights on in Bedford Borough,” said Mayor Dave Hodgson.
“So, whether you’re shopping at one of our amazing independent stores, market stalls and great national chains, visiting our town centre, or coming to one of our many Christmas events, there will be a very festive feel to the town centre while you’re there.”
