Get creative ahead of the festive season and help design Bedford mayor’s Christmas card

Christmas is coming – and the chance to get creative and design this year’s mayoral Christmas card.

With the festive season just around the corner, Bedford mayor Tom Wootton is inviting children to take part and enter his Christmas Card Competition, which is open to school pupils aged from 14 to 18.

Mayor Tom said: “I invite students to unleash their artistic prowess and capture the essence of Christmas in their unique designs. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for our talented young artists to shine and spread the festive spirit across Bedford Borough."

The winning design will be prominently featured on the front of Mayor Tom Wootton's official Christmas card, which will be distributed to local businesses and residents, adding a touch of local artistry to the holiday season.

Entries should reach the Mayor's office (Bedford Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP) no later than Wednesday, November 1.

Rules state the competition is only open to students aged 14-18; no glitter should be used and No 3D additions to the art should be used (as this makes it difficult to scan).

Students' canvas should be in the standard A4 format, allowing for both portrait and landscape designs. Please remember that the design submitted must be an entirely original creation, crafted solely by the pupil.

The festive season begins on Saturday, November 19 with Bedford’s resident Charter market stalls, with festive food, live performances and free mini fairground rides. At 4.30pm Mayor Dave Hodgson will be switching on the Christmas lights to illuminate Bedford, signalling the start of Christmas in the town centre.